Correctional Officer

Minnehaha County•Des Moines, IA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office is hiring Correctional Officers for its jail in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Officers help keep the facility safe and secure while supporting the well-being of inmates, staff, and the community. The role includes responding to emergencies, using crisis-intervention and de-escalation techniques, overseeing daily inmate activities, processing intake and release, maintaining records, and coordinating with courts and other agencies. New officers complete 11 weeks of classroom and on-the-job training, including Crisis Intervention Training. The training program includes instruction in communication, conflict management, and defensive tactics, and provides certifications in areas such as CPR and First Aid, NCIC terminal operation, NIMS, pepper spray, CJIS, and defensive tactics. Officers receive support from experienced staff as they apply their training on the job. The position works 12-hour shifts, 15 shifts per month, with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off every other week. Year-long rotations provide consistent schedules. The hiring range for 2027 is $28.40–$31.31 per hour, with earning potential up to $42.08 per hour, plus opportunities for pay increases. A night-shift differential and bilingual specialty pay are available. The posting says this recruitment may also be used to staff Correctional Systems Operator positions at a lower pay grade.

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 for the safety of inmates and others.
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 apply crisis-intervention and de-escalation techniques, including in mental-health situations.
Oversee inmate intake and release, including fingerprinting, photographing, property management, and accurate documentation.
Supervise recreation, meals, medication distribution, visitations, and inmate movement.
Conduct NCIC checks and manage warrants and protection orders; support inmates accessing programs and services.
Handle communications equipment, log movement and activity, distribute mail and supplies, and maintain detailed records.
Help provide a secure and respectful environment for inmates, staff, and the public.
Use sound judgment and appropriate physical restraint techniques to maintain safety.
Build professional, collaborative relationships with colleagues, other agencies, and the public.

Benefits

Newly hired Juvenile Correctional Officers may qualify for $1,000 retention bonuses at 9, 18, 27, and 36 months, subject to performance and program 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 for officers and family members.
Access to financial resources, legal advisors, work and lifestyle support, and educational resources.
Onsite workout facility, gym reimbursement, wellness challenges, and health and fitness education.
Generous paid time off and extended sick leave.
Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
Retirement through the South Dakota Retirement System, described as providing lifetime income throughout retirement.
Opportunities for pay increases, including increases after the first, second, and third years in addition to annual increases.
Potential special assignments and promotions within the Jail Division.