Community Corrections: Full-Time Correctional Officer

Vigo County, Indiana•Terre Haute, IN

19d

About The Position

The Correctional Officer serves Vigo County Community Corrections and is responsible for maintaining security and order within the Work Release facility. The position monitors residents and facility operations, enforces facility rules, supports residents’ behavior and daily living needs, responds to incidents, and completes required records and reports. The officer may escort residents to external locations, assist with medication and emergency first aid, and testify in court. The incumbent reports directly to the Correctional Officer Supervisor. The role is based in a confinement center and includes regular exposure to security-related hazards, including hostile or violent individuals and communicable diseases. The officer must follow safety and universal health precautions and wear protective equipment as required by Department policy. Work may include extended or irregular hours, evenings, weekends, occasional out-of-town travel for training or inmate transports without overnight stays, and occasional emergency response while off duty.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Must be at least 21 years of age.
Possess or be able to obtain required certifications and training, including First Responder/CPR certification and conflict de-escalation and defense tactics training.
Thorough knowledge of Department practices, procedures, rules, and regulations, with the ability to apply them and take authoritative action as situations demand.
Working knowledge of basic street slang, security threat groups, conflict resolution, crisis intervention techniques, and safety hazard precautions.
Ability to use assigned Department equipment and weapons, including computers, calculators, copiers, fax machines, printers, radios, breathalyzers, handcuffs, restraints, security panels, video monitoring, metal detectors, medical blister packs, and fire suppression devices.
Working knowledge of standard English grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and ability to complete required forms and reports by Department deadlines.
Working knowledge of universal health precautions and bloodborne pathogen controls, and ability to apply them to prevent infection.
Working knowledge of radio frequencies, codes, procedures, and limitations; ability to communicate clearly and distinctly in person, by radio, and by telephone.
Ability to obtain and apply knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal laws, codes, ordinances, and accepted police procedures.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with coworkers, County departments, law enforcement agencies, DOC, detainees, and the public, while demonstrating sensitivity to professional ethics, gender and cultural diversity, and disabilities.
Ability to provide public access to Department information or maintain confidentiality of records in accordance with state requirements.
Ability to comply with employer and Department policies and work rules, including attendance, safety, drug-free workplace, and personal conduct requirements.
Ability to serve the public with diplomacy and respect, including in encounters with hostile or violent people.
Ability to understand, memorize, retain, and follow oral and written instructions and present findings orally or in writing.
Ability to act swiftly, rationally, and decisively in potentially violent and precarious situations, applying discretion and common sense.
Ability to perform essential job functions without posing a direct threat to the health and safety of oneself or others.
Ability to work alone with minimal supervision and as part of a team, sometimes under time pressure and while handling multiple tasks.
Ability to compare, observe, analyze, and evaluate data and make determinations based on analysis.
Ability to count and perform simple addition and subtraction.
Ability to apply knowledge of people and locations and exercise good judgment in extreme and uncommon situations.
Ability to work extended or irregular hours, evenings, and/or weekends as scheduled; occasionally travel out of town for training and inmate transports without overnight stays; and occasionally respond to emergencies while off duty.
Ability to testify in legal proceedings or court.
Possess a valid Indiana driver’s license and a demonstrated safe driving record.

Responsibilities

Enforce local, state, and federal laws and implement effective policies to protect people and property.
Maintain facility security by monitoring surveillance cameras and door controls, overseeing meals and visitors, conducting patrols and routine searches, and accounting for residents.
Monitor resident activities and behavior, ensure compliance with facility rules, and report unusual activity and grievances to appropriate Department staff.
Support residents in modifying behavior by promoting positive social values, personal accountability, daily living skills, personal hygiene, and attention to health care issues.
Prepare reports and summaries of residents’ behavior and progress for courts and Department superiors.
Maintain order in common areas and oversee permitted resident activities, including commissary purchases and telephone calls.
Intervene in critical incidents according to policy to prevent escapes, injuries, and property damage.
Distribute meals and supervise work details and other facility activities, ensuring timely completion.
Inspect the facility for security and cleanliness and monitor detainees’ general health and welfare.
Issue prescribed medications according to physicians’ orders and assist with emergency first aid as needed.
Operate a portable Alco sensor and collect drug screens as required.
Verify and process resident departures and returns for work, counseling, and approved requests; escort residents to treatment providers, DOC facilities, court, medical facilities, and other directed locations.
Answer telephone calls, greet visitors, provide information and assistance, take messages, direct inquiries, and respond to questions about residents and facility activities.
Maintain current knowledge of rules, regulations, and laws concerning Community Corrections operations and ensure compliance with Vigo County Advisory Board guidelines.
Attend required in-service training.
Occasionally testify in legal proceedings or court.
Perform related duties as assigned.