Corrections Deputy

Ottawa County • West Olive, MI

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Ottawa County Sheriff's Office is hiring Corrections Officers as lateral hires. Experienced officers can earn up to $33.05 per hour and may receive up to 152 hours of vacation depending on experience. Under limited supervision by a Jail Lieutenant or Sergeant, the Corrections Deputy maintains security and order in a controlled environment at the Ottawa County Jail. The position supervises inmates, enforces rules and regulations, conducts searches, and helps ensure the safety of inmates, staff, and visitors. Work follows established policies and procedures. Supervisors provide assignments and special orders and review work methods and results through reports, inspections, and instructions.

Employees in this classification must pass an extensive background and security investigation. The position requires successful completion of a State of Michigan-sanctioned corrections academy and State of Michigan Corrections Officer certification within 12 months of hire. First Aid, CPR, and Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) certifications must also be obtained within 12 months of hire. The role requires availability to work any or all shifts as assigned, and involves working in close proximity to inmates in confined quarters, including potential exposure to aggression, violence, bodily fluids, and bloodborne pathogens.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Must pass an extensive background and security investigation.
• Must complete a State of Michigan-sanctioned corrections academy and obtain State of Michigan Corrections Officer certification within 12 months of hire.
• Must obtain First Aid and CPR certification within 12 months of hire.
• Must obtain Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) certification within 12 months of hire.
• Basic knowledge of applied psychology, sociology, and group dynamics.
• Basic knowledge of criminology principles and practices and Michigan Court Rules.
• Working knowledge of security practices and procedures.
• Good verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare verbal and written reports.
• Good interpersonal skills and practical conflict-resolution knowledge, with the ability to maintain behavioral control of inmates from all security levels.
• Ability to act without direct supervision.
• Sufficient computer literacy to operate jail management systems, enter and retrieve data, and operate touch-screen control consoles and related equipment.
• Availability to work any or all shifts as assigned.
• Ability to interact positively and professionally with a culturally diverse inmate population with varying communication skills.
• Ability to sustain mental and physical stress and react quickly, calmly, and effectively in emergencies.
• Sufficient strength, manual dexterity, and mobility to search inmates and living quarters, restrain or subdue inmates, and remove inmates involuntarily when necessary.
• Unassisted mobility sufficient to access all areas of the jail; ability to stand and/or walk for the entire shift.
• Sufficient visual acuity, with or without corrective lenses, to observe inmates, inspect living quarters, monitor cameras and control panel displays, and accurately aim a firearm.
• Sufficient sense of smell to detect smoke, fire, and contraband.
• Sufficient auditory acuity to hear alarms, warning signals, inmate conversations, and other sounds that may indicate prohibited behavior or contraband use.
• Ability to work in a highly disciplined and structured environment and maintain order and security.

Nice To Haves

• Associate or bachelor's degree in a corrections-related field of study.
• Prior corrections officer experience as a lateral hire.

Responsibilities

• Receive and process newly arrested individuals, including photographing and fingerprinting suspects, reviewing LEIN records and police reports, completing booking procedures, and assigning individuals to pre-trial housing.
• Issue inmate uniforms and bedding; inventory and receipt personal property; supervise showering; and escort inmates to assigned housing units.
• Review court orders, classify newly sentenced inmates, and assign them to appropriate housing units.
• Escort inmates to and from activities and monitor them during video arraignments, visits, medical treatment, religious services, rehabilitation programs, and other out-of-cell activities.
• Search inmates returning to the facility and process them back into secure housing areas.
• Control access to secure areas, monitor security control screens, and operate remote controls for electromechanical locking devices.
• Observe inmate conduct for prohibited activities, rule infractions, mental illness, self-destructive behavior, and aggression toward other inmates.
• Search inmates and living quarters for weapons and other contraband.
• Investigate and prepare written reports concerning inmate infractions, disturbances, and contraband.
• Physically subdue or restrain inmates when necessary to prevent injuries or stop disturbances.
• Admit visitors in accordance with regulations and deliver inmate mail.
• Conduct inmate wellness checks.
• Supervise inmates during meal service, medication distribution, and medical clinics.
• Release inmates according to bond terms, court orders, or completion of sentences.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Up to 152 hours of vacation depending on experience

What This Job Offers

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