Correctional Officer

Minnehaha County•Kansas City, MO

2d•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 serve the community through public safety. The role involves maintaining a safe, secure, and orderly facility; supervising and supporting inmates; responding to emergencies; and coordinating with courts, agencies, staff, and the public. A new-hire class is scheduled to begin January 19, 2027. The recruitment may also be used to staff Correctional Systems Operator positions at a lower pay grade. New officers receive 11 weeks of classroom and on-the-job training, including a 40-hour Crisis Intervention Training component. Training is provided in small classes with one-to-one instruction. Successful completion results in certifications including Crisis Intervention Training, CPR and First Aid, NCIC Terminal Operator, NIMS, Pepper Spray, CJIS, and Defensive Tactics—Law Enforcement Krav Maga. Possible future certifications include PepperBall, Pistol, and Taser 10. The role uses 12-hour shifts, with 15 shifts per month and Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off every other week. Year-long rotations provide consistent schedules. Night shifts receive a $1.00-per-hour differential. Officers may have opportunities for special assignments and advancement within the Jail Division, as well as promotion to Deputy Sheriff and South Dakota Certified Law Enforcement Officer in the Patrol Division. The 2027 hiring range is $28.40 to $31.31 per hour, with full earning potential up to $42.08 per hour. New officers may receive pay increases of up to 5% after each of their first three years, in addition to annual increases. Newly hired Juvenile Correctional Officers may qualify for $1,000 retention bonuses at 9, 18, 27, and 36 months, subject to performance and program eligibility requirements. The County offers comprehensive benefits and resources supporting employees’ mental and physical well-being.

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.
Successfully complete the pre-employment background process.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Maintain the ability to serve as a credible witness in court.
Make appropriate decisions quickly, tactfully, and impartially.
Learn and apply law-enforcement operations policies and procedures.
Perform physical restraint techniques as instructed to protect inmate and others' safety.
Build and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with colleagues, other agencies, and the public.
Present a professional appearance and communicate respectfully and approachably.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Maintain facility safety and security by conducting inmate head counts, wellness checks, cell inspections, and security rounds throughout the jail and perimeter.
Respond to emergencies, use crisis-intervention techniques, and de-escalate mental-health situations.
Oversee inmate intake and release, including fingerprinting, photographing, property management, and accurate, secure documentation.
Supervise recreation, meals, medication distribution, visitations, and inmate movement.
Conduct NCIC checks, manage warrants and protection orders, and support inmates accessing programs and services.
Use communications equipment; log movement and activity; distribute mail and supplies; and maintain detailed records across shifts.
Contribute to a secure and respectful environment for inmates, staff, and the public.
Apply communication and defensive-tactics techniques to manage conflict and maintain safety.

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 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, including Crisis Intervention Training.
Annual confidential mental-health visits and additional 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 and extended sick leave.
Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
Retirement through the South Dakota Retirement System, providing lifetime income throughout retirement.
Regular and annual pay increases, including potential increases of up to 5% after each of the first three years.