Correctional Officer - Lateral

Correctional Officer PositionNon-exempt (compensatory and/or overtime eligible); full-time; 40 hours per week; all shifts as scheduled (shift differential and premium pay eligible); full benefits This uniformed corrections position is responsible for maintaining security and discipline at the Frederick County Adult Detention Center on any shift as assigned by the Assistant Bureau Chief or Bureau Chief. Duties are performed with close supervision from a Field Training Officer, Correctional Officer II or higher. Initial assignments are carried out in accordance with current policies and procedures with structured on-the-job training throughout a 12-month probationary period. The employee participates as a team member with other correctional personnel in maintaining a safe, secure and controlled environment.Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE: Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full-time benefited Frederick County Government employee.11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays (10 and 11 month employees may not receive all holidays)Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible SpendingEmployee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefitCounty and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan Vesting after 5 years of serviceAdditional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness ProgramGenerous Tuition Reimbursement ProgramOther employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care planNOTE: Benefited employees will accrue service and leave based on the FTE and/or hours worked per calendar year.For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage.Essential Duties and Job ResponsibilitiesMaintain direct supervision, security and control over inmate population; enforce facility rules, regulations and disciplinary standardsAs needed, submit written reports of violations or irregularities to supervisory staffMaintain a system of regular and on-going counts of the inmate population; participate in routine searches and cell shakedowns to control contrabandConduct frequent security checks to ensure the safety and security of the inmate population as well as the overall condition of the facilityObserve inmate activity and behavior patterns to detect and prevent disturbances, escape attempts and security violationsAssist in physically controlling dangerous situationsEscort inmates to and from in-house activities and remain present to enforce safety and securityAs needed, transport inmates to other locations outside the facilityProcess incarcerates into the facility according to standard procedures; prepare records of personal items and maintain responsibility for inmate property controlDistribute sanitation supplies, deliver mail, and issue bedding and clothing to inmate populationCommunicate with the public on matters of visiting hours, inmate phone call periods, authorized articles for inmates and other inmate related informationCommunicate with attorneys, bondsmen, law enforcement agencies and the courts as necessaryOperate radio equipment, electric security doors, monitor cameras and life safety systems, control access to restricted areas by security keysPerform other related duties as requiredTo perform this job successfully, an employee must be able to perform all essential functions satisfactorily. Any employee's position may not be assigned all functions or equipment listed above, and the examples may not cover all functions or equipment that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential functions.Qualifications and RequirementsThe qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.Minimum age 18 years by completion of background processU.S.A. citizenshipHigh school graduation or the equivalentPossession of a valid driver's license with the ability to obtain and maintain a Frederick County Employee Driving PermitPossession of current certification by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions (MPCTC) as a Correctional OfficerNOTE: Current out-of-state Certified Correctional Officer's may also be given consideration as a lateral entry applicant KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES Ability to maintain County Authorized Driver privilegesAbility to learn and effectively apply appropriate skills and techniques to supervise inmates and enforce facility rules and regulationsAbility to respond quickly, calmly and appropriately in standard duty and emergency situations, demonstrating good judgment in independent actions and referrals to higher authorityAbility to effectively train, direct and mentor Officers of lesser rankAbility to establish and maintain effective working relationships with inmate population, co-workers and the general public, while maintaining professional attitude, appearance and manner of performanceStrong and effective written and spoken (English) communication skills, including the ability to write clear, complete and concise reports PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS: Sound physical condition in order to effectively respond to spontaneous physical demands of corrections duties (e.g. restraint and control of prisoners, searches, foot pursuit, etc.), with ability to meet and maintain compliance with FCSO physical fitness standardsWhile performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to constantly walk, reach and perform repetitive motions; frequently sit, climb, stoop, lift up to 20 pounds and drive; occasionally lift between 20-50 pounds and push up to 40 pounds; and rarely crawl, lift over 50 pounds, push over 40 pounds and pull over 40 poundsWhile performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to constantly work indoors in a noisy environment with potential exposure to infectious diseases; frequently work outdoors, walking on uneven ground and wear protective equipment; and rarely work in a dirty and dusty environmentAdditional Information / Examination ProcessEmployees in this classification are designated as Essential. An Essential Employee means the employee is considered necessary for the operation of County services. Essential Employees are required to report to work in the event of a weather incident, general emergency, or disasters when County offices are closed. They may be required to work overtime with little or no advance notice and may be required to report to work in emergency situations and/or after hoursAvailable for 24-hour call-in, shift work, weekends, holidays and mandatory overtimeThis position is subject to random drug testing, to include testing for marijuanaA Correctional Officer becomes eligible for upgrade to Correctional Officer First Class upon satisfactory completion of the 12-month probationary periodSecondary employment will not be approved for FCSO personnel who have not successfully completed their probationary periodCandidates who were previously rejected may reapply for consideration, however those declined for reasons that assure another rejection will not be reconsideredCompletion of the examination/selection process can take 6-12 weeks. Candidates found eligible, but not immediately selected, may be contacted for subsequent placement within one year EXAMINATION PROCESS may include (candidate must successfully complete each step to proceed to the next):An evaluation of training and experienceAn oral examination administered before a panelOne or more personal interviewsA pre-employment polygraph test (inquires include criminal, credit