Correctional Officer

County Commissioners of Kent County, MD•Chestertown, MD

21h•$23 - $36

About The Position

Establishes secure and safe environment for inmates and staff within state correctional guidelines. The primary focus of the position is to maintain an atmosphere that ensures the legal responsibilities to inmates and the safety of the public.

Requirements

Communications Skills: Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with correctional officers and other staff, county and state officials, other law enforcement officers, inmates, and their legal counsel/family/friends. Ability to write clearly and informatively; ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from staff, government officials and the public, especially victims of crime. Be able to work all shifts and be subject to 24-hour’s notice call into work.
Customer Service Skills: Represents the department professionally and effectively in both internal and external interactions. Manages difficult, emotional, or challenging situations successfully. Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of cultural background, status, or position. Exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views.
Innovation and Change Management Skills: Responds positively to changes in procedures or equipment. Adapts behaviors in response to new or changing work situations. Presents ideas and information in a manner that is easily understood by coworkers and the public.
Technical Skills: Effectively utilizes security, fingerprint scanners and communication equipment. Ability to deal with persons displaying asocial and antisocial behavior; to write and complete concise reports; to deal with situations requiring tact, diplomacy, understanding, fairness, firmness, and good judgment; to accurately interpret and properly enforce institutional rules and regulations; to remember names; and to learn rapidly to minimize the need for constant supervision.
Computer Related Skills: Ability to work with the internet for basic research; Microsoft Office skills and use of law enforcement or criminal justice databases.
Be at least 18 years of age
Be able to pass a criminal background check, urinalysis test, and psychological examination
Be able to safely operate agency vehicles including transporting inmates.
High school diploma required.
Six months to one-year related experience.
Or equivalent technical training, education, or experience.
Valid Maryland driver’s license and an acceptable motor vehicle record.
Corrections Certification required or able to complete within one year of hire.
Firearms Qualification (Annual) required.
CPR/AED /First Aid Certification required.

Nice To Haves

Non-Lethal Force Certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Conducts daily oversight of inmates and facilities, including observation, control, confinement, and counsel.
Provides all daily necessities for inmates’ meals and hygiene; keeps utensil count to make sure all items are returned.
Provides prescribed medications and facilitates medical care when needed.
Completes routine and specific searches of facility, grounds, inmates’ property, and inmates as needed.
Provides transport as necessary for inmates within the Detention Center or to Court or medical appointments.
Clears all civilian visitors, County maintenance staff and vendors; accepts deliveries.
Monitor, defuse or break up verbal and physical conflicts among inmates.
Ensures access to legal materials and visits from legal counsel.
Provides security for legal visits and family/friend visitation.
Oversees inmate activities: recreational yard, library, law library.
Processes, classifies, and fingerprints new inmates; releases inmates only when authorized documentation is presented.
Keeps detailed account of all weapons, keys, and security devices.
Performs regular, documented checks in all living quarters, and maintains constant watch on high security inmates.
Maintains facility cleanliness through scheduled inmate work details; notes needed repairs.
Maintains detailed and accurate records of inmates and their histories, inmate counts, materials inventories, and logs of all actions during work shifts.
Performs other duties as required.