Correctional Officer Sergeant

State of Maryland•Anne Arundel, MD

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) is seeking dedicated candidates to fill important roles within our department. We are one of the largest departments in Maryland with nearly 12,000 employees and a budget of more than $1 billion. In order to fulfill our mission of promoting safety, we have increased security at our institutions while leading the way in innovative restorative justice projects that will help offenders reintegrate into society upon release. As a member of the DPSCS team, you can have a fulfilling career, while also enjoying a wide range of benefits such as medical and dental coverage, paid time off (i.e. vacation, sick leave), becoming vested in the State pension, supplemental retirement options, and even joining the Maryland State Employees Credit Union. This position enhances the security of State Correctional Facilities by operating a specialized, trained K-9 dog work team. Teams shall provide a psychological and physical presence, detect contraband and controlled dangerous substances.

Requirements

High School diploma or high school equivalency certificate acceptable to the Maryland State Board of Education as described in the Correctional Training Commission regulation.
Three years of experience as a Correctional Officer involving the custody and security of adult inmates.
U.S. Citizenship or Resident Alien status
Must be at least 21 years of age
A completed background investigation
Oral interview
Physical examination.
Employees in this classification hired or reinstated on or after July 1, 2016 shall successfully complete the Entrance Level Firearms Training prescribed by the Maryland Correctional Training Commission and demonstrate practical knowledge and proficiency in the safe use and care of firearms on a periodic basis.
Employees in this classification are subject to call-in 24 hours a day and, therefore, must provide the employing agency with a telephone number where they can be reached.
Employees in this classification are subject to substance abuse testing in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulations 17.04.09, Testing for Illegal Use of Drugs.

Nice To Haves

Candidates may substitute additional education at an accredited college or university at the rate of sixty credit hours for one year of the required experience provided that a minimum of 15 credit hours are in the field of criminal justice or related social sciences.
Candidates may substitute equivalent State experience in other classifications within the correctional field which involve daily contact with and custody of inmates for the required experience. Qualifying experience must be in a classification where the salary is comparable to that of Correctional Officer II.
Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience in correctional classifications or correctional specialty codes in the criminal justice field of work equivalent to a Correctional Officer II on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.
Employees who have not already done so must meet the selection standards required and successfully complete the training prescribed by the Maryland Correctional Training Commission for a correctional officer during their probationary period.

Responsibilities

Patrol areas, conduct security checks, deter and track escapees, disband mass disturbances, control inmates, break up fights, respond to calls for service and conduct building searches.
Enhance the security of State Correctional Facilities by operating a K-9 drug detector dog work team.
Provide a psychological and physical presence.
Conduct area, vehicle and person searches using the dog to detect drugs and contraband.
Conduct building searches using the dog to detect human scent as a way of locating possible escapees or other persons who may be hiding.
Assist in monitoring inmate movement and monitor yard activities by positioning the dogs in key locations so that they are available to assist with problems.
Train the dog on a regular basis to include non-work hours to maintain their effectiveness.
Report deficiencies, discrepancies and issues as appropriate.
Provide public education and promote zero tolerance and Break the Cycle campaign goals.
Conduct demonstrations, school outreach programs and assist allied agencies in Task Force operations.
Be on call 24 hours daily for emergency responses to disturbances, riots, escapes, searches or other needs for all State Correctional Facilities and State emergencies.

Benefits

medical and dental coverage
paid time off (i.e. vacation, sick leave)
State pension
supplemental retirement options
Maryland State Employees Credit Union
health insurance, dental, and vision plans offered at a low cost.
Personal Leave - new State employees are awarded six (6) personnel days annually (prorated based on start date)
Annual Leave - ten (10) days of accumulated annual leave per year
Sick Leave - fifteen (15) days of accumulated sick leave per year
Parental Leave - up to sixty (60) days of paid parental leave upon the birth or adoption of a child
Holidays - State employees also celebrate at least twelve (12) holidays per year
Pension - State employees earn credit towards a retirement pension