Correctional Officer (RCMC)

the South Dakota State Government•Rapid City, SD

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Maintains custody of men at the Rapid City Minimum Center 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. Service as a correctional officer at the Rapid City Minimum Center is an excellent way to begin a law enforcement career and to gain supervisory experience. We train new officers in everything they will need to know; no prior education or experience is necessary.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid Driver's License.
High school diploma or GED.
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.
Ability to visually observe and audibly hear in order to identify changes, inappropriate activity, hazards or potential security breaches and verbally communicate pertinent information.
Ability to visually observe and monitor inmate whereabouts and maintain an accurate count in assigned areas.
Ability to verbally communicate clearly and willingness to do so respectfully.
Ability to perform intermediate computer keyboarding skills and communicate via computer based email.
Ability to study information and recount events in a written, comprehensive, legible method.
Ability to incorporate the South Dakota DOC Mission statement while completing daily job duties.
Willingness and ability to respectfully communicate with offender families and the public.
Ability to effectively communicate and work with offenders through daily monitoring in a variety of situations.
Ability to control, direct and instruct offenders individually and in groups.
Willingness to respectfully work with a diverse population.
Ability to remain alert and observant throughout shift.
Ability to conduct searches (general area, metal detector, pat, perimeter, strip or vehicle).
Ability to use fingers to detect attributes of objects such as size, shape and texture during searches and to manipulate security equipment.
Ability to safely operate and monitor ingress and egress mechanical doors.
Ability to learn about and utilize firearms, restraints, chemical agents, and tasers in a safe and professional manner, as outlined in policy.
Ability to 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.
Ability to quickly respond to emergencies (such as fights, medical emergencies, fires or escapes).
Ability to use physical force to control a situation.
Ability to climb stairs and walk on hard surfaces throughout shift.
Ability to interpret and apply department policies and institutional post orders and procedures.
With or without reasonable accommodations, 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.
Must be able to seize, hold, control or subdue violent or assaultive persons and defend oneself or others to prevent injury.
Must 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.
Must be able to work in situations involving assaultive behavior, physical control of another person and/or restraint situations.
Must be able to deal with individuals with a range of moods and behaviors, utilizing tactfulness and a congenial, personable manner.
Must be able to work with people of the opposite sex, diverse racial ethnic groups, mentally ill and emotionally disturbed offenders.
Must be able to communicate by talking, listening and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information, assignments.
Must be able to 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.
Successful applicant(s) may have to 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

Possess a National Career Readiness Certificate.

Responsibilities

Maintains custody of men at the Rapid City Minimum Center by enforcing institutional operations memoranda and procedures to ensure the safety and security of the inmates and employees and that confinement conditions are maintained.
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.
Responding to crisis situations.
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.