CORRECTIONS SPECIALIST III7515L1 Pay Grade: 26 27 DEFINITION OF WORK Summary This is supervisory and administrative work in a corrections facility. Incumbents in this class are responsible for full supervision of one or more working units. Incumbents may be responsible for a shift at a major corrections institution or all security operations at a small institution or facility. Incumbents in this class are certified Corrections Officers and exercise delegated statutory powers. Standard Classification Factors Supervision Received - LEVEL B: "Under general supervision…" Employees working under general supervision usually receive some instructions with respect to the details of most assignments but are free to develop their own work sequences within established procedures, methods and policies. They are often physically removed from their supervisor and subject to only periodic checks. Difficulty - LEVEL C: Considerable… Duties which require a high degree of concentration because of the many factors which must be considered and weighed before a decision can be reached. Usually positions that require planning, developing, and coordinating programs and directing fairly large groups of people fall into this category. Complexity - LEVEL C: Work is of a standardized nature that may involve a variety of duties. Analytical thought becomes more important at this level due to increased data and changing situations. Tasks usually have several steps, some of which may not be directly related. Alternatives may exist for processes or methods to be used in solving problems. Workers at this level exercise a moderate amount of independent judgment. Work is controlled by routine review and reporting to or consultation with supervisors. When guidelines exist at this level, they tend to be more complicated or technical in nature requiring careful interpretation. Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL C: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are limited in scope and effect as the work is reviewed occasionally. Errors may cause moderate inefficiency. Costs due to errors may be significant. Contacts - LEVEL B: The purpose of the contact is to plan, coordinate and advise on work efforts, interpret guidelines or instructions, elicit opinions or give guidance on the basis of facts to resolve common issues or problems when the information is not sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are working toward mutual goals and have basically cooperative attitudes. Well developed communication skills are required. Physical Demands - LEVEL C: The work requires moderate physical exertion. Environmental Conditions - LEVEL C: The work environment involves hazards, risks or discomforts typical of working with or around machinery with exposed moving parts, irritant chemicals, heavy equipment or abusive or hostile clientele and patients. Exposure to disagreeable weather conditions and extreme levels of temperature, ventilation, lighting and sound are normal. Protective clothing or gear and specific safety standards or procedures may be required. Serious injury is possible. Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL C: Typically involves limited supervisory responsibility which entails performing as a "first line supervisor" for a small number of employees. Supervision is not the primary responsibility of the job. Responsibility includes training, instructing, scheduling, and reviewing work and recommending hiring and disciplinary actions to a higher level of authority. Distinguishing Features Differs from the Safety and Security Officer series in which the work involves property protection and not exercise of statutory powers. Differs from the Juvenile Corrections Specialist class series in which the work involves responsibility for developing program elements for staff and juvenile offenders. Differs from the Corrections Specialist II class in which the work involves supervisory correctional work. Differs from the Corrections Manager I class in which the work involves participation in agency planning and policy development. EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED Enforces all laws, rules and regulations of the Secretary of Corrections, department policies and unit orders pertaining to operation of the department. Plans, organizes and directs the work of subordinate personnel; routinely provides on-the-job training and may serve as an instructor in a more formal training program. Plans, organizes and directs the activities of security staff at a major institution. Assures that all posts essential to operation of the institution are filled. May call back staff and authorize overtime. Plans, organizes and directs security operations at a small institution. Assigns Corrections Officers and Specialists to ensure that all posts are manned. Makes regular rounds providing supervision and assistance to living unit and activity area personnel. Provides direction and assistance in resolving security and operations problems. Directs as an ancillary duty a specialized investigation/intelligence team responsible for investigating incidents involving inmates, institutional personnel or other individuals on the premises; determines investigative procedures; reviews evidence obtained by observation and interview; analyzes information and prepares summary reports to higher authority. Inspects, reports on, and recommends corrective action for administrative procedures related to security, safety, and sanitation, adequacy of physical plant, and care and treatment of inmates at state corrections institutions or local detention facilities; makes court appearances as expert witness in litigation concerning jail operations. Attends required training in corrections skills and maintains current qualifications as required by the Department of Corrections. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, SKILLS AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS Knowledge Knowledge of Department of Corrections and institutional policies, procedures, administrative regulations and operational memoranda. Knowledge of the Department of Corrections' inmate handbook. *Knowledge of inmate counseling methods and techniques. *Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation. *Knowledge of the attitudes, problems, and behavior of individuals under restraint. *Knowledge of the methods, procedures, and practices of controlling and supervising inmates confined to a corrections institution. Knowledge of prison rules, regulations, and practices. Knowledge of institutional general orders, state, and departmental regulations, policies, and procedures. *Knowledge of modern correctional principles and methods. *Knowledge of the principles and concepts of learning and effective instruction. Knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision. Abilities *Ability to perform addition and subtraction. *Ability to observe and recall inmate behavior, surroundings and events. *Ability to write clear and complete sentences. *Ability to communicate information effectively. *Ability to operate security devices and equipment. *Ability to read, understand and apply oral and written instructions. *Ability to interact with inmates and co-workers to establish and maintain an effective working relationship. *Ability to operate simple communications equipment such as hand held radios, telephones, intercoms, etc. *Ability to explain and apply inmate rules, regulations and Departmental and Institutional policies and procedures. *Ability to fire a handgun, shotgun, and rifle. *Ability to supervise and control inmates individually and in groups. *Ability to think and act quickly during an emergency. *Ability to direct subordinate corrections officers. *Ability to communicate effectively. *Ability to plan, assign, and direct the work of others. *Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with institution officials, staff, and inmates. Ability to supervise all operations and programs of an entire correctional institution as the officer-in-charge of a shift. Ability to develop and install administrative procedures and operations and evaluate their effectiveness and efficiency. Ability to train security, paraprofessional, operating, and clerical personnel. *Ability to maintain order and discipline among inmates. *Ability to remain alert over long periods of time. *Ability to remain calm during stressful situations. Skills *Capacity to physically restrain inmates. Personal Characteristics *Good physical condition, including the capacity to respond to emergencies quickly, to climb stairs, and to use physical force to subdue violent and resisting inmates. *Necessary at Entry MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Must meet all minimum qualifications and necessary special requirements for CO I A; be at least 21 years of age at time of appointment; have four years of relevant experience in the field of corrections or in the detention of convicted offenders including at least one year of supervisory experience and have successfully completed the Corrections Officer Training Program (COTP). At the discretion of the agency, relevant college coursework or completion of corrections officer training in another jurisdiction may be substituted for some or all of the required COTP and for some or all of the required non-supervisory experience. REV: 12/95 |