DEPUTY WARDEN OF OPERATIONS

OVERALL OBJECTIVE OF JOB:

The Deputy Warden of Operations serves as a member of the Dauphin County Prison management team under the supervision of the Warden. The position is responsible for leading the mission of the Dauphin County Prison with a vision of returning inmates to the community as healthy and productive citizens. Through this work, the Deputy Warden of Operations promotes the improvement of the Dauphin County community.

The Deputy Warden of Operations acts with professionalism, interacting with all those whom he/she meets dignity and respect. He/she acts with integrity, responsiveness and excellence in all they do, and maintains confidentiality of information. They exhibit strong leadership qualities, the ability to motivate others and they work diligently to build the strength of their team, guiding them through improved processes and strategic change.

The Deputy Warden of Operations promotes diversity through their work and strives to understand the cultures from which the individuals within the Dauphin County criminal justice systems come. He/she exhibits a fundamental desire to improve inmates’ lives and to progress the work of the Dauphin County Prison, reducing recidivism.

The Deputy Warden of Operations promotes the improvement of the entire criminal just system in Dauphin County and works collaboratively to improve functionality and efficiencies across systems. He/she is a critical thinker, and a problem solver, and a maximizer of resources, including technology and funding.

The Deputy Warden of Operations is always an advocate for enhanced performance and seeks ways to improve his/her own professional development along with others. He/she values learning and actively educates him/herself about all facets of the Dauphin County Prison, enriching their knowledge and building their capacity to stand in for his/her peer Directors during their absence.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF JOB:

• Manages all personnel of the operations department of the Dauphin County Prison and Judicial Booking Center including Assistant Maintenance Supervisor, Maintenance Employees, Laundry Attendants, Part Time Medical Advocate, and Business Office staff.
• Ensures operational alignment across all facility functions through effective oversight and coordination. Oversees the delivery of services provided by contracted agencies, including medical, food, and maintenance services. Serves as the primary point of contact for contract agency administration and acts as a liaison to resolve issues with on-site contract staff.
• Maintains accurate data, develops reports, and keeps detailed documentation of services rendered, reported problems, and corrective actions taken by contract agencies. Monitors and tracks resolution efforts and reports any unresolved deficiencies in service delivery to the Warden.
• Collaborates with the Chief Deputy Warden, Deputy Warden of Treatment in the development and execution of the master facilities schedule for the Dauphin County Prison and Judicial Booking Center.
• Assists the Warden with operational budget and resource management by conducting regular reviews of staffing allocations and resource distribution. Monitors overtime usage, equipment utilization, and other cost-control measures to ensure efficient and responsible use of resources
• Assists in the oversight and management of operational budgets related to contracted services, including monitoring expenditures, reviewing invoices for accuracy and compliance with contract terms, and identifying cost efficiencies.
• Provides comprehensive oversight of contract administration and all invoicing activities, including review and approval of invoices for accuracy, verification of services rendered, and ensuring compliance with contractual and fiscal requirements. Monitors adherence to contract terms and conditions, tracks contract timelines, and manages renewals to ensure continuity of services. Maintains regular communication with vendors to address performance, resolve issues, and ensure service expectations are met. Coordinates the procurement and acquisition of contracts with new vendors as needed, including evaluating proposals and negotiating terms. Identifies cost-effective solutions and competitive pricing to ensure the efficient and responsible use of funds.
• Oversees the development and implementation of comprehensive policies and procedures for maintenance and sanitation of the Dauphin County Prison and the Judicial Booking Center. Policies shall incorporate proper health and safety standards and shall employ facilities maintenance practices that are both preventative and progressive to aid in achieving the goal of returning inmates to the community in a healthier condition than when they were committed.
• Ensures a comprehensive inventory of all equipment and supplies utilized in the areas of maintenance, training, the prison inmate housing units, staff education and briefing areas, and Judicial Booking Center facilities.
• Oversees procurement activities handled by the Business Office and Maintenance by coordinating purchasing processes, reviewing supply needs, and ensuring timely acquisition of equipment and materials in accordance with established policies and budgetary guidelines. Maintains inventory control systems, conducts regular audits, and monitors usage to prevent shortages, overstocking, and loss.
• Directs a consistent orientation process for all contracted staff, volunteers, and vendors, and works in concert with the Training Department to ensure robust and inclusive on-going training maintained.
• Collaborates with the Training Department to ensure the meticulous documentation and maintenance of training records and certifications for all contracted staff and volunteers, in accordance with state and federal regulations and local policies established by the Dauphin County Board of Prison Inspectors.
• Stays abreast of emerging trends and products in correctional services and establishes a network of service agencies and vendors to assist in the competitive selection process during periods of contract renewal.
• Promotes the development of life skills and vocational training for inmates through leadership of the maintenance, food service, laundry, general sanitation and grounds keeping of the prison and adjacent county complexes when needed.

OTHER DUTIES OF JOB:

• Serves in a rotating 24/7 on-call capacity for several weeks annually, providing leadership support for institutional operations and responding to operational and emergency situations as required.
• Collects, maintains and analyzes data and statistics for department, institutional, and criminal justice planning.
• Reviews and responds to inmates verbally and in writing and maintains proper documentation of inmate communications including but not limited answering inmate request slips, responds to inmate grievances. Communicates with inmates to deliver sensitive information when necessary and provides appropriate support services for critical incident response.
• Attends court as required.
• Works cooperatively on hiring teams along with Human Resources representatives to recruit new operations department personnel.
• Conducts annual performance evaluations with operations personnel and implements corrective action plans when performance improvement is warranted. Takes personnel actions in cooperation with Human Resource representatives in accordance with the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.
• Identifies the training needs of operations personnel and develops annual training plans to meet applicable minimum training standards and promote staff professional development and works designs continuing educational opportunities for staff relevant to their day to day responsibilities.
• Authorizes the use of leave for operations department personnel and coordinates with Human Resources representatives on matters related to their payroll.
• Participates in the grievance process by responding to and attempting to resolve personnel grievances.
• Facilitates strategic planning and goal setting with the operations department and reviews accomplishments.
• Maintains accountability for department equipment and supplies and participates in the annual budget process to plan for the acquisition of necessary goods and services for the operations department.
• Conducts training for prison personnel as appropriate.
• Conducts facility tours to promote education about the correctional setting and its programs and services.
• Participates in the annual Pennsylvania Department of Correction compliance audit, and any other accreditation process that may engage the Dauphin County Prison or Judicial Booking Center.
• Conducts regular patrols of all areas of the Dauphin County Prison and Judicial Booking Center and thoroughly documents observations and takes corrective actions when safety, security, sanitation or maintenance deficiencies are identified.
• Maintains statistics and compiles monthly reports as required by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections and presents information to the Warden and Dauphin County Board of Prison Inspectors when appropriate.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

• The Deputy Warden of Operations is supervised by the Warden.

SUPERVISION GIVEN:

• The Deputy Warden of Operations provides supervision to the personnel of the operations department and works in concert with the Chief Deputy Warden and Deputy Warden of Treatment to provide indirect supervision to the personnel of the treatment and security departments. The Deputy Warden of Operations provides administrative supervision to service providers and contractors performing work inside and on the grounds of the Dauphin County Prison.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Works indoors in limited workspace with adequate lighting, temperatures, and ventilation.
• Works indoors with average exposure to noise but with above average exposure to stress and subject to frequent disruption with multiple simultaneous deadlines.
• Works with normal indoor exposure to dust/dirt.
• Works within inmate housing and program areas as well as administrative office areas as part of their daily routine and understands the inherent dangers that may be involved.
• Routinely travel throughout Dauphin County to support building collaboration with criminal justice partners.
• Occasional travel throughout the Commonwealth and county for purposes of promoting the progression of Dauphin County Prison and to build their knowledge of best practices and emerging trends in corrections.
• Deputy Warden of Operations generally works during the regular business hours of Dauphin County but understands the necessity to occasionally work non-traditional hours to attend to situations that arise within a 24/7 corrections facility, regardless of weather conditions, weekends, or holidays.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL CONDITIONS:

• Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods of time and must be able to walk or move with freedom of mobility throughout the Dauphin Count Prison and other Dauphin County buildings and parking areas.
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  Must be able to lift up-to 20 pounds on a regular basis, and up to 50 pounds during periods of emergency.
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  Must possess adequate manual dexterity and the use of their hands, and arms.
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  Must have adequate sensory abilities to hear, smell, touch and see the events and conditions involving inmates and personnel.
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  Must be organized and maintain attention and mental focus for extended periods and must have the capacity to perform at a high level during stressful situations.

QUALIFICATIONS

A. EDUCATION/TRAINING:

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, psychology, sociology, or education, preferred.
• Formal education may be substituted by significant work experience in corrections including prison security and program planning, corrections business operations with knowledge of criminal justice system principles and practices for a period of not less than 10 years.

B. WORK EXPERIENCE:

• The Deputy Warden of Operations has experience in contracts and services coordination, and/or program planning and administration with criminal justice populations or institutional operations management.

C. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid Pennsylvania Driver's License
• Favorable criminal history background check
• Pennsylvania Child Abuse and FBI Child Abuse Clearances

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of inmate services.
• Knowledge of addictions and treatment
• Knowledge of best practices in corrections.
• Knowledge of personnel management and human resource principles.
• Knowledge of County Prison Board Policy.
• Knowledge of Prison emergency plans.
• Knowledge of County Prison evolutions.
• Knowledge of Prison Configuration and spaces.
• Ability to make independent decision and act on behalf of the Warden if/when circumstances warrant such action.
• Ability to assess and transform business processes when appropriate to ensure efficiency.
• Ability to establish effective work relationships with superiors, employees, agencies and all other interested parties.
• Skills in utilization of improved technology advancements in corrections.
• Must be able to speak and comprehend the English language and communicate clearly, orally and in writing.
• Must possess effective communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to apply problem-solving skills and initiative to solve complex problems.
• Must possess the ability to maintain confidentiality regarding employee and detainee information, all associated records and all sensitive information.
• Must possess knowledge of administration and supervision.

Dauphin County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an inclusive workplace free of discrimination and harassment. Dauphin County prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.