Correctional Officer

State of Montana • Deer Lodge, MT

13d • Onsite

About The Position

The Montana Department of Corrections (DOC) is creating a safer Montana through Accountability, Rehabilitation and Empowerment. The Public Safety Division operates Montana’s prisons safely and securely and provides supervision and support for offenders in the community through its Probation and Parole Bureau. The work performed in this division is integral to the department’s mission to create a safer Montana through accountability, rehabilitation, and empowerment. The Correctional Officer is responsible for the overall safety and security of inmates, staff and visitors of Montana State Prison and Montana Correctional Enterprises. Correctional Officers help ensure the institution is operated for the safety of the public, as well as the incarceration, treatment and rehabilitation of the inmate population.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent and a valid driver’s license are required.
• A background check including criminal records check, child/patient/offender abuse registries will be required prior to being hired.
• A background authorization form and pre-interview questionnaire must be completed prior to interviewing for position.
• Alternative combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Regular exposure to temperature extremes.
• Ability to climb and descend multiple stairs and ladders, work at heights up to 50 ft for long periods of time.
• Lifting, pushing, pulling, or dragging heavy furniture, equipment or people up to 30 pounds alone, and up to 100 pounds with assistance.
• Climbing and crawling
• Visual acuity, attention to detail, must remain alert and ready to react throughout the entire shift.
• Remaining on feet for long periods of time, walking on hard surfaces.
• Sitting for long periods of time.
• Ability to respond to verbal communication, alarms, telephones, and radio communication equipment.
• Respond in the event of an emergency, which may include working long hours, mandatory overtimes, reporting to work prior to the start of the shift or staying after the shift normally ends.
• Stressful working conditions.
• Ability to exert physical force and the use of weapons or restraints, including handcuffs or other physical restraints, firearms, and self-defense techniques.
• Must be physically and legally able to drive a vehicle.
• Must be able to learn proper firearm handling.
• Be a citizen of the United States of America.
• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Be fingerprinted for a criminal history search.
• Not been convicted of a crime for which could have led to being imprisoned in a federal or state penitentiary.
• Be of good moral character, as determined by a thorough background screen.
• Possess or be eligible for a valid Montana driver’s license.
• Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence or is the subject of a court order of protection for “an intimate partner or child of such intimate partner” cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition (Title 18, U.S.C., Section 922(g)(91)). Candidates who have been convicted of any felony or a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence or were issued a court order of protection are not qualified for this position.
• Any person who has 1) engaged in sexual abuse in a prison, jail, lockup, community confinement facility, juvenile facility, or other institution; 2) been convicted of engaging in or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse; or 3) been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in activity as described in the latter, are not qualified for this position.

Nice To Haves

• POST Basic Certification after attending training at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy and successfully completing one year of employment with the Department of Corrections.

Responsibilities

• Supervise adult male felons while in the custody of Montana State Prison, on or off property.
• Conducting thorough inspections and searches of inmates, buildings and grounds.
• Performing security observation.
• Preparing documentation regarding institutional matters such as incident reports, disciplinary documentation, counts and logs.
• Operating security equipment.
• Recognizing critical behavior.
• Restraining and controlling offenders.
• Responding to emergencies.
• Enforce and follow rules and regulations including but not limited to written and/or oral directives, post orders, and special instructions in addition to policies and procedures which dictate daily, routine and emergency procedures.
• Serve as a member of the Unit Management Team to oversee all aspects of the basic needs and welfare of adult male felons in the custody of Montana State Prison, on or off property.
• Participate in case management and classification procedures.
• Provide intervention for adult male felons in the custody of Montana State Prison by facilitating and/or overseeing counseling, medical care, first aid, clothing & laundry, janitorial and housekeeping supplies, transportation of inmates, meals, movement, jobs and other services as required.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Generous State of Montana Benefits
• Student loan forgiveness under the Public Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
• Housing options available for temporary assistance.

What This Job Offers

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