Warden (Berks County Jail System)

POSITION SUMMARY:

Directs and oversees, through subordinate supervisors, the entire operation of the Jail System: Custody/Security, Operations, Treatment, Budget, Administration, the Special Operations Group, and all Contracted Services.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions

The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• Develops, reviews, revises, implements, disseminates, and interprets jail policies, procedures, post orders, plans, etc. in conformance with BCJS Standard Operating Procedures, PA DOC minimum standards, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable laws/regulations concerning conditions of incarceration, inmate programs, and services.
• Responds to staff grievances and complaints and plays a vital role in maintaining a positive union/management relationship
• Oversees, guides, and directs internal investigations into allegations of misconduct by inmates and/or employees and refers matters for disciplinary sanction and/or criminal prosecution when necessary. Directs and guides responses to emergency incidents at the jail.
• Conducts supervisory staff meetings and training, and conducts training for all new correctional officers. Conducts final interviews of applicants for key departmental vacancies.
• Ensures departmental reports, correspondence, documentation, and records/files are completed, processed in a timely manner, and handled in accordance with applicable policies and procedures.
• Plans for the necessary expansion of the facility, its services, and its personnel. Plans for the purchase of equipment and technology needed to support the jail system.
• Represents the jail system at meetings, conferences, training, community functions, or other events. Serves as liaison to outside agencies; testifies and presents evidence in civil and criminal proceedings related to jail system operations.
• Provides consultation, information, and other assistance to jail/county department supervisors/staff. Participates in the Pennsylvania County Corrections Association; actively involved in committee work with local and state criminal justice groups/organizations.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Psychology, or a related field, from an accredited college or university with a minimum of four years of correctional supervisory experience, and ten years of experience in the field of corrections.
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• First Aid and CPR certified.
• Annual firearms qualification.
• Must possess a valid PA Driver’s License.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to meet all employment criteria established by the Berks County Jail System, which may include a job interview, urine drug screen, physical/health assessment, criminal background/credit check, aptitude testing, psychological assessment, and interview by a psychologist.
• Knowledge of handling/operating all security, safety, maintenance, and other equipment relevant to the position, including but not limited to weapons, restraints, keys, radios, telephones, computers, copiers, etc.
• Working knowledge, skill, and ability to make immediate sound decisions and judgments in a management capacity within the scope of the Berks County Jail System Policy.
• Ability to conduct in-depth investigations and address the culpability of those involved.
• Working knowledge and ability to receive, analyze, and respond to complaints from inmates, staff, civilians, elected officials, and County department supervisors.
• Ability to identify symptoms of stress-related job performance deficiencies in others and take appropriate action.
• Ability to handle stress.
• Physical presence in the facility is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Ability to frequently lift and carry files and documents weighing up to and including twenty (20) pounds. Ability to frequently pull and open grill gates and unit doors (up to 30 pounds). Ability to frequently reach overhead at a full arm's length. Ability to traverse stairs up to four stories and climb ladders as required. Ability to walk at least one mile. Ability to stand and/or sit for extended periods of time up to two (2) hours at a time. Ability to lift/carry or assist another to lift/carry in excess of 100 pounds (occasionally). Ability to ambulate frequently to all departments and units of the jail. Ability to engage in physical exertion at any given moment in response to an emergency situation or to control or subdue a resisting inmate and supervise and manage such actions. Stamina to avoid health-related issues and the ability to deal with stress on a daily basis. Ability to participate in a random drug-testing program. Vision correctable to 20/20 and hearing abilities that are natural or corrected to the normal range of hearing. May not be affected by color blindness to any degree, which would prevent him/her from effectively performing job duties. Able to work extended shift(s) during an emergency situation.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Requires working within the confines of a secure facility. Requires working in loud, small, and communal workspaces. Requires working in an environment where personal safety may be of concern. Requires working in an environment where there is the possibility of foul odors. Requires working in an environment where cameras are present and utilized. Position may require working consecutive long hours with 24 hours a day/7 days a week availability. Requires dealing with inmates (who have criminal backgrounds and behavioral/mental health issues) and who may become violent or unstable and/or are in a high-risk communicable disease category (AIDS, tuberculosis, hepatitis, etc.). Requires the ability to remain calm and provide sound, clear-minded direction during tense situations.

This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant/employee. It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position, and may be changed where appropriate.

Berks County is a combination of rich farm country, industry, beautiful parks, entertainment, and top-notch educational institutions. Whether you are interested in County services, the availability of our parks, tax rates, or other county information, this is the place to start.

Mission Statement:

It is the mission of Berks County government and all County employees to administer and deliver services to the citizens of the County in the most effective, efficient and professional manner possible within the constraints of the financial resources available.