Correctional Officer I

Caroline, County of•Department of Corrections, MD

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Correctional Officer I is an entry-level position responsible for the custody, security, and supervision of adult inmates at the Caroline County Detention Center in Denton, Maryland. Employees learn duties under close supervision from a Correctional Officer Sergeant or another designated officer and do not supervise other Correctional Officers. Work is primarily performed in a correctional facility, with rotating shifts and possible assignment to outside security posts in all types of weather. Employees are continually exposed to inmates who may be abusive or hostile and may need to physically subdue and restrain inmates during fights, riots, or escape attempts, using protective clothing when necessary. The position is designated as Operations under County personnel rules, requiring employees to report during emergencies, including severe weather, and to return to work when called back at any time, including nights, weekends, and holidays. The normal probationary period is 12 months and may be extended. Employees must complete the training prescribed by the Maryland Correctional Training Commission during probation. Advancement opportunities depend on mastery of required skills, certification, and available openings. Candidates must graduate from an accredited high school or have a GED, hold a Maryland Class C driver's license or equivalent, and maintain defensive driving certification. Required licenses and certificates are at the applicant's or employee's expense. Employment is contingent on passing a pre-employment urinalysis and criminal background check, maintaining a driving record with no more than four points, and meeting the position's essential functions unless an accommodation request is granted.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited high school or a GED.
Maryland Class C driver's license or equivalent.
Maintain defensive driving certification.
Successfully complete the Maryland Correctional Training Commission's prescribed correctional officer training during the probationary period.
Pass a pre-employment urinalysis test for designated controlled dangerous substances.
Pass a criminal background check as defined by Caroline County personnel rules.
Have no more than four points on the driving record at hire and while employed.
Comply with the Caroline County Personnel Rules and Regulations, including the Substance Abuse Policy.
Ability to learn and follow detailed procedures in correctional regulations, institutional directives, and post orders.
Ability to remain calm under stress and respond appropriately according to prescribed rules and procedures.
Ability to observe, remember, and recall incident details, including identities, locations, conversations, sequences of events, and actions taken.
Ability to work in an institutional setting where physical attack is a constant possibility and physical force may be required to restrain inmates.
Ability to prepare concise, accurate reports of events and incidents.
Ability to learn to use and care for firearms.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with inmates, correctional officers, and institutional staff.
Ability to rotate among posts and relieve other officers.
Physical ability to control inmates by force when necessary and defend oneself and others against physical attack.
Ability to perform basic mathematical computations, think logically, analyze situations, and exercise good judgment.
Ability to understand instructions, follow orders, search for contraband, provide security, and count, feed, and supervise inmates in areas accessed by stairs.
Ability to respond quickly to emergencies, including climbing stairs and ladders, hearing or calling for help, giving first aid, carrying injured or unconscious people to safety, and using force or deadly force—including chemical agents and firearms—to control inmates.
Ability to read and apply information in inmate records related to health, safety, and facility security, and provide appropriate information to other personnel.
Ability to read, write, and comprehend information and communicate effectively.
Normal or corrected vision and hearing; normal sense of smell; ability to distinguish colors, see peripherally and in dim light, and determine whether an item is hot, cold, or slippery.
Ability to lift, pull, and push 75 pounds; sit or stand for periods of 30 minutes; climb stairs; kneel for periods of 15 minutes; bend; and grasp items.
Ability to read and understand work orders, simple mathematical problems, and procedure manuals.
Must not suffer from claustrophobia.
Must be able to execute the listed essential functions at hire and while employed, unless an ADA accommodation request is received and granted.

Responsibilities

Attend an entry-level training program certified by the Maryland Correctional Training Commission.
Learn duties at various security posts through on-the-job training.
Maintain control of inmates while escorting individuals or groups within the facility.
Keep accurate inmate head counts at assigned security posts.
Inspect and search inmates and inmate access and work areas for drugs, weapons, and other unauthorized materials.
Enforce inmate rules of conduct and learn when to prepare reports of infractions.
Operate manual and electronic locking systems.
Subdue and restrain inmates during fights, riots, and escape attempts.
Assist in searching for escapees, capturing them, and returning them to the institution.
Help maintain inmate custody during transport to other institutions or court appearances.
Drive motor vehicles when transporting inmates, conducting outside security rounds, searching for escapees, and performing related activities.
May search visitors for contraband.
May place inmates in handcuffs and restrain them.
Perform other duties as assigned.