Correctional Officer Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Must be a United States citizen.
• Must be at least 17 years old at the time of application; the Merit Board will not review an applicant's file until the applicant turns 18.
• High school diploma or General Education Development (GED) certificate.
• Valid driver's license or state identification card.
• Valid Illinois Firearm Owner’s Identification Card (FOID), or ability to obtain one.
• Ability to work any assigned shift, including days, afternoons, or midnights, and to work holidays, weekends, and mandatory overtime as required.
• Must pass a background investigation showing no felony convictions.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• Must successfully complete post-offer tests, which may include a background check, drug screen, and/or medical examination.
• Good judgment, initiative, and ability to make sound decisions and act promptly in routine and emergency situations.
• Thorough knowledge of institutional policies, rules, procedures, General Orders, and Sheriff’s Orders and policies and procedures prescribed by law and the Correctional Superintendent.
• Ability to supervise and control individuals in custody individually and in large groups or crews.
• Knowledge of common office software and computers, including Microsoft Word and applicable specialized law enforcement software such as IMACS.

Responsibilities

• Make rounds of assigned areas, inspect conditions and activity, and report unusual occurrences to superiors.
• Guard access and egress through gates and other facility entrances, and check identification to ensure only authorized people enter or leave.
• Inspect vehicles entering or leaving the institution and check visitors for contraband.
• Supervise and check the work of individuals in custody engaged in maintenance, custodial, laundry, tailoring, and clerical tasks.
• Perform receiving-room guard duties and ensure security precautions and orderly processing of individuals in custody.
• Build and maintain rapport with individuals in custody, explain institutional rules, and use communication to identify potential problems or risks.
• Diffuse and control disruptive behavior through verbal intervention, appropriate orders, and appropriate use of physical force.
• Monitor individuals in custody for unusual behavior, improper conduct, or signs of conflict, and monitor personal visits and recreational activity.
• Search individuals in custody, cells, living quarters, recreation and visiting areas, and other facility or grounds areas for contraband and unapproved items.
• Check facility perimeters on foot, by car, or from a watchtower, and conduct security checks of locks, doors, bars, and windows.
• Prepare individuals in custody for transportation, apply appropriate restraints, and ensure related materials are ready and in order.
• Transport individuals in custody to and from court, lawyer visits, medical appointments, work sites, or other facilities as required.
• Communicate with staff and main control about behavior and incidents, and request assistance when needed.
• Conduct and coordinate head counts to verify the presence and total number of individuals in custody.
• Process new admissions and transfers, and respond to medical, fire, security, and other emergencies according to facility procedures.
• Write narrative, confidential, incident, disciplinary, and special-observation reports, and maintain shift logs and inventories.
• Use a portable two-way radio; open and close gates and doors to restricted areas; issue and inventory facility keys.
• Attend required roll calls and training, and remain current on policies, procedures, directives, and memoranda.