Warden (Berks County Jail System)

County of Berks • Leesport, PA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

POSITION SUMMARY:

Directs and oversees, through subordinate supervisors, the entire operation of
the Jail System: Custody/Security, Operations, Treatment, Budget,
Administration, the Special Operations Group, and all Contracted Services.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions

The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not
necessarily limited to:

Develops, reviews, revises, implements, disseminates, and interprets jail
policies, procedures, post orders, plans, etc. in conformance with BCJS
Standard Operating Procedures, PA DOC minimum standards, collective
bargaining agreements, and applicable laws/regulations concerning conditions
of incarceration, inmate programs, and services.
Responds to staff grievances and complaints and plays a vital role in
maintaining a positive union/management relationship
Oversees, guides, and directs internal investigations into allegations of
misconduct by inmates and/or employees and refers matters for disciplinary
sanction and/or criminal prosecution when necessary. Directs and guides
responses to emergency incidents at the jail.
Conducts supervisory staff meetings and training, and conducts training for
all new correctional officers. Conducts final interviews of applicants for
key departmental vacancies.
Ensures departmental reports, correspondence, documentation, and
records/files are completed, processed in a timely manner, and handled in
accordance with applicable policies and procedures.
Plans for the necessary expansion of the facility, its services, and its
personnel. Plans for the purchase of equipment and technology needed to
support the jail system.
Represents the jail system at meetings, conferences, training, community
functions, or other events. Serves as liaison to outside agencies; testifies
and presents evidence in civil and criminal proceedings related to jail
system operations.
Provides consultation, information, and other assistance to jail/county
department supervisors/staff. Participates in the Pennsylvania County
Corrections Association; actively involved in committee work with local and
state criminal justice groups/organizations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Psychology, or a related field, from an accredited college or university with a minimum of four years of correctional supervisory experience, and ten years of experience in the field of corrections.
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• First Aid and CPR certified.
• Annual firearms qualification.
• Must possess a valid PA Driver’s License.
• Ability to meet all employment criteria established by the Berks County Jail System, which may include a job interview, urine drug screen, physical/health assessment, criminal background/credit check, aptitude testing, psychological assessment, and interview by a psychologist.
• Knowledge of handling/operating all security, safety, maintenance, and other equipment relevant to the position, including but not limited to weapons, restraints, keys, radios, telephones, computers, copiers, etc.
• Working knowledge, skill, and ability to make immediate sound decisions and judgments in a management capacity within the scope of the Berks County Jail System Policy.
• Ability to conduct in-depth investigations and address the culpability of those involved.
• Working knowledge and ability to receive, analyze, and respond to complaints from inmates, staff, civilians, elected officials, and County department supervisors.
• Ability to identify symptoms of stress-related job performance deficiencies in others and take appropriate action.
• Ability to handle stress.
• Physical presence in the facility is required.

Responsibilities

• Develops, reviews, revises, implements, disseminates, and interprets jail policies, procedures, post orders, plans, etc. in conformance with BCJS Standard Operating Procedures, PA DOC minimum standards, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable laws/regulations concerning conditions of incarceration, inmate programs, and services.
• Responds to staff grievances and complaints and plays a vital role in maintaining a positive union/management relationship
• Oversees, guides, and directs internal investigations into allegations of misconduct by inmates and/or employees and refers matters for disciplinary sanction and/or criminal prosecution when necessary. Directs and guides responses to emergency incidents at the jail.
• Conducts supervisory staff meetings and training, and conducts training for all new correctional officers. Conducts final interviews of applicants for key departmental vacancies.
• Ensures departmental reports, correspondence, documentation, and records/files are completed, processed in a timely manner, and handled in accordance with applicable policies and procedures.
• Plans for the necessary expansion of the facility, its services, and its personnel. Plans for the purchase of equipment and technology needed to support the jail system.
• Represents the jail system at meetings, conferences, training, community functions, or other events. Serves as liaison to outside agencies; testifies and presents evidence in civil and criminal proceedings related to jail system operations.
• Provides consultation, information, and other assistance to jail/county department supervisors/staff. Participates in the Pennsylvania County Corrections Association; actively involved in committee work with local and state criminal justice groups/organizations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees