Correction Officer

The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office (MSO) is seeking qualified professionals to work as a Correction Officers at the Middlesex Jail and House of Correction in Billerica, MA.  This is a full-time, non-exempt position covered under a collective bargaining agreement. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The essential job duties and responsibilities of Correction Officers includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Maintaining custodial care and control of inmates/detainees by escorting or transporting them under restraint;
• Patrolling facilities; making periodic rounds, head counts and security checks of buildings, grounds and inmate quarters;
• Observing conduct and behavior of inmates/detainees, noting significant behavioral patterns, to prevent disturbances, violence, escapes or other crises such as suicides; notes and investigates suspicious inmate/detainee behavior, including the possibility of contraband, by searching individuals, vehicles, mail, packages, and inmate/detainee quarters;
• Guarding and directing inmates during work assignments to maintain order and security in a correctional institution. 
• Developing working relationships with inmates/detainees by referring individuals to appropriate supportive services (e.g., medical, psychiatric, vocational, etc.) as needed to aid in rehabilitation and foster an atmosphere of cooperation between inmates/detainees and staff;
• Preparing reports relative to fires, disturbances, accidents and security breaches;
• Preparing evaluation reports on inmates/detainees;
• Accounting for inmate whereabouts at all times, making entries into unit log of daily activities and reviewing daily activity reports;
• Maintaining cleanliness and safety of work area;

• Enforcing regulations pertaining to meals, recreation, shakedowns, showers, visits, key control, and inmate movement;
• Performing related operational duties such as screening visitors, operating two-way radios, carrying and operating firearms, serving food to inmate;
• Performing other related work as required. 

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

Correction Officers work in a correctional facility on a 24/7 basis and are required to work on varied shifts (7/3; 3/11; 11/7), weekends, nights, holiday and are subject to being forced to work over eight (8) hours depending on operational needs.  Correction Officers may encounter verbal and physical abuse from offenders; interact with people who are under physical and/or emotional stress; stand and walk for prolonged periods of time; work alone in an isolated area; required to lift and carry heavy objects and; restrain inmates/detainees in accordance with policy.  Correction Officers may also work under exposure to adverse weather conditions. 

Individuals selected for the position of Correction Officer shall be cognizant of the confidential and sensitive nature of working in a law enforcement agency and must comply with all institutional rules regarding safety and security.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Twenty-one [21] years of age;
• Graduated from high school or possess a GED equivalency certificate;
• Active valid driver’s license, good communication skills, and the ability to pass a required criminal background check, including a drug screening.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. 

Salary:  Starting annual base salary is $66,822.49 plus additional incentives, bonuses and employment benefits , including a $2,500 sign on bonus. 

Interested candidates for the position of Correction Officer must register for the required written examination by submitting a written request to HR@sdm.state.ma.us. or call 781.960.2800.

For further information regarding the Correction Officer position, please visit www.middlesexsheriff.org and review the ‘Employment’ tab.