Correction Officer

Cortland, NY
Cortland County Sherriff's Office

Salary: $22.5049/HR.

Position Summary:

The work involves responsibility for the enforcement of rules and regulations governing the custody, security, conduct, discipline, safety and general well-being of inmates in a county correctional facility. The duties involve considerable inmate contact and supervision in a work, recreation or learning environment. Work procedures are well defined but incumbents must be alert to the possibilities of emergency situations arising and exercise sound judgement when problems occur. The work is performed under general supervision of a higher ranking officer with leeway allowed for the exercise of independent judgment in dealing with day to day situations in the facility. Does related work as required.

Essential Functions:

  • Makes periodic rounds, supervises the movement and activities of inmates and maintains jail security at an assigned post or cell tier;
  • Locks and unlocks cells and access doors using mechanical and electrical devices;
  • Watches for unusual incidents or activities on the part of inmates involving violation of facility rules, or a life threatening situation and reports these to supervisor either verbally or in writing;
  • Checks cell and corridor areas for faulty bars, gates, etc. and makes routine fire and safety checks;
  • Transports inmates to courts, prisons, jails, medical facilities and other locations as necessary;
  • Issues clothing and bedding and instructs inmates in its proper care;
  • Books inmates by preparing appropriate records, taking fingerprints and photo identification and inventories and records inmates clothing and property;
  • Escorts visitors and observes inmate visitations;
  • Dispenses a variety of prescription and non-prescription medications;
  • Searches cells, frisks inmates and confiscates contraband;
  • Mediates minor incidents and takes direct action to break up fights or other disturbances between inmates;
  • Supervises inmates assigned to work details, advises them of what is expected and of the rules and regulations of the work area including possible safety hazards;
  • Operates a variety of equipment including handcuffs, leg irons, firearms, electronic gate equipment and two-way radios.

Requirements:

  • Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma.
  • Possession of a valid New York State driver’s license appropriate to the vehicles operated.
  • Failure to maintain a NYS driver’s license including driving privileges throughout employment will result in disciplinary action or dismissal.