Position Summary

The Correctional Officer’s responsibilities include the entire well-being of persons incarcerated in the McLeod County Jail. This includes booking inmates, checking records for medication; maintain information, making well-being checks, serving meals, and transport.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this classification. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Position Duties

• Complete the booking process on inmates to include obtaining accurate information from the arresting officer, verify sentencing information, collect inmate information, conduct property inventory, collect information about medical history, collect fingerprints and photographs and issue clothing, linens and personal hygiene items.
• Conduct various levels of body searches of inmates of same gender according to inmate sentence and Jail Policy to ensure no weapons or harmful materials are brought into the Jail facility.
• Check and record any medication inmates report they are taking and order such medication, if necessary and report all inmate medical needs to Jail Nurse and/or Supervisor.
• Complete timely and accurate medication distribution to inmates and fill out medication logs. Ensure that all medication given to inmates is taken by the correct inmate and not saved for dangerous or improper purposes.
• Properly classify and house inmate according to degree of severity of crime, vulnerability, medical needs assessments, gender, age, and according to other inmate’s classification in unit.
• Accurately maintain computer information regarding inmates.
• Make mandated well-being checks of inmates and complete proper documentation of same.
• Control all facility security keys.
• Manage inmate money accounts and complete appropriate documentation of the same.
• Serve meals and keep accurate inventory of all trays and utensils that are passed out and returned and maintain documentation on special meals requirements.
• Ensure that all facility sanitary conditions are maintained and report to Supervisor any conditions that need repair or attention via work order.
• Report to Supervisor any violations of Jail rules by inmates.
• Release work program prisoners to make sure they are able to get to work on time and report to Supervisor and/or Program Coordinator any violations of conditions of release when known.
• Manage the intake of work release prisoners, ensuring no one brings in contraband and making sure they have not consumed any alcohol or drugs by Portable Breath Test (PBT) or Urine Analysis (UA) testing.
• Accurately administer Portable Breath Test (PBT) and Urine Analysis (UA) testing to detect drug usage.
• Oversee the movement of inmates inside the Jail and Courthouse at all times.
• Maintain accurate daily reports including, but not limited to: daily logs, medication log, incident reports, court reports, etc.
• Observe and carry out all policies and procedures of the McLeod County Jail.
• Respond to the reasonable needs of the prisoners during shift.
• Responsible for completing prisoner transports to or from other correctional agencies, court, medical appointments, etc.
• Maintain Jail security, conduct cell searches for contraband and report breaches of security to the Jail Administrator.
• Complete accurate, legible, and factually written reports on all unusual Jail occurrences, incidents, and emergencies.
• Conduct due process hearings on inmates that have been charged with violations of Jail rules.
• Assists with weapons screening at the main entrance of the Courthouse.
• Assists with Courthouse and Courtroom security as needed under the direction of licensed staff.

Non-Essential Functions

• Responsible to continue training by attending training sessions as scheduled by the Supervisor and within the requirements of the Department of Corrections.
• Perform other job related duties as assigned or apparent.
• Ability to become a Field Training Officer. Must have strong communications skills and the ability to train and evaluate trainee.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Ability to work independently using initiative and discretion while performing their duties.
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
• Ability to deal tactfully and professionally with the general public, inmates, coworkers, and administration.
• An ability to type a minimum of 30 words a minute.
• Computer background either through training or formal education.
• A working knowledge of filing systems.
• A good working knowledge of the English language, ability to write legible, accurate, and understandable reports.
• An ability to effectively communicate orally with co-workers, supervisors, inmates and the general public.
• An ability to think clearly and act quickly and appropriately in emergency situations.
• Ability to keep inmates subdued during the transport process.
• An ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• An ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Remain in the Jail and keep awake and alert at all times.
• Ability to maintain regular and timely work attendance.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and other employees.
• Ability to communicate effectively and courteously with the general public and other staff in person, over the phone and through written correspondence.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent plus one year of related experience. Or
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job.

Required Certifications/Licenses

• Valid driver’s license and ability to maintain such license and proof of insurance.

Preferred education and Experience

• Experience involving public contact.

Preferred Certification

• CPR and First Aid Certificates

Relationships

• Arresting officers and other agencies to get information on new inmates for intake processing.
• Jail inmates to provide jail rules and ensure they are in compliance and to ensure their well-being while in custody.
• Probation, court, Social Services and other County departments
• General public.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Working Conditions

• Work is performed primarily in the County Jail facility and County Courthouse.
• Work entails transportation of potentially dangerous prisoners during all hours and weather conditions.
• Work entails escorting prisoners to and from court hearings
• Work may require twelve hour rotating shifts depending on assignment.
• Risk of exposure to:
  • Hepatitis and blood-borne pathogens.
  • Airborne pathogens, e.g., tuberculosis.
  • Verbal and physical assaults.
  
  

Physical Requirements Of This Position

• Required to expend a very high intensity of effort for duties including movement of inmates who may be combative or assaultive.
• Physical ability to defend self or others during a physical encounter.
• Work also includes movement of supplies and boxes weighing less than 50 pounds and stored in areas requiring full range of physical movement.
• Repetitive small mechanical motions of keys and other devices are used on a continuing basis and require full use of arms, hands, and fingers.
• Work requires up to twelve hours of prolonged movement in and around facility monitoring or moving inmates while standing or walking.
• Ability to perceive numerous lighted and audible warning devices that are used extensively for security.
• Employee is required to have a high ability to determine odors that may be threatening to him/her or others and react appropriately.
• Visual acuity to read computer screens and documents and to see security monitors and warning lights.

Equipment Required to Perform This Job

• Motor Vehicles
• Computer Equipment
• Desktop and Mobile Telephones
• Multiple Monitors
• Camera and Intercom Systems
• Portable and Mobile Radio System
• Restraints
• Tasers and Chemicals
• Weapons screening equipment to include X-ray, Magnetometer and Hand-held Wands.

Additional Notes

• All positions in the McLeod County Sheriff’s Office are subject to a background check. This may include, but not limited to the following checks: criminal history, credit, driver’s license, pre-employment physical, pre-employment drug and alcohol screening, pre-employment psychological testing.

McLeod County Sheriff’s Office

Employment Disqualifiers

The following will result in the rejection of your application:

• Any Felony conviction (including pardons) in Minnesota or any state or Federal Jurisdiction
• Any Felony or Gross Misdemeanor drug conviction
• Any Gross Misdemeanor conviction
• Any criminal sexual conduct conviction
• Any assaulting or eluding a Police Officer conviction
• Any assault in the fifth degree (609.224) conviction
• Any Gross Misdemeanor assault in the fifth degree (609.224 subd. 2 (c)) conviction
• Any domestic assault (609.2242) conviction
• Any theft (609.52) conviction
• Any mistreatment of persons confined (609.23) conviction
• Any mistreatment of residents or patients (609.231) conviction
• Any criminal abuse-vulnerable adult (609.2325) conviction
• Any criminal neglect-vulnerable adult (609.233) conviction
• Any financial exploitations-vulnerable adult (609.2335) conviction
• Any other prohibited acts-prostitution related (609.324) conviction
• Any presenting false claims (609.465) conviction
• Any medical assistance fraud (609.466) conviction
• Any disorderly conduct-vulnerable adult (609.72 subd. 3) conviction
• Any failure to report maltreatment of a vulnerable adult (609.234) conviction
• Any evidence that the applicant has misrepresented or falsified any information to this Office
• Currently having a driver’s license that is suspended, revoked, or cancelled

The following may result in the rejection of your application:

• Any DUI, implied consent or BAC over .08 on your driving record in last 5 years
• Any other Misdemeanor convictions, not listed above, in the last 5 years (including traffic convictions, driving after revocation, suspension and cancellation)
• Any dismissal from employment with any Law Enforcement Agency or negotiated resignation in lieu of termination
• Any undesirable discharge from the military, or an honorable discharge which indicates that the applicant is not eligible for reenlistment
• More than two “at fault” motor vehicle accidents in the last 5 years
• Documented instances of misconduct by prior employers
• Documented instances of undesirable work habits
• Documented pattern of unfitness or patterns of misconduct
• Documented pattern of driving/traffic violations
• Documented history of behavior which indicates that the applicant will not succeed as a McLeod County Employee
• Documented history of unsatisfactory credit history
• Any other conviction not listed above under Minnesota statute chapter 609 (criminal code)
• Any other conviction not listed above under Minnesota statute chapter 152 (drugs, controlled substances)
• Any conviction that is expunged or pardoned will apply
• Any conviction in any other State or Federal jurisdiction which fits under the above Minnesota criteria will be applicable

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)