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______
Applicant/Employee Signature Date
Print or Type Name