Correctional Officer

State of Oklahoma•Taft, OK

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Positions in this job family are assigned responsibilities related to maintaining the security, control and custody of inmates in a state adult correctional facility. Applicants must be willing to attend an 8-week live-in academy in Oklahoma City from Sunday 6:00 PM through Thursday 6:00 PM and return home on the weekends. Applicants will work at their selected facility with a Field Training Officer until the academy begins. Lodging and meals are provided. The Correctional Officer level involves cadets receiving formal and on-the-job training in security and custody duties and policies related to inmate control and management. After training, they perform routine duties as a first-level trained security officer, supervising inmates in various situations, including work crews and patrols, and interpreting post orders. The Corporal level is the career level for providing security and control of inmates at a full performance level, maintaining discipline both within and outside the facility, and interpreting post orders.

Requirements

Minimum age of 20 years.
Possession of thirty (30) semester hours from an accredited college or university; OR a high school diploma or GED equivalent AND graduation from a training course conducted by or approved by the Department and certified by the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (prior to employment or within the first six months).
12 months of experience in correctional or security work for a governmental agency or private corrections agency (for Corporal level).
Knowledge of the fundamentals of English usage, basic math, reporting writing, firearms use and care, proper restraint and self-defense methods, inmate discipline, and inmate behavior psychology.
Ability to evaluate situations and adopt effective courses of action, act quickly and effectively in emergencies, follow instructions, gather facts, complete reports, communicate effectively, establish effective working relationships, maintain firearm proficiency, and assess and manage conflicts.
Satisfactory completion of minimum testing or professional evaluation for fitness.
Satisfactory completion of pre-employment and annual physical examination.
Possession of a valid driver’s license.
Subject to drug testing.
Willing and able to work any assigned shift or day of the week, and additional shifts as required.
Must meet training and screening requirements for peace officers if designated, including physical conditioning, self-defense tactics, and OC spray training.
Not have been found guilty of or pled guilty or nolo contendere to any offense requiring registration under the Sex Offenders Registration Act.
Not have been convicted of a crime of moral turpitude without a full pardon.
Not have been convicted of a nonviolent felony without a full pardon, or any other felony offense.
Not have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence without pardon/expungement/setting aside, or be subject to a restraining order, or have been dishonorably discharged from the armed services.

Responsibilities

Provides security and supervision to inmates in a variety of situations and activities; maintain security of an assigned area or post.
Provides security and supervision over inmate work crews; escorts inmates to work sites; inventories and controls all equipment, weapons, tools and keys.
Patrols yards, grounds, cell houses, corridors, dormitories and work areas on an assigned shift; observes activities and movements of inmates; manages inmate conduct, work and discipline.
Maintains order and discipline in programs and during meals and recreation periods; inspects living areas, facilities and work locations for unauthorized objects or materials; makes reports on incidents.
Operates manually or electronically controlled security equipment maintaining controlled movement of inmates, staff and the public.
Conducts inmate counts; performs searches of inmates and living quarters for contraband; enforces institutional rules and regulations.
Prepares written documentation and reports concerning inmate behavior, status and movement.
Participates on escape and apprehension teams; responds to riots and fires.