Correctional Officer (Relief)

The Government of Nova Scotia • Halifax, NS

28d • CA$31 - CA$39 • Onsite

About The Position

The Correctional Services division of the Department of Justice is responsible for the administration and operation of community and custody-based programs and services for adults and young persons. Within the Correctional Services core business area there are two programs: community corrections & correctional facilities. Each of these program areas is broken down into closely related activities that have a specific impact on the program’s target group. Four (4) adult correctional facilities and one (1) youth centre provide the safety and security of person in custody while providing programs that address dynamic criminogenic factors to assist with their successful, reintegration back into the community. Nova Scotia Correctional Services utilizes an evidence-based approach in both Community Corrections and custodial facilities. Core Correctional Practices (CCP) is the foundational practice that drives reintegration and rehabilitation practices deployed within Correctional Services. Utilizing CCP, Correctional Services staff can effectively interact, manage behavior, and help facilitate change, within target populations.

As a Correctional Officer, you are responsible for the safe secure custody, control and supervision of sentence and remand persons in custody in an adult correctional facility on a rotating shift basis. Our Correctional Officer undertakes duties associated with your shift assignment in various areas of the facility. These areas include persons in custody Living Units, Admission and Discharge, Reception/Visitation, Recreation, Laundry, and Canteen Services. In this role, you will have regular and ongoing interaction with persons in custody, while encouraging pro-social behaviour. You are also responsible for administrative functions related to the case management database (JEIN) and the Offender Behavioural Management System. Correctional Officers work with a diverse person in custody population and are accountable for promoting and adhering to policy and procedures, standard operating procedures, post orders and directives.

As part of this role, you will be involved with conducting persons in custody counts and searches, writing reports, ensuring persons in custody security and safety, and compiling tasks related to physical plant cleanliness and maintenance requirements.

Requirements

• High School diploma
• 2 years of related experience
• Valid Driver’s License
• Driver’s Abstract
• Standard First Aid/CPR Certificate
• Proof of all stated education and training
• Demonstrate well developed communication, interpersonal and interviewing counselling and conflict resolution skills
• Sound observation, decision-making and problem-solving skills
• Ability to respond effectively to crisis situations
• Must provide a current copy of a Vulnerable Sector Check and a Criminal Record Check
• Must complete an in-depth medical assessment

Nice To Haves

• Previous employment as a Correctional Officer, or within Adult/Youth Custody
• Experience in law enforcement (Police, Sheriffs, Border Services, Military Police)
• Experience in Security, Military, Firefighting, Social Workers, Residential Counsellors/Caseworkers/Support Workers, Occupational Health & Safety
• Leadership experience (i.e. leading youth programs, groups, or committees, working with vulnerable populations)
• Experience working with diverse communities, including Elders, knowledge keepers, cultural leaders, and community organizations
• A related 2 year post secondary diploma
• A related 1 year post secondary diploma and 1 year of related experience
• 5 years of employment in a related field, for example Social Work; Residential Counselling, working with vulnerable populations

Responsibilities

• Provides dynamic supervision of persons in custody and safe secure custody, control, and supervision of the persons in custody
• Includes, but not limited to participate in the case management of persons in custody; approve and arrange professional and personal visits and professional persons in custody phone calls, and escort persons in custody within the facility; respond to persons in custody complaints and requests; assist in the completion of forms (e.g. requests, complaints); supervise persons in custody work activity inside and outside the facility
• Supervise facility cleaning by persons in custody, supervise persons in custody trustees on outside work detail, submit maintenance work orders when required
• Advise persons in custody of available programs and referring and adhering to the posted program schedule and support persons in custody program work in the living units
• Record and communicate information through reports, forms, logbooks, email and JEIN documentation and participate in committees or meetings as requested by the Superintendent or designate
• Communicate in a timely, transparent, and effective manner and participate in workplace wellness initiatives by promoting teamwork, leadership, diversity, and a healthy workplace

Benefits

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
• Engaging workplace. Our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• Countless career paths.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED