8109L1
Pay Grade: 17
DEFINITION OF WORK
Summary
Employees in this class become certified Corrections Officers through completion of the required basic Corrections Officer training program and upon completion of training, perform full performance correctional work enforcing work enforcing designated laws, rules and regulations in a correctional facility.
Incumbents in this class are responsible for maintaining security in a corrections facility by supervising the conduct, work, discipline and recreation of inmates.
Incumbents in this class are certified Corrections Officers and exercise delegated statutory powers.
Standard Classification Factors
Supervision Received - LEVEL A: "Under immediate supervision…" "Immediate" means that the employee has little or no authority to select alternative work methods or to render independent judgments of any consequence. Each task is performed according to detailed instructions, written or oral. Assignments are usually for a short duration and when completed are usually checked for accuracy, adherence to instructions and established regulations, as well as the worker’s rate of performance.
Difficulty - LEVEL A: Routine… Where the work is usually repetitive and the employee works from detailed instructions, the difficulty is usually limited to accuracy and speed.
Complexity - LEVEL A: Work is a simple or routine nature requiring very little analytical thought. Tasks are clearly defined, highly organized, closely related and often repetitive. Few if any alternatives exist for methods or procedures to be used. Work is usually in the form of specific assignments and is closely reviewed for accuracy and progress. When guidelines exist at this level, they are usually detailed, easy-to-follow instructions that cover all or most of the important aspects of the work. Workers at this level can readily determine the actions which need to be taken.
Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL B: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are minor as the work is normally reviewed regularly and errors are usually detected in following operations. Errors may be disruptive to co-workers or may cause minor inefficiency. Costs due to errors are minimal.
Contacts - LEVEL A: The purpose of the contact is to obtain, clarify, give or screen established factual information, regardless of the type (i.e., easily understood or technical) within a well-defined relationship. Normal 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 A: No supervisory or leadership responsibility; may explain work instructions or assist in training others.
Distinguishing Features
Differs from the Safety and Security Officer series in which work involves property protection and not exercise of statutory powers.
Differs from the Correctional Officer I(B) class in which the work involves controlling inmates in work, recreation and living areas and providing leadership to less experienced correction officers.
Differs from Corrections Officer II class in which the work involves controlling inmates in work, recreation and living areas and providing functional supervision of lower level officers.
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.
Patrols or guards assigned area, either by moving patrol or assigned location, to assure security of that part of a corrections facility. Observes and reports special hazards.
Escorts inmates to work assignments, recreation and elsewhere as directed. Maintains order as assigned during work, bathing, meals and other activities. Keeps count on inmates assigned; correct and advises inmates in daily routines.
Participates in shakedowns as directed. Routinely searches persons and property for contraband in accordance with established procedures.
Responds to emergency calls; assists as directed in riot control and inmate movement; participates in search and capture of fugitives.
Attends required training in corrections skills and maintains current qualifications as required by the Department of Corrections.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS
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 English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Knowledge of the attitudes, problems, and behavior of individuals under restraint.
Abilities
*Ability to count accurately.
*Ability to perform simple addition and subtraction.
*Ability to observe and recall inmate behavior, surroundings and events.
*Ability to write clear and complete sentences.
*Ability to communicate information concisely and accurately.
*Ability to operate security devices and equipment.
*Ability to read, understand and apply 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 understand 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 follow oral and written instructions.
Skills
*Capacity to remain alert over long periods of time.
Capacity to remain calm during stressful situations.
*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:
High School or equivalent and valid driver's license.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
This class requires the use of a firearm for law enforcement duties; therefore, to be eligible for appointment to a position in this class, candidates cannot have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor domestic violence crime as set forth in 18 U.S.C. § 922 (d) (9) and (g) (9).
Employees will be required to successfully complete all basic Corrections Officer training courses within six months of appointment. Employees who are on original probation may have up to twelve months to complete Corrections Officer basic training.
Candidates for this class must have reached their 21st birthday at time of appointment and be free of any felony conviction.
Positions in this class require that at the time of appointment the selected candidate must take and pass a drug screening test approved by the Division of Personnel Services.
REV: 12/95
REV: 11/96
REV: 03/98
REV: 10/98
REV: 06/99
REV: 01/00
REV: 02/00
REV: 01/01