Correctional Officer/Cook (2 Vacancies) - Maine State Prison, Warren.

State of Maine•Warren, ME

35d•$25 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

Maine Department of Corrections is destigmatizing corrections for the betterment of all Maine communities. Through the 'Maine Model of Corrections', we promote the safety of our staff and residents while reducing barriers to meaningful rehabilitative opportunities. We facilitate restorative justice practices that equip justice-involved residents and clients with the skills they need to become contributing members of society upon release, including treatment, education, and job training. We are committed to rebuilding lives and are searching for great team players, with a professional attitude and well-developed integrity and ethics, to join us in this mission. We're hiring moral, ethical, and dedicated individuals to join our team as a Correctional Officer/Cook at Maine State Prison, Warren, ME. Through the Maine Model of Corrections, we are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for both staff and residents. We believe that hiring dedicated individuals with a strong sense of compassion and professionalism is crucial to achieving this goal. As a Correctional Officer - Cook, your work will involve preparing and serving approximately 2200 meals per day. Responsibilities include monitoring security of assigned areas, instructing and training residents in kitchen sanitation and basic food preparation and serving food. This position requires exposure to chemical agents (OC Spray). Pay Grade: 16 $24.97 - $30.09 hourly (This rate includes $1/hr. institutional stipend) No experience necessary. Paid training with State Certification provided. Lateral credit considered for experienced Correctional Officers. Base pay with no experience: $24.97 per hour. Base pay with experience: up to $30.09 per hour. Annual range: $51,937.60-$62,587.20 when averaging 40-hours per week, not including shift differentials or Premium Overtime rate. A base schedule of working 7 out of 14 days per pay period ADDS UP TO HALF OF THE YEAR OFF! We are a 24/7/365 secured facility with 12-Hour shifts, Night, Weekend, and Shift Differentials, Premium Overtime Pay, and Merit and Longevity Increases. The workweek in a two-week pay period includes: 3 days on and 4 days off one week 4 days on with 3 days off the next week NO MANDATED OVERTIME ON YOUR SCHEDULED DAYS OFF unless in extremely rare, emergency cases.

Requirements

At least 18-years-old.
Possess a High School Diploma or equivalent (HiSET, GED, etc.).
Hold a valid driver's license.
Two (2) years' experience in food preparation, serving and/or cleanup is required.
Background check is required. Must have no serious criminal or extensive motor vehicle records. Not all infractions are automatic disqualifiers. Find Automatic Disqualifiers at https://www.maine.gov/dps/mcja/attending/training/basic-corrections/standards.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Resident motivation and psychology, problems associated with institutional life, and rehabilitation and treatment programs.
Correctional institution rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Knowledge of large-scale meal preparation methods and techniques.
Knowledge of food service sanitation practices.
Knowledge of Serve Safe regulations.
Ability to cook, bake and serve meals.
Understand and follow instructions and interpret and enforce correctional center rules.
Perform strenuous duties such as climbing stairs and escorting residents.
Stand for long periods of time.
Communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.
Handle high-pressure situations.
Read and perform basic math functions.
Observe situations and behavior in detail, make decisions, and act quickly in emergency situations.
Model appropriate pro-social behavior, attitude, ethics, and morals
Utilize standard desktop computer technology (e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, databases, Internet, e-mail) is also required.

Responsibilities

Observe, monitor, direct, oversee, and evaluate the activity and movement of residents within a specified area.
Participate in the development and implementation of residents' treatment strategies.
Ensure observance of institutional rules, security, and safety.
Counsel, support, and advise residents regarding personal matters, institutional rules and regulations, health and safety standards, and treatment strategies.
Assist residents in adjusting to institutional life.
Evaluate potential problems and emergencies through intervention and behavior management.
Utilize pro-social communication, de-escalation techniques, and other methods to maintain safety and security.

Benefits

Health, Dental, Vision, and Life insurances.
25-year MainePERS Retirement.
Paid Vacation, Holidays, and Sick leave.
6 weeks of Paid Parental Leave for new parents.
17 days of paid Military Leave for active-duty soldiers.
Employee Assistance Program offering free support on work/life, financial, legal, and confidential counseling matters.
Gym Membership Reimbursement up to $40 per month.
We are an eligible employer in the Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program.
Uniforms provided.
Free meals when service is during your shift.
Work-Life Balance - Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
Health Insurance Coverage- The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State: https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/benefits/som-health-plan/premium-rates.
Health Insurance Premium Credit- Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements. https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/benefits/health-premium-credit
Dental Insurance- The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).
Retirement Plan- The State of Maine contributes 18.88% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
Gym Membership Reimbursement- Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts- Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness- The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service.
Living Resources Program - Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program. https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/benefits/living-resources
Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child-including fathers and adoptive parents-receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act: https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-employees/rules-policies/policy-practices-manual/Employee-Rights-and-Responsibilities-Federal.
Voluntary Deferred Compensation- Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness: https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh.