Correctional Officer

Minnehaha County • Wichita, KS

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office is hiring Correctional Officers for its jail in downtown Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Officers help protect inmates, staff, and the community while maintaining the safety, security, and smooth operation of the facility. The position offers 11 weeks of classroom and on-the-job training, including Crisis Intervention Training, and may provide opportunities for special assignments and promotion within the Jail Division or to the Patrol Division. This recruitment may also be used to staff Correctional Systems Operator positions at a lower pay grade.

The 2027 hiring range is $28.40–$31.31 per hour, with earning potential up to $42.08 per hour, plus regular opportunities for pay increases. New officers may receive 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 retention bonuses, subject to performance and program eligibility requirements. Additional compensation includes a night-shift differential and bilingual specialty pay for officers who pass a bilingual exam.

Officers work 12-hour shifts, 15 shifts per month, with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off every other week. Year-long rotations provide consistent schedules. Training and work develop communication, problem-solving, conflict-management, and decision-making skills, as well as patience, empathy, and an understanding of people from different backgrounds.

The County provides mental-health resources, wellness and fitness offerings, and comprehensive benefits that include PTO, extended sick leave, insurance, and retirement through the South Dakota Retirement System.

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.
• Successful completion of the pre-employment background process.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain credibility as a witness in court.
• Ability to make timely, appropriate decisions with tact and impartiality.
• Ability to learn and apply law-enforcement operations policies and procedures.
• Ability to perform physical restraint techniques as instructed.
• Ability to build and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with colleagues, other agencies, and the public.
• Professional appearance and respectful, approachable communication.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Conduct inmate head counts, wellness checks, cell inspections, and security rounds throughout the jail and perimeter.
• Respond to emergencies and use crisis-intervention and de-escalation techniques, including in mental-health situations.
• Oversee inmate intake and release, fingerprinting and photographing, property management, and related documentation.
• Supervise recreation, meals, medication distribution, visitations, and inmate movement.
• Conduct NCIC checks and manage warrants and protection orders; support inmates in accessing programs and services.
• Operate communications equipment, log movement and activity, distribute mail and supplies, and maintain detailed records.
• Help maintain a secure and respectful environment for inmates, staff, and the public.
• Apply physical restraint techniques as instructed to help ensure inmate and public safety.

Benefits

• PTO and extended sick leave.
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Retirement through the South Dakota Retirement System.
• Potential retention bonuses for newly hired Juvenile Correctional Officers, subject to performance and eligibility requirements.
• Night-shift differential of $1.00 per hour.
• Bilingual specialty pay of $0.50 per hour for officers who pass a bilingual exam.
• Paid 11-week classroom and on-the-job training.
• Annual confidential mental-health visits and additional sessions and resources for officers and family members.
• Onsite workout facility, gym reimbursement, wellness challenges, and health and fitness education.
• Potential pay increases, including increases of up to 5% after each of the first three years, in addition to annual increases.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED