Corrections Officer

Cowlitz County•Longview, WA

About The Position

Cowlitz County is hiring multiple Corrections Officers. The position is responsible for maintaining facility security, supervising and assisting inmates, processing inmates and records, responding to emergencies, and coordinating with facility staff and outside agencies. New hires receive a $6,000 signing bonus; lateral Corrections Officers receive an $8,000 signing bonus. The posting is open until filled. Applicants moving forward in the hiring process will be asked to complete a Personal History Statement through Vetted, and all fields must be completed for consideration. Corrections Officers admit, classify, supervise, search, escort, transport, and release inmates according to established procedures. They monitor inmate welfare and behavior, respond to conflicts and security concerns, operate facility control systems, maintain records, and assist medical personnel. The role also involves emergency response, evidence handling, first aid and CPR, and applying authorized force when necessary in accordance with policy.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
U.S. citizenship and at least 21 years of age.
Successfully complete Basic Corrections Academy, First Aid, and CPR training within the first six months of employment.
Successfully complete defensive tactics level one and level two training, including handgun retention.
Become firearms qualified before completing probation and maintain firearms qualification; this requirement applies to Corrections Officers hired after January 1, 1994.
Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
Successfully pass a physical agility test, full background investigation, polygraph examination, and psychological profile interview.
Customer service and interpersonal skills for dealing with inmates and the public.
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with department staff, county employees, and public and private agencies.
Good written and oral communication skills for preparing professional reports, training, and giving clear instructions.
Ability to develop and use modern supervision practices and motivational skills, and to delegate effectively.
Ability to multitask, set work priorities, and maintain organized records.
Ability to act professionally and demonstrate leadership and control in stressful situations.
Ability to exercise discretion with sensitive and confidential departmental matters.
Initiative and problem-solving skills while following departmental practices, policies, and procedures.
Ability to handle job stress and interact effectively with others in the workplace.

Responsibilities

Review arrest and commitment documents and verify the identity of officers bringing inmates into the facility.
Observe incoming inmates for physical or mental health concerns; request medical examinations and monitor inmates who are mentally ill, suicidal, or experiencing drug withdrawal or drug use.
Patrol facility areas, monitor surveillance devices, conduct counts, and observe inmate behavior and security conditions.
Escort inmates within the facility and to outside medical facilities or court; resolve conflicts and respond to developing or immediate security problems.
Counsel inmates and refer crises or problems to appropriate facility staff or a supervisor.
Assist medical personnel with prescribed medications and take emergency steps for illness, injury, or threatened suicide, including administering first aid and CPR.
Receive, search, book, fingerprint, and photograph incoming inmates; enter and retrieve information using computerized systems.
Issue uniforms, record and store property, classify and house inmates, and maintain accurate records, logs, and required documentation.
Distribute meals and account for utensils after meals.
Operate the control room and control panel, monitor gates, cameras, alarms, and video terminals, respond to cues and requests, and control facility entry.
Verify identification and inspect vehicles or containers entering or leaving the facility; verify identities and documents for inmate transfers and releases.
Conduct same-sex pat and strip searches, search property left for inmates, search cells for contraband or weapons, and process evidence seized during searches.
Participate in lockdowns and in searches, pursuits, and apprehension of escaped inmates.
Release inmates according to established procedures, bail, court order, or other authority.
Report unusual incidents, hazardous situations, emergencies, security breaches, severe depression, and behavior that may indicate risk of self-harm or harm to others.
Conduct emergency procedures for fires, escapes, riots, and other emergencies; move inmates during evacuations and direct assisting Corrections Officers as needed.
Collaborate in investigations, collect and document evidence, maintain chain of custody, and package and identify evidence.
Use universal precautions and cleanup kits to address blood-borne pathogens and oversee cleanup of blood and body fluids; investigate and record inmate injuries.
Use appropriate verbal and physical techniques, restraints, and, in extreme cases, deadly force in accordance with policy to control violent inmates and protect life and safety.
Monitor staff radio transmissions and respond to directions and emergencies or request assistance as needed.
Attend and participate in staff meetings and training or educational seminars, contribute ideas for improvement and problem solving, and perform other duties as assigned.