Correctional Officer 1-2

The Government of Nova Scotia•New Glasgow, NS

2d•CA$2,461 - CA$3,138•Onsite

About The Position

The Correctional Services division of the Department of Justice is responsible for the administration and operation of community and custody-based programs and services for adults and young persons. Within the Correctional Services core business area there are two programs: community corrections & correctional facilities. Each of these program areas is broken down into closely related activities that have a specific impact on the program’s target group. Four (4) adult correctional facilities and one (1) youth centre provide the safety and security of person in custody while providing programs that address dynamic criminogenic factors to assist with their successful, reintegration back into the community. Nova Scotia Correctional Services utilizes an evidence-based approach in both Community Corrections and custodial facilities. Core Correctional Practices (CCP) is the foundational practice that drives reintegration and rehabilitation practices deployed within Correctional Services. Utilizing CCP, Correctional Services staff can effectively interact, manage behavior, and help facilitate change, within target populations. As a Correctional Officer, you are responsible for the safe secure custody, control and supervision of sentence and remand persons in custody in an adult correctional facility on a rotating shift basis. Our Correctional Officer undertakes duties associated with your shift assignment in various areas of the facility. These areas include persons in custody Living Units, Admission and Discharge, Reception/Visitation, Recreation, Laundry, and Canteen Services. In this role, you will have regular and ongoing interaction with persons in custody, while encouraging pro-social behaviour. You are also responsible for administrative functions related to the case management database (JEIN) and the Offender Behavioural Management System. Correctional Officers work with a diverse person in custody population and are accountable for promoting and adhering to policy and procedures, standard operating procedures, post orders and directives. As part of this role, you will be involved with conducting persons in custody counts and searches, writing reports, ensuring persons in custody security and safety, and compiling tasks related to physical plant cleanliness and maintenance requirements.

Requirements

High School diploma
2 years of related experience
Valid Driver’s License
Driver’s Abstract
Standard First Aid/CPR Certificate
Proof of all stated education and training
Demonstrate well developed communication, interpersonal and interviewing counselling and conflict resolution skills
Possess sound observation, decision-making and problem-solving skills
Ability to respond effectively to crisis situations
Vulnerable Sector Check with Criminal Record Check
Completed Pre-Employment Questionnaire (PEQ)

Nice To Haves

Previous employment as a Correctional Officer, or within Adult/Youth Custody
Experience in law enforcement (Police, Sheriffs, Border Services, Military Police)
Experience in Security, Military (other than Military Police), Firefighting, Social Workers, Residential Counsellors/Caseworkers/Support Workers, Occupational Health & Safety
Knowledge or experience in a computerized/automated environment
Leadership experience (i.e. leading youth programs, groups, or committees, working with vulnerable populations)

Responsibilities

Provides dynamic supervision of persons in custody and safe secure custody, control, and supervision of the persons in custody
Includes, but not limited to participate in the case management of persons in custody; approve and arrange professional and personal visits and professional persons in custody phone calls, and escort persons in custody within the facility; respond to persons in custody complaints and requests; assist in the completion of forms (e.g. requests, complaints); supervise persons in custody work activity inside and outside the facility
Supervise facility cleaning by persons in custody, supervise persons in custody trustees on outside work detail, submit maintenance work orders when required
Advise persons in custody of available programs and referring and adhering to the posted program schedule and support persons in custody program work in the living units
Record and communicate information through reports, forms, logbooks, email and JEIN documentation and participate in committees or meetings as requested by the Superintendent or designate
Communicate in a timely, transparent, and effective manner and participate in workplace wellness initiatives by promoting teamwork, leadership, diversity, and a healthy workplace