Correctional Officer Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Be at least 19 years of age.
• Have a high school diploma or GED certificate.
• Successfully pass an extensive personal interview and background check.
• Qualify in all phases of testing: written, medical, physical, and psychological.
• Have no felony conviction and must not have served a sentence in a jail or house of correction.
• Have some knowledge of correctional procedures.
• Possess a current and valid Massachusetts Class 3 Motor Vehicle Operator's License.
• Maintain regular and predictable work attendance.
• Remain calm, make decisions, and act quickly in emergency and dangerous situations, and adapt to varying work situations.
• Interact effectively with people under physical or emotional stress and establish rapport with people from different ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds.
• Motivate others and understand, explain, and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, specifications, standards, and guidelines governing assigned unit activities.
• Maintain accurate records and follow fairly complex written and oral instructions.
• Lift or carry an inmate or fellow officer when needed.
• Stand and walk for prolonged periods and possess reasonable physical stamina and endurance.
• Prepare reports; analyze data and determine its applicability; draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.
• Determine the proper format and procedure for assembling information.

Responsibilities

• Maintain custodial care and control of inmates by escorting them under restraint and conducting facility patrols, periodic rounds, head counts, and security checks.
• Monitor inmate movements and whereabouts.
• Supervise and direct inmates during work assignments to maintain order and security.
• Observe inmate conduct and behavioral patterns to help prevent disturbances, violence, escapes, and other crises.
• Search individuals, packages, mail, and inmate quarters for contraband, weapons, and other prohibited items, and investigate suspicious activity.
• Refer inmates to appropriate supportive services, including medical, psychiatric, and vocational services, as needed.
• Prepare written reports concerning fires, disturbances, accidents, security breaches, and other occurrences.
• Record unit activities in daily logs and review activity reports to maintain accurate, current information.
• Screen visitors and perform related duties, including operating two-way radios and serving food to inmates.
• Assist with transporting inmates outside the facility.
• Prepare disciplinary, informational, and confidential reports.
• Use physical force lawfully and in accordance with department policies and procedures to maintain or restore order.
• Carry and use firearms safely and lawfully when authorized.
• Assign work to and review the performance of correctional officers and other personnel on behalf of the immediate supervisor.
• Oversee the activities of inmates assigned to work crews.