Corrections Officer

Salary: $37,800.00

Position Summary:

The “Correctional Officer Transitional Work Program” provides security at the Transitional Work Program (TWP) in accordance with established policies, regulations, and procedures.

Essential Functions:

• Search (pat and strip) and/or ensure that offenders have been searched when returning from any trip outside the facility (i.e., work, dental appointment, etc.) and whenever directed by a Supervisor;
• Conduct security rounds throughout the facility including the outside grounds (perimeter checks); Inspect locks, doors, windows and gates for evidence of tampering; Ensure fleet is locked and secured;
• Search dormitory (shakedowns) areas of facility for contraband articles; Process evidence and generate reports;
• Patrol facility for evidence of prohibited activities, infraction of rules, and unsatisfactory attitude of offenders; Report rule infractions and generate a report;
• Monitor entrance to facility and screen visitors; Monitors visitation (video and in person);
• Conduct offender headcounts and roll call;
• Observe conduct and behavior of offenders to prevent disturbances and escapes;
• Report observations and unusual occurrences to superiors and generate a report;
• Report medical complaints and/or emergency to the supervisor and generate a report;
• Employ appropriate force to maintain discipline and order among inmates, if necessary;
• Operate radio to receive instructions and notify superiors of work efforts in progress;
• Maintain equipment in functional and clean condition;
• Report malfunction in building equipment and alarm systems to supervisors for corrective action;
• Conduct drug and alcohol tests as scheduled or when deemed necessary;
• Make deposits into offender accounts as necessary;
• Ensure that a clean-up crew is identified each morning and supervise the daily cleaning maintenance; Completes an inspection of the facility; Reports maintenance issues;
• Possess knowledge of the Record Management System;
• Assist in processing of newly assigned offenders; Searches offenders and property for contraband; Conducts urinalysis; Assist with orientation; Completed classification and PREA Assessment; Issue facility property;
• Monitor offenders at all times;
• Schedule offender activities; Ensure offenders are prepared for work;
• Maintain accurate logs and offender records;
• Serve offender meals;
• Distribute commissary orders such as snacks, hygiene, tobacco products, and money cards;
• Provide security during in house medical visits when needed and when offenders are admitted to hospitals;
• Dispense medication when trained to do so; Ensure that blood pressure readings and blood glucose levels are checked and recorded by offenders;
• Answer offender request and resolve offender grievance;
• Keep offenders up to date with current events and changes in policies and/or procedures;
• Receive, inspect, and distribute all in-coming mail; prepare out-going mail;
• Greet visitors and direct to the appropriate area or person;
• Complete an additional 40 hours of training, each year, as required by the American Correctional Association (ACA);
• Assist in the ACA accreditation process as well as the annual Department of Public Safety and Corrections (DPS&C) audits.

Requirements:

• Job holders must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and legally able to work in the United States.
• Associate’s degree or equivalent from a university or college; or, six (6) months to one (1) year related experience and/or training; or, equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
• Level 3 Corrections Academy Required;
• P.O.S.T. Certification Required;
• Firearm Certification Required Annually;
• Must possess a valid Louisiana Driver’s License;
• Must possess basic knowledge of technical and professional methods, practices, and procedures in the delivery of law enforcement services; and, possess basic skills in the operation of personal computers, calculators, copy machines, and fax machines; basic knowledge of computer word processing software, business English, spelling, punctuation, and methods and techniques in record keeping and filing systems required;
• Must have the emotional stability, maturity, and physical stamina to effectively handle verbal disparagements and physical aggression from hostile individuals, inmates, and criminal suspects and perpetrators;
• Must possess the ability to perform job duties in highly stressful situations;
• Must have the ability to deal courteously and effectively with the general public, governmental officials, and other employees of the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office;
• Must be able to work on 12-hour rotating shifts.