Correctional Officer/Cook - Maine Correctional Center, Windham.

State of Maine•Windham, ME

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Maine Department of Corrections is dedicated to destigmatizing corrections and promoting the safety of staff and residents through the ‘Maine Model of Corrections’. This model focuses on reducing barriers to rehabilitative opportunities and facilitating restorative justice practices, equipping justice-involved individuals with skills for societal reintegration, including treatment, education, and job training. The department seeks moral, ethical, and dedicated individuals with professionalism and integrity to join their team. This specific role is for a Correctional Officer/Cook at Maine State Prison, Warren, ME, where the commitment is to provide a safe and secure environment for both staff and residents. The position involves preparing and serving approximately 2200 meals daily, monitoring security in assigned areas, and instructing residents in kitchen sanitation and basic food preparation. The role also requires exposure to chemical agents (OC Spray).

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
Exposure to chemical agents (OC Spray)
Ability to understand and follow instructions and interpret and enforce correctional center rules
Ability to perform strenuous duties such as climbing stairs and escorting residents
Ability to stand for long periods of time
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing
Ability to handle high-pressure situations
Ability to read and perform basic math functions
Ability to observe situations and behavior in detail, make decisions, and act quickly in emergency situations
Ability to model appropriate pro-social behavior, attitude, ethics, and morals
Utilize standard desktop computer technology (e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, databases, Internet, e-mail)

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of resident motivation and psychology, problems associated with institutional life, and rehabilitation and treatment programs
Knowledge of 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

Responsibilities

Preparing and serving approximately 2200 meals per day
Monitoring security of assigned areas
Instructing and training residents in kitchen sanitation and basic food preparation and serving food
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
Eligible employer in the Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program
Uniforms provided
Free meals when service is during your shift
A base schedule of working 7 out of 14 days per pay period
12-Hour shifts, Night, Weekend, and Shift Differentials
Premium Overtime Pay
Merit and Longevity Increases
13 paid holidays
12 days of sick leave
3+ weeks of vacation leave
Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service
Overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave
Health Insurance Coverage (State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums)
Health Insurance Premium Credit (decreases employee-only premiums by 5%)
Dental Insurance (State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums)
Retirement Plan (State of Maine contributes 18.88% of pay to Maine Public Employees Retirement System)
Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
Living Resources Program
Voluntary Deferred Compensation (MaineSaves 457(b) account)
Six-Week paid ‘Basic Corrections Training Program’ (BCTP) w/State Certification