Summary Statement

This is the first line supervisor responsible for supervising and participating in the discipline and security of an assigned post inside and / or outside a secure facility.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class.

Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Maintains control of inmates while escorting individuals or groups within the prison.
• Keeps accurate head counts of inmates in the assigned security post.
• Conducts periodic shakedowns of inmates and searches inmates, visitors, employees, cell blocks and / or other structures for such prohibited items as tools, weapons or other contraband.
• Operates manual and electronic locking systems.
• Enforces all rules, regulations and procedures affecting inmate discipline, security and safety.
• Observes inmate activities to detect unusual or prohibited behavior which may be a threat to the security of the facility or the safety of the inmate, other inmates, employees or visitors.
• Ensures inmates conform to proper standards of care as required for the living areas and personal hygiene.
• Maintains the custody of inmates during transport to other institutions and in the community for court appearances or a variety of appointments.
• Prepares and maintains a daily log and routine reports of activities and incidents on the assigned shift using an automated information system to enter, update, retrieve and report on data.
• May be required to train and care for K-9 including feeding, grooming and kennel maintenance.
• May enter institution as backup in riot control and shakedown activities. May participate in the pursuit of escapees.

Job Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Correctional Staff Sergeant Applicants must have education, training and / or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas :

• Two years experience as a Correctional Sergeant or four years as a Correctional Corporal or equivalent experience in the CO / series.
• Three years experience in implementing and applying institutional / departmental rules, policies and procedures.
• Two years experience in preparing, maintaining, and approving complex records, reports and logs using an automated information system.
• Knowledge of making recommendations on changes to policies, procedures and techniques that improve security.
• Possession of a valid Driver’s License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

Additional Posting Information

Applicants may only apply if they are current permanent employees of the State of Delaware Dept. of Correction in a position covered by the Merit System who have completed their initial probationary period.

Incumbents working four or more hours of work between the hours of 6 : 00 p.m. and 8 : 00 a.m. the following day will receive 5% shift differential pay..

Employees in a Correctional Officer (CO) series position will be eligible to retire under the provisions of HB363 if, at the time of retirement, they have completed twenty-five (25) years of pension creditable State service, and with at least twenty (20) of those years of pension creditable service as a CO series classified position.

Appointees other than in-line promotions must successfully complete a Department training course in security and related areas prior to assignment.

This course is administered by the Department of Correction at the Steven R. Floyd Sr. Training Academy. Coursework includes physical, classroom and hands-on training.

Instruction is provided in the areas of inmate supervision, defensive tactics, riot control, weapons, report writing and emergency medical training.

Conditions of Hire

This position is a classification organized under an exclusive bargaining representative (labor organization) that has been elected by employees as their representative for collective bargaining and other applicable terms and conditions of employment, in accordance with Title 29, Chapter 59 and Title 19, Chapter 13 and 16.

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement based on its individual terms.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hires Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Last updated : 2024-03-03