Corrections Officer- Metropolitan Detention Center

Bernalillo County•Albuquerque, NM

7d•$23 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of a higher-level supervisor, the Corrections Officer maintains custody and control of inmates in the Metropolitan Detention Center, enforces applicable laws and departmental regulations, and performs other duties related to assigned responsibilities. The role includes processing inmates, maintaining facility security and order, coordinating services and court appearances, responding to emergencies, and completing records and reports. Officers may transport inmates and supervise work details and community custody programs. Employees must complete the MDC Training Academy and probationary period. New hires attend the next available Cadet Training Academy; the training program lasts 10 weeks. After graduation, cadets receive post orders and begin service for Bernalillo County Corrections. Shift work is required. Most essential duties take place indoors in a temperature-controlled environment, with some outdoor duties and exposure to weather. The work may involve noise, fumes, odors, contagious diseases, high stress, and potentially hostile or dangerous situations. The position requires meeting specified medical, vision, hearing, physical-agility, and fitness-for-duty standards. Physical duties may include pursuits, climbing, crawling, restraining people, using force, operating vehicles, and lifting or carrying objects of varying weights. The job posting lists pay of $22.59 during the Academy and $23.73 after graduation.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED, or satisfaction of the requirements of the MDC Lateral Entry Program.
A valid New Mexico driver's license must be maintained while employed. Applicants with an out-of-state license must obtain a New Mexico license within 30 days of hire.
Must be at least 18 years old by the start of the Corrections Officer Training Academy; there is no upper age limit.
Must be a United States citizen or permanent resident and provide an Alien Registration number.
Must pass the required written and oral psychological examinations, drug screen, and physical examination after successfully completing background and interview requirements.
Must meet the minimum vision and hearing standards specified for Corrections Officers, including the stated visual acuity and color-discrimination standards and hearing thresholds.
Must comply with Bernalillo County safety guidelines.
Must pass the physical agility test and maintain fitness-for-duty status through annual testing.
Must successfully complete the Corrections Department probationary period and MDC Training Academy.
Must be able to perform the stated physical functions, including standing, walking, sitting, running, climbing, crawling, lifting, carrying, restraining, and using force as required.
Must be able to communicate orally and in writing in English, understand written directions in English, prepare reports, perform basic math and computer tasks, and follow and apply policies and procedures.
Must be able to remain calm under stress, use sound judgment in emergencies, analyze hazardous situations, and communicate professionally with coworkers, supervisors, inmates, and the public.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience in corrections or law enforcement is desirable.
Knowledge of corrections and detention program operations, services, and activities.
Knowledge of criminal justice principles and practices, law enforcement, modern booking procedures, and corrections and detention theory and practice.
Knowledge of correctional institution and inmate security practices, occupational hazards, and standard safety practices.
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local codes, laws, and regulations, and the ability to interpret and apply them.
Ability to apply laws, regulations, and procedures concerning safety, security, and corrections operations.

Responsibilities

Assist with searching, booking, fingerprinting, photographing, and other initial inmate-processing procedures.
Coordinate arrangements for bond, legal representation, and personal assistance for inmates; schedule court appearances.
Maintain order and report unusual conditions, policy violations, disturbances, or indications of potential disorder to supervisors.
Patrol designated facility areas, control traffic to and from assigned areas, maintain security, inspect the facility, conduct periodic inmate counts, and account for inmates under supervision.
Provide or arrange inmate personal grooming and supervise sanitation practices.
Administer emergency first aid when necessary and refer inmates to medical assistance, psychiatric services, or counselors.
Participate in fire and safety drills, lockdowns, and related emergency situations.
Participate in inmate discharge, including issuing clothing and arranging transportation.
As required, transport inmates and supervise inmate work details and community custody programs.
Maintain logs and write reports in accordance with policy and standard operating procedures.
Respond courteously to public inquiries, provide information within the assigned area, and resolve complaints efficiently and promptly.