Correctional Officer

Minnehaha County•St. Louis, MO

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office is hiring Correctional Officers for its jail in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Officers help maintain public safety and the secure, orderly operation of the facility while protecting inmates, staff, and the community. The position includes an 11-week paid training program, including classroom instruction and on-the-job training, with a 40-hour Crisis Intervention Training component. Officers receive training in communication, de-escalation, defensive tactics, and handling real-world situations, and are supported by experienced staff after completing the academy. Successful completion of the program results in certifications including Crisis Intervention Training, CPR and First Aid, NCIC Terminal Operator, NIMS, Pepper Spray, CJIS, and Defensive Tactics - Law Enforcement Krav Maga. The role has 12-hour shifts, with 15 shifts per month and Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off every other week. Year-long rotations provide consistent schedules. The 2027 hiring range is $28.40 to $31.31 per hour, with earning potential up to $42.08 per hour and regular opportunities for pay increases. Newly hired Juvenile Correctional Officers may qualify for retention bonuses subject to performance and program eligibility. Additional pay may be available for night shifts and for officers who pass a bilingual exam. The position offers opportunities for special assignments and promotion within the Jail Division, as well as possible advancement to Deputy Sheriff and certification as a South Dakota law enforcement officer in the Patrol Division. The County provides mental-health resources, wellness support, and a workout facility. 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 appropriate decisions quickly, tactfully, and impartially.
Ability to learn and apply law-enforcement operations policies and procedures.
Ability to perform physical restraint techniques as instructed to protect inmate and public safety.
Ability to build and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with colleagues, other agencies, and the public.
Ability to present a professional appearance and communicate respectfully and approachably.

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 when addressing 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, manage warrants and protection orders, and 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 safe, secure, respectful, and orderly environment for inmates, staff, and the public.
Build communication, problem-solving, conflict-management, and decision-making skills through training and on-the-job work.

Benefits

Paid 11-week classroom and on-the-job training.
Potential retention bonuses for newly hired Juvenile Correctional Officers, subject to performance and program eligibility.
Night-shift differential of $1.00 per hour.
Bilingual specialty pay of an additional $0.50 per hour for officers who pass a bilingual exam.
Pay increases, including up to 5% increases after the first, second, and third years, in addition to annual increases.
Annual confidential mental-health visits and additional sessions and support 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 benefits through the South Dakota Retirement System, providing lifetime income throughout retirement.