COUNTY CORRECTION OFFICER
DEFINITION
Under supervision during an assigned tour of duty at a
correctional facility, guard inmates serving court imposed
sentences for the commission of criminal offenses; does other
related duties.
NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative
purposes only. A particular position using this title may not
perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely,
all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
Listens for unusual sounds in cell blocks and elsewhere in the
institution such as changes in noise level, calls for help, cries
of fire, arguments among inmates, scraping of metal, for example,
to maintain security, safety, and welfare of inmates and to react
properly in crisis situations.
Constantly observes inmates to detect violations of institutional
regulations or any unusual physical appearance or behavior of
inmates in various locations throughout the institution such as
dining room, farm area, showers, and cell block, and during
recreational activities to protect the security, safety, and
welfare of inmates.
Detects unusual odors such as marijuana, fires, or alcohol to
protect the security, safety, and welfare of inmates.
Keeps continual track of the number of inmates in his/her
immediate charge through periodic head counts, and/or records in a
log book all movements of inmates to the infirmary, work detail,
cell block area, visitation rooms, or other assignments to be
aware at all times of the whereabouts of inmates.
Patrols cell block areas, tiers, grounds, and corridors to check
for safety/security hazards such as fires, smoke, broken pipes,
unlocked doors, and windows/locks that have been tampered with to
protect the
security, safety, and welfare of inmates and the institution.
Escorts a group of inmates during movements within or outside the
institution to prevent disorder or breaches in security.
Physically restrains inmates when necessary to prevent injuries to
staff and other inmates and to maintain security.
Learns names and identification numbers and recognizes faces of
problem inmates by observing and receiving information from other
officers so that such persons can be closely observed; briefs the
officer on next shift as to unusual activities, block & quot;
climate, & quot; and inmate status.
Listens to informers and conversations among inmates to obtain
information on escape attempts, contraband, gambling, or other
security matters; reports information in accord with established
policies, regulations, and procedures.
On reporting to work, attends roll call and reads bulletins issued
by the department or institution to keep abreast of changes in
policies/regulations; receives work assignments.
Directs inmates in housekeeping duties in the cell block area such
as sweeping/mopping of floors, making beds, and dusting/vacuuming
to maintain sanitary conditions in the resident areas.
Completes short forms such as head counts, bedding inventory, and
safety reports to provide routine information.
Prepares concise factual reports describing incidents of
misbehavior or violation of rules to provide written documentation
for disciplinary hearings.
Searches inmates cells/dormitories in accord with established
policies/regulations/procedures to find contraband articles.
Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic
and/or manual recording and information systems used by the
agency, office, or related units.
REQUIREMENTS:
EDUCATION:
High School Diploma or equivalent.
AGE:
Minimum of eighteen (18) years of age.
LICENSE:
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license
valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather
than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties
of the position.
CITIZENSHIP
Must be a citizen of the United States.
NOTE: MEDICAL EXAMINATION As a prerequisite for
appointment, appointees may be required to pass a thorough medical
examination administered by the appointing authority. Any medical
or physical condition or defect which would prevent efficient
performance of duties of the position, cause the appointee to be a
hazard to himself/herself or others, or become aggravated as a
result of performance of these duties, will be cause for
rejection. Appointees may be required to undergo a psychiatric
examination prior to appointment. Failure to demonstrate
sufficient capacity to perform duties of this position may be
cause for rejection.
NOTE: Appointees will be required to successfully complete a
training program approved by the NJ Police Training Commission
within the time period prescribed by law or the NJ Police Training
Commission.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Ability to cope with crisis situations.
Ability to follow orders explicitly.
Ability to write concise/accurate reports.
Ability to empathize with persons of different backgrounds.
Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual
recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or
related units.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in
English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position.
American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as
acceptable forms of communication.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long
as they can perform the essential functions of the job after
reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If
the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the
employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
CODES: LG - 01400 CGS 6/11/99
This job specification is for local government use only.
