Correctional Officers

Minnehaha County•Des Moines, IA

18h•Onsite

About The Position

The Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office is accepting applications for Correctional Officers to maintain safety and security within their correctional facility. The facility is expanding, and new staff will be added as new areas open. The next new hire class will start October 5, 2026, with additional hiring planned in early 2027.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED and one year of relevant work experience. Comparable combination of education and work experience may be considered.
Possession of a valid driver's license and must maintain a safe driving record with Minnehaha County.
Must successfully complete pre-employment background process.
Effective verbal and written communication.
Must maintain ability to be a credible witness in court.
Ability to make appropriate decisions quickly and with tact and impartiality.
Ability to learn and apply the policies and procedures of law enforcement operations.
Ability to perform all functions of physical restraint techniques, as instructed, for inmate safety and the safety of others.
Ability to build and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with colleagues, other agencies, and the public.
Present a professional appearance and communicate with others in a respectful and approachable way.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Keeping the facility safe, secure, and running smoothly by conducting inmate head counts, wellness checks, cell inspections, and regular security rounds throughout the jail and perimeter.
Being the steady presence during high-pressure moments by responding to emergencies, applying crisis-intervention techniques, and de-escalating mental-health situations with skill and compassion.
Guiding inmates through the justice system with professionalism, overseeing intake and release processes, fingerprinting and photographing, property management, and ensuring all documentation is accurate and secure.
Maintaining order and structure every day by supervising recreation, meals, medication distribution, visitations, and inmate movement, helping keep operations safe and secure.
Serving as a trusted link between agencies, courts, and the jail, conducting NCIC checks, managing warrants and protection orders, and supporting inmates as they access programs and services.
Ensuring smooth operations behind the scenes by handling communications equipment, logging movement and activity, distributing mail and supplies, and keeping detailed records that maintain accountability across shifts.
Contributing to a secure, respectful environment where inmates, staff, and the public feel protected, heard, and supported thereby strengthening trust in the local justice system every day.

Benefits

Hiring range is $27.57/hr - $30.40/hr with a full earning potential up to $40.85/hr
Regular opportunities for pay increases
Up to 5% increases in pay after the 1st, 2nd, AND 3rd year IN ADDITION to annual increases
$1,000 retention bonuses at 9, 18, 27, and 36 months of service for Juvenile Correctional Officers
$1.00/hr night shift differential
11 weeks of classroom and on-the-job training
Personal, 1:1 training
Extended classroom training by one full week with the addition of Crisis Intervention Training (CIT)
Certifications in Crisis Intervention Training, CPR & First Aid, National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Terminal Operator, National Incident Management System (NIMS), Pepper Spray, Criminal Justice Information Service (CJIS), and Defensive Tactics - Law Enforcement Krav Maga
Possible future certifications in PepperBall, Pistol, and Taser 10
Annual mental health visits
Additional mental health sessions offered by the County 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
Health and fitness education
12 hour shifts
Work 15 shifts a month and have Fri/Sat/Sun off every other week
Year-long rotations provide consistent schedules
Possible opportunities for special assignments and promotions within the Jail Division including Transporter, Court Security Officer, Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Warden
Routine promotions to Deputy Sheriff and becoming South Dakota Certified Law Enforcement Officers in the Patrol Division
Generous PTO
Extended Sick Leave
Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
Retirement through state pension plan