Correctional Officer

the South Dakota State Government•Pierre, SD

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Maintains custody of women in the Women's Prison by enforcing institutional operations memoranda and procedures to ensure the safety and security of the inmates and employees and that confinement conditions are maintained. Officers are assigned a specific post in an area such as a control room, cell hall, visit room, or recreational area. Common duties in most posts include observing inmates in cell halls, recreation areas, dining halls, school, health services and shower rooms; supervising inmates by assigning duties and monitoring work; preparing reports of incidents and rule infractions; conducting inmate counts and maintaining log books; escorting and transporting inmates to and from inside and outside appointments; inspecting and searching cells, common areas, inmates and visitors; monitoring and controlling gates and cell doors; and responding to crisis situations.

Requirements

Successfully pass all modules of the South Dakota Department of Corrections Basic Training, to include English reading comprehension, relevant competency assessments and written/practical exams in Defensive Tactics and firearms/armed transport curriculum
Possess the physical ability to successfully complete Defensive Tactics
Lift arms above head and kick as high as own waist
Stabilize another person to accomplish a controlled take down
Use arms, palms of hands, and feet to deliver blows
Withstand impact (slow speed or with a safety bag) on own body from strikes/blows
Rotate body 90 degrees with feet planted for striking with foot or using a defensive tactic
Get down on one or both knees and up again with multiple repetitions
Will be exposed to Oleoresin Capsicum during Basic Training and will be exposed while on assignment
Must be able to see and hear in order to observe, address and respond to potential breaches in safety and security
Seize, hold, control or subdue violent or assaultive persons and defend oneself or others to prevent injury
Demonstrate body agility, strength of all four limbs and the ability to walk and climb stairs consistently
Must be able to work 12 hour rotating shifts to include holidays and weekends
Work in situations involving assaultive behavior, physical control of another person and/or restraint situations
Deal with individuals with a range of moods and behaviors, utilizing tactfulness and a congenial, personable manner
Work with people of the opposite sex, diverse racial ethnic groups, mentally ill and emotionally disturbed offenders
Communicate by talking, listening and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information, assignments
Work in an environment with fluctuating noise and temperature (hot and cold) which may include working outdoors in inclement weather and/or concrete floor/wall work settings
Willing and able to travel
Willing and able to work various shifts, days, afternoons, graveyards (nights) which includes a rotating shift schedule
TB (tuberculosis) screening is required of all new employees upon hire
No prior education or experience is necessary
Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation
Ability to effectively communicate fluently in English both verbally and in writing
Ability to apply effective correctional methods to prepare inmates for community reentry
Ability to participate in the criminal justice systems regarding treatment of inmates and/or incarcerated individuals, which includes state statutes, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA); and department Administrative Regulations, policy, standards and guidelines
Visually observe and audibly hear in order to identify changes, inappropriate activity, hazards or potential security breaches and verbally communicate pertinent information
Visually observe and monitor inmate whereabouts and maintain an accurate count in assigned areas
Verbally communicate clearly and willingness to do so respectfully
Perform intermediate computer keyboarding skills and communicate via computer based email
Study information and recount events in a written, comprehensive, legible method
Incorporate the South Dakota DOC Mission statement while completing daily job duties
Willingness and ability to respectfully communicate with offender families and the public
Effectively communicate and work with offenders through daily monitoring in a variety of situations
Control, direct and instruct offenders individually and in groups
Willingness to respectfully work with a diverse population
Remain alert and observant throughout shift
Conduct searches (general area, metal detector, pat, perimeter, strip or vehicle)
Use fingers to detect attributes of objects such as size, shape and texture during searches and to manipulate security equipment
Safely operate and monitor ingress and egress mechanical doors
Learn about and utilize firearms, restraints, chemical agents, and tasers in a safe and professional manner, as outlined in policy
Learn to operate communications equipment in a professional manner (e.g., two-way radio, telephone, public address equipment)
Willingness to follow chain of command and established safety and security protocols
Quickly respond to emergencies (such as fights, medical emergencies, fires or escapes)
Use physical force to control a situation
Climb stairs and walk on hard surfaces throughout shift
Interpret and apply department policies and institutional post orders and procedures
Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation
Offers of employment are conditional upon successful completion of a drug screening
Successful applicant(s) will undergo an abuse and neglect screening
All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9

Nice To Haves

Prior education or experience is not necessary

Responsibilities

Monitoring and controlling access to the facility and restricted areas
Manning an armed post (this requires annual firearms certification)
Monitoring facility perimeter
Maintain a controlled movement schedule for offenders
Escorting and transporting offenders in authorized state vehicles, while armed
Monitoring visiting areas
Conducting formal, informal and emergency counts
Conducting searches per policy
Inspecting facility and cells to maintain health, safety and sanitation standards
Inspecting inmate mail
Utilizing proper protocols when responding to emergency situations
Following established tool and key control, ensuring proper storage and documentation
Attending shift briefings
Documenting incidents utilizing established reporting practices
Communicating pertinent information to coworkers and supervisors