Correctional Officer I

Job Summary

Under the direction of a Corporal, the Correctional Officer is responsible for maintaining the safety, security, and orderly operation of the Detention Center in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and correctional standards. This position supervises inmates, protects staff and visitors, safeguards County property, and ensures the secure and humane treatment of individuals in custody. The Correctional Officer contributes to public safety through the secure confinement, care, and supervision of inmates.

Essential Functions

The duties listed below are representative of the work performed by this position and are not intended to be all-inclusive. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

• Maintains continuous supervision of inmates and detention facility operations through observation, control, confinement, and counseling.
• Ensures inmates receive daily necessities, including meals, hygiene supplies, and access to approved services.
• Maintains accountability of utensils, tools, and other items issued within the facility.
• Conducts routine and targeted searches of inmates, inmate property, housing units, facility grounds, and other areas to detect and prevent contraband.
• County vehicles drive to transport courts, medical appointments and escort inmates to and from housing units to medical and other authorized locations.
• Screens and authorizes entry of visitors, contractors, vendors, maintenance personnel, and service providers; receives and processes deliveries.
• Monitors inmate behavior and intervene appropriately to prevent assaults, de-escalate situations, or respond to verbal and physical altercations.
• Enforces rules and regulations governing the conduct of visitors.
• Provides security during attorney visits, family visitation, and other authorized inmate contacts.
• Supervises inmates on work details and inmate activities, including recreation, educational programming, and other approved activities.
• Processes incoming inmates, including intake, classification, identification, fingerprinting, and documentation.
• Releases inmates only upon verification of authorized documentation and established release procedures.
• Maintains strict accountability for weapons, keys, restraints, communications equipment, and other security devices.
• Performs regular, documented security checks of housing units and maintains heightened observation of inmates requiring special monitoring.
• Oversee incarcerated individual (inmate) work assignments and assist in maintaining facility cleanliness, sanitation, and security, reports maintenance and repair needs.
• Maintains accurate records and reports, including inmate counts, incident reports, inventories, log entries, and other required documentation.
• Responds to emergencies, disturbances, medical incidents, and other critical situations in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Supervision Received

This position reports directly to a Corporal and does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Communication Skills

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, law enforcement personnel, incarcerated individuals (mates), attorneys, government officials, service providers, and members of the public.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to prepare accurate reports and documentation and effectively present information to staff, officials, and the public.

Interpersonal and Customer Service Skills

• Demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and respect in all interactions.
• Effectively manages difficult, emotional, or high-stress situations.
• Treats individuals fairly and impartially regardless of background, status, or circumstances.
• Demonstrates sound judgment, discretion, and emotional intelligence.

Adaptability and Problem-Solving Skills

• Adapts effectively to changes in policies, procedures, technology, and operational needs.
• Exercises initiative and sound decision-making in dynamic and potentially volatile situations.
• Communicate information and recommendations clearly and effectively.

Technical and Correctional Skills

• Ability to operate security systems, communication devices, fingerprinting equipment, surveillance equipment, and other correctional technology.
• Ability to recognize and respond appropriately to disruptive, antisocial, violent, or self-destructive behavior.
• Ability to enforce institutional rules, regulations, and procedures consistently and fairly.
• Ability to exercise tact, diplomacy, firmness, and good judgment while maintaining security and order.
• Ability to learn and apply correctional best practices, policies, and procedures with minimal supervision.

Computer Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and electronic record management systems.
• Ability to utilize law enforcement, correctional, and criminal justice databases.
• Ability to conduct basic internet-based research and data retrieval.

Additional Requirements

Candidates must:

• Be at least 18 years of age by the time of hired.
• Successfully pass a criminal background investigation, drug screening, medical and psychological evaluation.
• Be capable of safely operating agency vehicles, including vehicles used for incarcerated individual (inmate) transportation.
• Meet all standards required to maintain certification and employment as a Correctional Officer.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Six (6) months to one (1) year of related experience in corrections, law enforcement, military service, security, or a closely related field preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education, technical training, and experience may be considered.
• Licenses and Certifications
• Valid Maryland driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Maryland Correctional Officer Certification, or the ability to obtain certification within one (1) year of hire.
• Annual firearms qualification required.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certifications required.
• Non-Lethal Force Certification preferred.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Work is performed in a secure detention facility and may involve frequent interaction with individuals who are violent, emotionally disturbed, mentally ill, intoxicated, or physically ill.

The position regularly requires:

• Standing, walking, climbing stairs, and conducting security rounds for extended periods.
• Lifting, carrying, pushing, or restraining individuals and objects of moderate weight.
• Responding rapidly to emergencies and physically demanding situations.
• Exposure to potentially hazardous conditions, including firearms, bodily fluids, bloodborne pathogens, airborne contaminants, chemical agents, and adverse weather conditions.
• Use of personal protective equipment and specialized safety equipment as required.

Work also involves routine office and administrative tasks requiring normal safety precautions associated with office equipment and workplace environments.

The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, qualifications, or working conditions associated with the position.

All County positions are subject to reassignment or transfer based on operational needs.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Benefits

• Vacation, Sick, and Personal Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Parental Leave
• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Long-Term Disability & Short-Term Disability Coverage
• Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• Tuition Reimbursement