Correctional Officer

Minnehaha County•Portland, OR

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office is hiring Correctional Officers for its jail in downtown Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Officers help maintain a safe, secure, and orderly facility while supporting inmates, staff, and the community. The role includes responding to emergencies, using crisis-intervention and de-escalation techniques, and overseeing daily jail operations and inmate movement. The position may also involve staffing Correctional Systems Operator roles at a lower pay grade. New hires complete 11 weeks of paid classroom and on-the-job training, including Crisis Intervention Training. Training and experience can support career development and possible advancement to special assignments or supervisory positions in the Jail Division, as well as opportunities in the Patrol Division. The next new-hire class is scheduled to begin January 19, 2027. The advertised 2027 hiring range is $28.40–$31.31 per hour, with full earning potential up to $42.08 per hour. The schedule consists of 12-hour shifts, 15 shifts per month, and regular year-long rotations; employees have Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off every other week. Additional pay may be available for night shifts and qualifying bilingual skills. Newly hired Juvenile Correctional Officers may qualify for retention bonuses subject to performance and program eligibility requirements.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED and one year of relevant work experience; a comparable combination of education and work experience may be considered.
Valid driver's license and ability to maintain a safe driving record with Minnehaha County.
Successfully complete the pre-employment background process.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Maintain the ability to serve as a credible witness in court.
Make appropriate decisions quickly, with tact and impartiality.
Learn and apply law-enforcement operations policies and procedures.
Ability to perform physical restraint techniques as instructed.
Build and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with colleagues, other agencies, and the public.
Present a professional appearance and communicate respectfully and approachably.

Nice To Haves

Associate or bachelor's degree in criminal justice.
Experience working in corrections.
Knowledge of legal terminology.

Responsibilities

Conduct inmate head counts, wellness checks, cell inspections, and security rounds throughout the jail and its perimeter.
Respond to emergencies and use crisis-intervention and de-escalation techniques, including in mental-health situations.
Oversee inmate intake and release, fingerprinting and photographing, property management, and accurate, secure documentation.
Supervise recreation, meals, medication distribution, visitations, and inmate movement.
Conduct NCIC checks; manage warrants and protection orders; and support inmates accessing programs and services.
Handle communications equipment, log movement and activity, distribute mail and supplies, and maintain detailed records.
Help maintain a secure, respectful environment for inmates, staff, and the public.
Perform physical restraint techniques as instructed to protect inmates and others.

Benefits

Generous paid time off (PTO).
Extended Sick Leave.
Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
Retirement through the South Dakota Retirement System, described as providing lifetime income throughout retirement.
Potential retention bonuses for newly hired Juvenile Correctional Officers, subject to performance and program eligibility requirements.
Night-shift differential of $1.00 per hour.
Potential bilingual specialty pay of an additional $0.50 per hour for officers who pass a bilingual exam.
Paid 11-week classroom and on-the-job training.
Annual confidential mental-health visits and additional sessions for officers and family members.
Access to financial resources, legal advisors, work and lifestyle support, and educational resources.
Onsite workout facility, gym reimbursement, wellness challenges, and health and fitness education.
Potential pay increases after the first, second, and third years, in addition to annual increases.