Correctional Officer/Canine Handler

An incumbent in this class is responsible for the training and care of an assigned canine, and for maintaining institutional security, including perimeter, of a correctional facility.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Maintains institutional security, discipline and order.
   
• Escorts visitors to and from appropriate security units.
   
• Monitors entrances and exits of institution with the exception of main gatehouse.  Insures visitors, contractors and vendors enter and exit institution safely.
   
• Trains and provides routine care for K-9 including feeding, grooming, kennel maintenance and maintains supply inventory and equipment.
   
• Maintains logs and prepares reports.
   
• Assists other security sections within institution during riots, shakedowns, crowd control, drug searches, inmate movement, apprehension of escapees, and other activities as needed.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Correctional Officer/Canine Handler
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. At least one year experience as a Correctional Officer.
2. Knowledge of training, handling and care of dogs.

    OR

1. Six months experience as a handler of a working canine such as Patrol, Narcotics, Bomb, Search and Rescue or certified sporting canines.
2. At least 19 and 1/2 years of age.
3. Possession of a High School Diploma or equivalent.
4. Possession of a valid Driver’s License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

Applicants may only apply if they are current permanent employees of the State of Delaware Department of Correction in a position covered by the Merit System who have completed their initial probationary period.

Incumbents working four or more hours of work between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. the following day will receive 5% shift differential pay.

Appointees other than in-line promotions must successfully complete a Department training course in security and related areas prior to assignment.  This course is administered by the Department of Correction at the Employment Development Center.  Coursework includes physical, classroom and hands-on training.  Instruction is provided in the areas of inmate supervision, defensive tactics, riot control, weapons, report writing and emergency medical training.

Union:  As a condition of accepting employment, the person selected for this position shall join and pay dues to the labor organization or may, instead not join but pay a service fee no greater than the dues.  The labor organization has been elected by employees as their representative for collective bargaining and other work related purposes.

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at http://ben.omb.delaware.gov/

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email.  Please keep your contact information current.  You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at www.delawarestatejobs.com.

Examination: A written test is required.  You will need to retake the exam if you have not applied in DEL by 3/24/2010. Test study guides may be obtained by visiting the Human Resource Management web-site at  http://delawarestatejobs.com/explore/test-study-guides.shtml. Applicants scheduled for examinations will be required to show photo identification to the exam proctor before taking the exam.  All scheduling notices will be sent via email to the applicant.  Please check your email for your scheduled exam date.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.  The State of Delaware – An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.