Corrections Officer

Travis County•Austin, TX

20h•Onsite

About The Position

The Corrections Officer position is an entry level employee, who operates under close supervision to provide safety, security, and welfare of inmates, colleagues, staff, and the public in a building/section jail post. After completion of Field Training Officer (FTO) training, the Corrections Officer advances to directly supervising inmates and is engaged in all functions related to welfare, safety, and security of the inmate housing unit assigned. Performs other ancillary duties assigned. This classification represents an entry level corrections position within the department. This classification requires work in secure facilities. This classification requires a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department.

Requirements

Must be a US Citizen.
Must be 20 years of age, 21 years of age for armed assignments.
High school Diploma or GED.
Must qualify with weapon annually in accordance with TCSO standards.
Must meet the Physical Readiness Testing requirements according to TCSO policy.
Must attain a Jailer’s License from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) within one (1) year of initial employment with TCSO.
Possess a valid Drivers’ License.
Must be able to obtain a State of Texas driver’s license within 90 days.
Knowledge of: Laws, regulations and procedures governing custody of persons.
Knowledge of: Penal Code, and the Code of Criminal Procedure, Rules of Evidence, Family Code, Civil statutes, Regulatory Agency Codes, Texas Jail Standards.
Knowledge of: Federal, State, Local and County applicable laws, rules, regulations and guidelines.
Knowledge of: Practices and procedures involved in jail management.
Knowledge of: Local laws, ordinances and the TCOLE standards and procedures pertaining to the commitment, confinement and release of prisoners.
Skill in: Operating basic computer equipment to include online searches, word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages, including small office equipment or multiline telephones.
Skill in: Use of detention and other law enforcement equipment.
Skill in: Basic conflict resolution and community relations.
Skill in: Clear and concise verbal and written communication.
Ability to: Work as a team member within a diverse organization.
Ability to: Read and understand basic legal documents.
Ability to: Interact with people beyond giving and receiving instructions.
Ability to: Perform under stress and when confronted with emergency situations.
Ability to: Maintain discipline and order in the jail.
Ability to: Make decisions and take prompt action in emergency situations.
Ability to: Prepare and maintain routine records and logs.
Ability to: Establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.
Ability to: Take physical control of another person.
Must be able to lift and wear an approximately 40 pound Self Contained breathing apparatus for emergencies during fires; and must be able to partially lift and drag an average weight person of 150 lbs., a distance of 75 feet for the evacuation of individuals unable to assist themselves during emergencies; must be able to physically restrain hostile and combative subjects; must be able to participate in defensive tactics training and annual refresher training.
Must be able to work any shift and must be able to communicate in clear English during emergencies.
Vision: Must have sufficient vision without glasses to defend self and others and perform mandatory life safety functions. Dual vision is required. All officers are required to take and pass vision tests each year. Vision must be correctable to 20/20 or better with uncorrected vision of 20/200 or better. Corrected visual acuity should be at least 20/20 (both eyes) and 20/40 (each eye). For applicants who have completed refractive surgery to correct vision, the operating physician must complete a Corrected Vision Surgical Form.
Hearing : Must have normal hearing in both ears. Hearing sensitivity thresholds are within 25 dB measured at 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000Hz and 3000Hz averaged together. If a person does not have normal hearing a medical specialist evaluation is required in order for the candidate to be considered for hire.
Seizure Disorder: Uncontrolled seizures of any kind are disqualifying. Applicants with a history of a seizure must be able to control the disorder by medication, be seizure free for one year and sign the Notification, understanding and commitment.

Nice To Haves

If you are an experienced corrections officer, please review salary information below: 5+ years of experience w/intermediate license or higher: $61,099.99/year. After hire, if eligible for Sr. CO: $64,824.51/year
10+ years of experience w/advanced license or higher: $65,672.88/year. After hire, if eligible for Sr. CO: $68,772.32/year.

Responsibilities

Responsible for assisting the Post Officers and performing duties away from the post to ensure the smooth operation of the building/section.
Assists and supports the Post Officers by procuring supplies, delivering paperwork, responding to assistance calls, etc.
Assists with mail, commissary, laundry, and other activities at appropriate times.
Assists with inmate searches and cell searches as needed.
Assists with inmate counts as needed.
Updates and prints new count sheets, moves lists and other lists each day.
Documents statistical data as required.
Assists in meal distribution as needed.
Assists in attempting to resolve inmate requests and complaints.
Responsible for the cleanliness, maintenance and security of the building and grounds.
Conducts cleanup detail as assigned.
Notes security breaches/concerns.
Conducts outside perimeter security checks of the building/section at least once per shift, checking for damage or maintenance concerns, as well as for inmates tampering with windows, doors, walls, etc. in possible escape attempts.
Conducts and monitors recreation and special inmate work details when applicable.
Responsible for taking appropriate actions for all rule infractions such as counseling and reporting.
Escorts and/or processes inmates into and out of the units as needed, and monitors inmate movement; ensures inmates arrive at court/programs on time and in appropriate attire.
Escorts official visitors and other visitors within the building/section.
Monitors religious services and programs that occur within the building.
Rotates assignments for other staff members.
Responds to crisis situations such as fights, fire alarms, medical emergencies, etc. according to policy and procedure.
Maintains information logs, assigned and unassigned equipment such as keys, radios, vehicles etc.
Performs other duties as assigned.