Incumbent serves as a Correction Officer for St. Joseph County Jail, responsible for assisting County employees and overseeing recruitment activities.

Summary:

Supervise inmates in the St. Joseph County Jail in accordance with established

policies, regulations, orders, and procedures by performing assigned duties.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities of a Corrections Officer include, but are not limited

to, the following:

o Observe inmate conduct and behavior

o Treat inmates, visitors, and staff in a courteous and professional

manner

o Take necessary actions according to training to prevent disturbances

and escapes

o Inspect all security measures for functionality & operability

o Conduct inmates searches for contraband

o Observe and supervise inmates during work assignments

o Patrol assigned areas on foot while looking for forbidden activities or

unsatisfactory performance

o Report observations in written, computerized, and verbal form

o Employ weapons or force to maintain order within the jail when

necessary

o Escort inmates within the jail, to/from court, to medical treatments

both in and outside the facility all while ensuring the safety of the

inmate, corrections officers, and any other persons who could be in

contact with the inmate

o Respond to calls for assistance by running up to ½ mile

o Possess and Maintain the ability to move people away from danger,

including by carrying unconscious people and providing emergency

aid

o Possess and Maintain the ability to effect a forcible arrest

o Use appropriate equipment and training to restrain people from

physically striking or injuring others

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This policy has inmate supervision responsibilities only.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform listed

duties in a satisfactory manner. Abilities such as multitasking, and prioritization

are essential. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge,

skill and/or abilities necessary. Individual must be able to attend a 2-week (80-

hour total, M-F) jail school training before you are able to work any shift. Within

the first year of employment individual must also be able to attend a separate 40-

hour state mandated school.

Education and/or Experience:

High school diploma or general education degree (GED)

Language Skills:

Individual must be able to read and interpret documents; such as safety rules,

operating and maintenance instruction materials, and policy & procedure

manuals. Individual must possess the ability to communicate effectively with

fellow staff and inmates through written, computerized, and verbal methods.

Mathematical Skills:

Individual must possess basic mathematical skills such as addition, subtraction,

multiplication, division, units of measure, whole numbers, fractions, and

decimals.

Reasoning Ability:

Applicant must possess ability to solve problems in time sensitive, fluid, hectic

and even chaotic situations where the level of control is often limited. Applicant

must be able to quickly and correctly interpret and execute orders given by

command staff.

Certificates, Licenses, Registration:

Applicant license status must be in good standings.

Physical demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met

by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities

to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to

walk up to two miles per day. Employee may also be required to stand or sit for

extended periods of time. The employee is occasionally required to run for

distances of up to one half mile and must be able to climb and descend stairways

unassisted. The employee must possess the ability to speak and hear. Sight

abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision,

peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

The St. Joseph County Jail will provide specialized self-defense training. Each

applicant must meet the minimum physical requirements to participate and

successfully complete this training. Each applicant must maintain the physical

ability to accomplish these tasks at any time required. Applicants may also be

required to run for short periods of time during emergency situations.

An applicant must be able to affect a control maneuver of an unruly and

potentially dangerous inmate alone until assistance from other staff members

arrive.

Work environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those

an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities

to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is

usually very loud. While performing the duties of this job an employee may be

subjected to profanity, physical and verbal abuse.

Employees are required to maintain a calm, professional manner even when

subjected to extremely confusing and disorganized situations during the

performance of their duties.

Is there anything that would keep you from meeting the job duties as outlined? 

Yes______  No______

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Applicant/Employee Signature                                             Date 

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