Correctional Officer

Minnehaha County•Phoenix, AZ

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office is hiring Correctional Officers for its jail in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Officers help maintain public safety by protecting inmates, staff, and the community while ensuring the facility operates safely and smoothly. The role includes inmate supervision, security rounds, emergency response, intake and release processes, documentation, and coordination with courts and other agencies. The recruitment may also be used to fill Correctional Systems Operator positions at a lower pay grade. New officers receive 11 weeks of classroom and on-the-job training, including Crisis Intervention Training, followed by support from experienced staff. Training covers communication, de-escalation, defensive tactics, and responding to real-world situations. Successful completion leads to certifications in Crisis Intervention Training, CPR and First Aid, NCIC Terminal Operator, NIMS, Pepper Spray, CJIS, and Defensive Tactics—Law Enforcement Krav Maga. Officers may have opportunities for special assignments and promotion within the Jail Division, or to move into the Patrol Division as Deputy Sheriffs. The advertised 2027 hiring range is $28.40 to $31.31 per hour, with earning potential up to $42.08 per hour, plus regular pay increases. The schedule consists of 12-hour shifts, 15 shifts per month, and every other Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off. The position offers a night-shift differential, potential bilingual pay, and a comprehensive benefits package.

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.
Successful completion of the pre-employment background process.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to maintain credibility as a witness in court.
Ability to make timely, appropriate decisions with tact and impartiality.
Ability to learn and apply law-enforcement operations policies and procedures.
Ability to perform physical restraint techniques as instructed to protect inmates and others.
Ability to build and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with colleagues, other agencies, and the public.
Professional appearance and respectful, approachable communication.

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 apply 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 in accessing programs and services.
Handle communications equipment; log movement and activity; distribute mail and supplies; and maintain detailed records.
Help maintain a safe, secure, respectful, and orderly environment for inmates, staff, and the public.

Benefits

Retention bonuses of $1,000 at 9, 18, 27, and 36 months may be available to newly hired Juvenile Correctional Officers who meet performance and program eligibility requirements.
Night-shift differential of $1.00 per hour.
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 support 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.
Generous paid time off and extended sick leave.
Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
Retirement through the South Dakota Retirement System, providing lifetime income throughout retirement.
Regular opportunities for pay increases, including increases of up to 5% after the first, second, and third years in addition to annual increases.