CORRECTIONS OFFICER

Location: Lehigh County Jail

Wage Type: Salary Range

Status: Full Time

Wage Plus: All Applicable Differentials

This is corrections security and custody work, at the full performance level, ensuring the care, custody and control of inmates in a County correctional facility. Work includes immediate responsibility for enforcing rules and regulations, maintaining order and discipline among inmates, escorting inmates, and preventing escapes; work also involves operation of electronic control panels and other security equipment, as well as computers. A position in this class reports to supervisory-level corrections personnel.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLSABILITIES:

- Ability to learn and understand the rules and regulations relating to the operation of a correctional facility.

- Ability to quickly learn the methods and techniques used in the control and custody of inmates, including appropriate use of force and defensive tactics.

- Ability to supervise the activities of inmates in custody.

- Ability to understand and follow both verbal and written instructions. Ability to remain alert at all times.

- Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergencies.

- Ability to keep records and to write clear and concise reports.

- Directly supervises the inmate population by enforcing rules and regulations of the institution.

- Maintains security of the facility by performing security procedures which include, conducting and documenting routine tours and rounds; performing cell searches; performing clothed and unclothed inmate searches; monitoring the movement of inmates, staff, volunteers, and visitors; collecting urine samples.

- Manages housing unit operations which includes monitoring inmate activities in the dayroom and outdoor exercise yard; supervising the distribution of meals, medication, commissary, and laundry; conducting a physical count of all inmates; issuing movement passes; confiscating and accounting for inmate property and conducting rounds, medical checks and psychiatric checks.

- Responsible for the cleanliness of all areas of the institution and conducts daily inspections of dayrooms, cells, and all other working areas. Assures all inmates maintain an acceptable level of hygiene.

- Monitors and controls all movement in the facility through the proper operation of electronic door control panels.

- Maintains an accurate log of all activities, writes incident reports, inmate misconducts reports, and reports all information through the chain of command.

- Communicates professionally and respectfully with inmates, staff, volunteers, and visitors.

- Calls and responds to security and medical emergencies. Administers first aid/CPR and follows the Use of Force policy when handling situations.

Bargaining Unit:

Yes

Comments:

- A COUNTY APPLICATION MUST BE COMPLETED IN ITS ENTIRETY AND SUBMITTED, TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THIS POSITION. APPLICANTS SHOULD NOT STATE "SEE RESUME" ANYWHERE IN THE COUNTY APPLICATION - THE INFORMATION MUST BE ON THE ACTUAL COUNTY APPLICATION. IF AN APPLICANT DOES NOT COMPLETE THE ENTIRE COUNTY APPLICATION, HE/SHE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

- Applicants must be over age 21.

- Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license is also required.