Corrections Officer

Northampton County•Easton, PA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Corrections Officer maintains order and secures inmates in the County Jail. The position reports to a Corrections Supervisor – Sergeant and Corrections Supervisor – Lieutenant, and/or another higher-level supervisory officer as designated, and does not supervise other employees. The officer processes and transports inmates; searches the facility and inmate cells; monitors and coordinates inmate activities; conducts rounds to check inmate safety and welfare; reviews court orders, remands, and releases; and prepares required paperwork and reports. The officer communicates with inmates, the public, outside agencies, and County personnel; enters information into the Jail’s computer system; observes inmates for rule violations or unusual behavior; and restrains inmates or uses authorized equipment and the minimum necessary physical force to maintain safety and order. The officer also attends shift briefings, reads departmental bulletins, briefs incoming officers, and directs inmate housekeeping duties. The role requires completion of required academy and departmental training, a one-year probationary period, and applicable qualifications and certifications. Candidates must complete a pre-interview personality inventory and post-offer medical examination, drug screen, and background investigation. Officers assigned to carry a firearm must qualify upon appointment and annually thereafter; officers must qualify and requalify annually to carry OC spray. All staff must clear an X-ray machine when entering the facility and may be searched at any time. When necessary, officers may be required to work more than eight hours at a time and perform duties at full capacity.

Requirements

High school diploma or general equivalency diploma.
Valid driver’s license and maintenance of a clean driving record.
Complete a pre-interview Personality Inventory exam.
Pass a post-offer medical examination, including a urine drug screen.
Successfully pass the post-offer criminal history check, child abuse clearance, and motor vehicle driving record check.
Successfully complete the required training program within the time period prescribed by law and a one-year probationary period.
Qualify upon appointment and annually to maintain firearm certification if the assignment requires carrying a firearm.
Qualify upon hire and annually to maintain OC spray certification.
Ability to perform inmate and institutional searches and knowledge of Jail rules, regulations, and applicable local, state, and federal laws.
Knowledge of first aid treatment and recreational activities used in an institutional setting.
Ability to cope with crises, respond to emergencies, and use necessary physical force to defend oneself and others.
Ability to follow orders explicitly and write concise, accurate reports and correspondence.
Ability to empathize with people from different backgrounds and communicate effectively and respectfully with inmates, coworkers, and the public, verbally and in writing.
Ability to perform simple mathematical calculations, including calendar dates, money counts, and inmate inventory.
Ability to use electronic and manual recording and information systems and agency equipment.
Ability to operate and drive a motor vehicle and properly qualify with and use firearms.
Ability to use a fingerprint machine, handcuffs, and shackles/body belt.
Ability to communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of the position.
Meet the physical demands of the position, including lifting, carrying, climbing stairs, and physically restraining combative or injured inmates.

Nice To Haves

Preferred age is 21 years or older. Applicants aged 18 to 20 may be considered based on maturity and documented work, education, and/or military experience.
Special Teams assignments require passing a physical agility assessment test annually.

Responsibilities

Process incoming inmates.
Conduct searches of the facility and inmate cells according to established policies, regulations, and procedures.
Transport inmates as necessary.
Monitor, supervise, and interact with inmates, and coordinate their daily activities.
Conduct required rounds to check inmates’ safety and welfare.
Complete daily paperwork, reports, and forms, including reports of misbehavior or rule violations.
Communicate with the public by telephone or in person and coordinate activities with outside agencies and County personnel.
Enter information into the Jail’s computer system.
Review and interpret court orders, remands, and releases.
Observe inmates for Jail rule violations and unusual physical appearance or behavior.
Physically restrain inmates when necessary to prevent injuries and maintain security; use authorized equipment and the minimum amount of physical force necessary to maintain discipline and order.
Learn to recognize problem inmates and closely observe them using information from other officers.
Attend shift briefings, read departmental or institutional bulletins, and brief incoming officers on unusual activities and inmate status.
Direct inmates in housekeeping duties to maintain sanitary conditions.
Complete required academy and departmental training and maintain required certifications.