Correctional Officer - I

This is a limited recruitment. This recruitment will remain open until either the first 500 applications have been submitted or until the filing deadline, whichever occurs first.

Applicants for Correctional Officer I will be required to pass the physical agility and written examinations, both of which are scheduled for Tuesday, June 11, 2013 and Wednesday, June 12, 2013.

Under general supervision, maintain security and ensure inmate welfare in a County jail; oversee jail activities and facilities during an assigned shift; perform related work as assigned.

This is the entry level class in the Correctional Officer series.  This class is distinguished from the journey by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within this series.  Employees at this level are not expected to perform with the same independence of direction and judgement on matters allocated to the journey level.  Since this class is typically used as a training class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience.  Employees work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks.

Receives immediate supervision from assigned Sergeant.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Maintain centralized jail security and ensure inmate welfare in accordance with laws, regulations and institutional philosophy.
• Obtain necessary information and book prisoners, complete necessary forms, take photographs and fingerprints and perform other processing activities such as preparing reports and maintaining files.
• Search, examine, instruct and log inmates; inventory and secure property and valuables.
• Interview inmates; classify them and assign them to the appropriate detention area and activities.
• Supervise and monitor inmates and inmate trustees assisting with housekeeping, meal preparation and distribution, laundry and similar activities.
• Supervise inmate exercise, recreation, visiting and similar privileges.
• Assist medical staff in the distribution of medications; screen and refer requests for medical attention; administer emergency first aid as required.
• Escort inmates within the jail areas; provide security for medical staff as required.
• Inspect facilities and report the need for maintenance or unusual situations; request and/or issue clothing and supplies.
• Prepare reports and other written materials; maintain accurate records, log and file.
• Testify in court as subpoenaed.

It is the applicants' responsibility to identify in thier application materials how they meet the minimum qualification listed below.

Experience: No direct experience is required.  Experience involving either the control and custody of incarcerated individuals or in a law enforcement support setting are desirable.

Training: Completion of twelfth grade or G.E.D., College level coursework in law enforcement or a related field is preferred.

License or Certificate:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid driver's license.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.
• Must complete both the Corrections Standards Authority Corrections Officer core course (or Correctional Officer Basic Academy supplemental core course for those who have completed the POST Basic Academy) and the course work required by California State Penal Code Section 832 within one year of employment.

Knowledge of:

• Techniques for dealing with individuals from various socio-economic backgrounds in hostile and/or confrontational situations.
• Basic first aid practices and procedures.
• Basic computer operations.
• Basic office administrative practices, including filing.

Ability to:

• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of a Correctional Officer's duties; intermittently remember accounts given by witnesses; identify potential situations of potential altercation; interpret and apply operational procedures; observe inmates; and explain rules to inmates.
• On an intermittent basis, sit at desk; on a continuous basis, walk or stand during shift; bend, squat and kneel during booking process; climb stairs while observing inmates; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine manipulation.  Continuously wear utility belt and other equipment of 30 pounds; and intermittently lift very heavy weight.
• Maintain facility security and inmate welfare in varied circumstances.
• Oversee and direct the work of inmates in structured situations.
• Prepare clear and accurate reports and other written materials.
• Maintain accurate records, logs and files.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Meet physical and psychological standards and pass a detailed background investigation.
• Work evening, night, weekend and holiday shifts.
• Be sensitive to various cultural and ethnic groups present in the detention facility.

Performance Examination (Pass/Fail)
The performance examination will consist of a series of job related exercises.

 Written Examination (100%) 
The written examination may include multiple choice, true/false, fill-in, matching, and/or essay type questions directly related to the required knowledge and abilities for this classification.

Note: We will be administering the Corrections Standards Authority's Adult Correctional Officer written examination.  To locate the Candidate Orientation Booklet for this examination, which includes example questions, please visit the following website:

http://www.bscc.ca.gov/programs-and-services/stc/resources

Prior to the date of hire, applicants for this classification must complete and pass a background check (which may include a voice stress analysis and/or a polygraph) and pre-employment psychological and medical examinations, including a drug screening, prior to appointment.  All applicants must sign a constitutional oath, submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S., and be fingerprinted. For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, be bonded or undergo a background check.

All new permanent employees, with the exception of sworn law enforcement and management, shall be required to join the employee organization or pay an 'Agency Fee' as a condition of employment.

Placer County now offers an expedited process for qualifying certain applicants for interviews. Candidates currently employed, or employed within the last year, by a public agency operating under a personnel civil service or merit system may be eligible to be placed on a Public Agency Eligible List and certified as eligible for appointment to a similar job assignment without going through the examination process. For more information on the Public Agency Eligible List, to download forms, or to apply, please visit our website at: http://www.jobaps.com/placer/sup/abfreenames.asp.

Thank you for your interest in employment with Placer County. Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that harassment and retaliation is prohibited and that all employees and applicants shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All recruitment, hiring, transfer and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of sex, sexual orientation, race, color, ancestry, religious creed, national origin, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other classification protected by federal, state or local laws or ordinance. Please contact the Personnel Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change.  It is advisable that applicants inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Personnel Department.

Click here to view General benefits