Correctional Officer

Recruitment #080116-MBDB01-380400

Summary Statement

A class incumbent is responsible for the discipline and security of an assigned post inside and/or outside a secure facility.

Essential Functions

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.

  • Supervises inmates within a security location by making counts at specified time periods to assure inmate location and custody, conducting searches and shakedowns for prohibited items and contraband, escorting inmates to and from activities, work assignments and other locations and unlocking and locking doors to control passage of inmates, employees and visitors.
     
  • Observes inmate activities to detect unusual or prohibited behavior which may be a threat to the security of the facility or the safety of the inmate, other inmates, employees or visitors.
     
  • Operates central security control room regulating telephone, public address, electronic communication, key control, and inmate, employee, and visitor movement throughout the institution.
     
  • Patrols outside perimeter of a secured facility by auto, on foot or in the tower to insure all areas are secure.  Regularly checks all buildings and equipment outside the compound for security, fire, maintenance or other hazards.  Reports post location to the control center by use of hand radio and apprehends and/or detains persons not authorized on or off grounds.
     
  • Transports and is responsible for the custody and care of inmates outside the institution.
     
  • Oversees dining hall during the serving of food and feeding of inmates.
     
  • Processes inmates into and out of the institution.
     
  • Opens and distributes mail, searching for contraband.
     
  • Prepares and maintains daily log and prepares various reports of activities, and incidents on the assigned shift.
     
  • May be required to train and care for K-9 including feeding, grooming and kennel maintenance.
     
  • May enter institution as backup in riot control and shakedown activities.  May participate in the pursuit of escapees.

Job Requirements

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

  1. At least 19 and 1/2 years of age.
  2. Possession of a High School Diploma or equivalent.
  3. Possession of a valid Driver’s License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

Additional Posting Information

Employees in a Correctional Officer (CO) series position will be eligible to retire under the provisions of HB207 if they are employed as Hazardous Duty Level A-1 at the time of retirement, have completed twenty-five (25) years of pension creditable State service, and with at least twenty (20) of those years of pension creditable service as a CO series classified position as Hazardous Duty Level A-1.

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.

Selected incumbent is eligible for Hazardous Duty Pay Level A-1, $3,120, upon completion of the basic Correctional Employee Initial Training (CEIT) course or Basic Officer Training Course (BOTC), whichever is applicable.

The Correctional Employee Initial Training (CEIT) program is approved by the Veterans Administration of Delaware State Approving Authority for the training of Veterans. 

DOC Special Requirement: Candidates must successfully complete all phases of a nine-week Correctional Officer Basic Course.  This course is administered by the Department of Correction at the Employee 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.

Conditions of Hire

As a condition of accepting employment, the successful candidate will be required to provide valid proof of a current baseline TB skin test within 60 days of hire.

A satisfactory criminal background check, physical exam, and psychological assessment are required as a condition of hire. The recruiting agency requires the applicant to pay for the physical examination as a part of the conditional offer of hire.

Pre-employment Drug Testing:  Upon a conditional offer, you must undergo pre-employment drug testing as part of the hiring process.

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.

Benefits

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

Selection Process

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

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.