Corrections Officer

Description

Under the supervision of the Jail Administrator, is responsible for the supervision, care, custody, control, safety/security and physical restraint, as necessary, of inmates in the Otsego County Jail. Participates in inmate services and programming, food service staffing and jail supervision.

Examples of Duties

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all of the duties, which the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

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  Processes inmates through booking and release procedures, including obtaining finger prints and mug shots, gathering medical information, placing inmates in cells, checking database for outstanding warrants, logging charges into computer, pulling warrants and/or other related activities.
• Manages day-to-day inmate activities including performing head counts, compiling meal counts, performing inmate orientations, collecting and issuing clothing, administering testing, distributing medications, issuing food, distributing mail, disseminating commissary orders and performing other related activities. Supervises operation of the jail-related programs.
• Performs facility controls, which involve logging activities into computer, monitoring high-risk inmates, monitoring camera systems, logging individuals entering and leaving the facility, reviewing reports and performing related activities.
• Conducts random drug testing and daily preliminary breath tests. Administers medications and provides general health care.
• Completes weekly status report and disseminates to appropriate staff.
• Monitors and maintains appropriate levels of supplies and materials in support of jail operations and activities.
• Maintains open communication with fellow officers and supervisors, and follows all policies and procedures of the Sheriff's Department, including the general policing philosophy of the Sheriff. Reads and remains current on Department of Corrections, federal and state laws relating to jails.
• Makes periodic patrols of quarters and initiates counts of inmates at regular and irregular intervals. Conducts thorough searches of inmates and cell areas. Checks inmates for possible contraband. Maintains periodic patrol to ensure security and integrity of the jail. Maintains control and discipline including use of physical restraint and restraining devices.
• Monitors, supervises and screens inmate visitor traffic.
• Operates communications equipment in the control room.
• Maintains proper security of inmates being transported; ensures that all transportation permits are completed accurately and signed by the appropriate authority and institutes proper restraints as appropriate for inmate’s custody classification.
• Maintains and/or directs the maintenance of appropriate inmate records and reports for the Department of Corrections as required by the Otsego County Jail.
• Interacts with the general public, court personnel, other agencies, inmates and their families in a courteous, professional and competent manner.
• Answers and makes calls for the jail operation.
• Performs other duties as directed.

Typical Qualifications

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Minimum Qualifications:
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.

Requirements include the following:

• High school diploma or equivalent supplemented by college training in law enforcement, criminal justice, corrections or a related field. Additional related experience may substitute for the college requirement if there is demonstrated knowledge, ability and skills to perform the work.

• The county, at its discretion, may consider an alternative combination of formal education and work experience.

• Michigan Vehicle Operator’s License.

• Michigan Corrections Officer Training Certification (MCOTC). Prior to hire, must have a passing score on the EMPCO written test for local corrections officer candidates as recognized and approved by the Michigan Sheriffs' Coordinating and Training Council (MSCTC), currently effective. Prior to hire, must also have a passing score on the physical abilities test for local corrections officer candidates as recognized and approved by MSCTS, currently effective. More information on minimum hiring standards can be found here.

• Certification in CPR and First Aid required following employment. .

• Must not have been convicted of a felony or crime that might question the person's credibility.

• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age.

• Must successfully complete the employment screening process, which may include written and oral evaluations, psychological and physical screening, as well as a complete background investigation.

• Must be in good health and able to perform the necessary duties, including ability to pursue, apprehend, restrain and control inmates and to manage the prevention of inmate assaults.

• May be required to successfully complete a physical readiness test yearly, per contract requirements.

• Will be required to successfully complete both the Basic Correctional Officer Training Program and the Michigan Breathalyzer Training Program after employment with the department.

• Must complete a one-year probationary period.

• Thorough knowledge of state, federal, and local laws and ordinances governing limitations on police authority.

• Substantial knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of modern police science to establish and maintain effective law enforcement operations governing the care and custody of inmates.

• Skill in the operation of surveillance and communication equipment, firearms, breathalyzers, chemical sprays, and restraints and other implements used in the line of duty.

• Skill in assembling and analyzing data and preparing comprehensive and accurate reports.

• Skill in effectively communicating ideas and concepts orally and in writing.

• Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgment, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with county employees, contractors to the county, representatives of other governmental units, professional contacts, elected officials, prisoners and families and the public.

• Skill in the use of office equipment and technology, including Microsoft Suite applications, database use and the ability to learn new software programs applicable to the position.

• Ability to work non-traditional shifts and schedules.

• Ability to respond to emergencies or service needs on a 24-hour basis.

Supplemental Information

Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee’s environment can range from an office setting to highly dangerous law enforcement situations. Physical demands, therefore, range from sitting in an office to exercising the strength, mobility, dexterity and stamina associated with securing an unruly prisoner. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate with others on the telephone, on the radio and in person. The employee is required to stand, walk, talk and hear. The employee is regularly required to use sight to view documents and assess jail status, and must regularly travel to other locations in the jail facility. Though applicable safety procedures are documented and utilized, the incumbent may be exposed to unsanitary or unhygienic materials, individuals and situations in the course of performing required duties. The employee may occasionally be exposed to outside weather conditions and dangerous situations prisoner interactions. The noise level in the work environment can range from quiet in the office to very loud in the jail.