Correctional Officer

GENERAL PURPOSE

Performs moderately complex work involving the care and custody of offenders. Work involves the direct supervision of offenders in their daily assigned duties including the responsibility of preventing escapes and maintaining discipline in conformance with strict rules, regulations, and standard operating procedures. Works under general supervision of a manager with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

A probationary jailer work under the supervision of a jail administrator.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Exercises autonomy and sound judgement over tasks and people as assigned.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assumes a high level of responsibility for the care and custody of assigned offenders through knowledge of and adherence to laws, rules, and regulations, and standard operating procedures of the Pecos Municipal Criminal Justice Center.
• Searches for contraband and provides security; counts, feeds, and supervises offenders in housing, work, and other areas as directed.
• Provides custody and security of offenders including observing actions of offenders, squatting and bending to conduct "pat" and "strip" searches of offenders, restraining and securing offenders, and transferring and transporting offenders by walking or riding various vehicles such as vans, buses, and other forms of transportation.
• Supervises and provides security of offenders performing technical skills such as maintenance, laundry, food service, and in varied operations which involve climbing stairs and ladders and climbing around the inside or outside or building; works outdoors and indoors without air conditioning; works around equipment and machinery; and is subjected to all types of weather.
• Responds to emergencies, including climbing stairs and ladders while searching for escaped offenders, hearing calls for help, giving first aid at the emergency site, carrying in injured or unconscious offender or employee various distances to safety up or down stairs and ladders; Uses force and deadly force, including the use of chemical agents and firearms, to control offenders.
• Reads, reviews, and properly applies information found in offender records which is related to the offenders' affiliation, health and safety and to the security of the facility; complies with policies, procedures, rules, and regulation; and prepares and maintains records, forms, and reports.
• Ability to walk, stand, sit, kneel, push, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above the shoulder, grasp, pull, bend repeatedly, climb stairs and ladders, identify colors, hear with aid, see, write, count, read, speak, analyze, alphabetize, lift and carry 45lbs and over, perceive depth, operate a motor vehicle, operate motor equipment, use firearms.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES

Complete all duties assigned by supervisor. Keep work area clean. Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Must possess and maintain a clean, current Texas driver's license.
• Minimum 1-year previous related experience preferred.

Or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIREMENTS

Knowledge

Some knowledge of principles and practices of municipal jail operations. Moderate knowledge of general office equipment and clerical operations.

Skills

Uses logic and reasoning to analyze, understands and evaluate situations. Exercises appropriate judgment in establishing priorities. Excellent organizational and time management skills. Good critical thinking and problem-solving skill is necessary.

Abilities

Ability to assess and manage a schedule. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, other departments, council members, executive staff, and the public. Ability to maintain complex logs, records, and files and prepare accurate and detailed documentations. Ability to effectively present information to management.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

All Jailers must complete minimum requirements for specialized training within one year of hire.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Personal computer, including word processor, spreadsheets, project management software, 10-key calculator, phone, copy machine, fax machine, etc.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, crawl, talk, hear, and manipulate objects. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 45 pounds. Maintains security of assigned areas involving long periods of sitting and standing, climbing stairs and ladders to reach assigned areas.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those and employees typically encounter while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is generally performed inside buildings including but not limited to confined spaces, open fields, residential and commercial structures. The noise level in the field work environment is typically loud.