Correctional Officer

Minnehaha County • Seattle, WA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is hiring Correctional Officers to work in its jail and support public safety. Officers help keep the facility safe and operating smoothly, protect inmates, staff, and the community, and guide inmates through the justice system. The role involves responding to emergencies, using crisis-intervention and de-escalation techniques, supervising daily activities, and completing accurate records and documentation.

New officers receive 11 weeks of classroom and on-the-job training, including Crisis Intervention Training. Training is conducted in small classes with individual instruction. 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 future opportunities to earn certifications such as PepperBall, Pistol, and Taser 10.

The position uses 12-hour shifts, with 15 shifts per month and Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off every other week. Year-long rotations provide consistent schedules. The hiring range for 2027 is $28.40–$31.31 per hour, with earning potential up to $42.08 per hour, plus regular opportunities for pay increases. Night-shift differential and bilingual specialty pay are also available. The role offers potential advancement and special assignments within the Jail Division, and officers are routinely promoted to Deputy Sheriff positions in the Patrol Division.

The County describes its staffing approach as intended to support work/life balance. Officers have access to annual confidential mental health visits, additional support sessions and resources, an onsite workout facility, gym reimbursement, wellness challenges, and health and fitness education. Benefits include PTO, extended sick leave, insurance coverage, and retirement through the South Dakota Retirement System. The recruitment may also be used to staff Correctional Systems Operator positions at a lower pay grade.

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 appropriate decisions quickly, with tact and impartiality.
• Ability to learn and apply law-enforcement policies and procedures.
• Ability to perform physical restraint techniques as instructed.
• 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 perimeter.
• Respond to emergencies and use crisis-intervention techniques to de-escalate mental-health situations.
• Oversee inmate intake and release, fingerprinting, photographing, property management, and related documentation.
• Supervise recreation, meals, medication distribution, visitations, and inmate movement.
• Conduct NCIC checks and manage warrants and protection orders.
• Support inmates in accessing programs and services.
• Operate communications equipment and log movement and activity.
• Distribute mail and supplies and maintain detailed records across shifts.
• Help maintain a secure, respectful environment for inmates, staff, and the public.
• Apply physical restraint techniques as instructed to protect inmates and others.

Benefits

• $1,000 retention bonuses may be available to newly hired Juvenile Correctional Officers at 9, 18, 27, and 36 months, subject to 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.
• Extended sick leave.
• Medical insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Retirement through the South Dakota Retirement System, described as 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED