Correctional Officer

Position Summary

Works under direct supervision of an assigned supervisor and is responsible for the security and maintenance of Shelby County Division of Corrections in accordance with established policies and procedures.
 

Pay Grade: 45H
 

Minimum Qualifications

• Must have high school diploma or GED.
• Minimum age 21 at the time of application. 
• Discharged under honorable conditions from armed forces if applicable.
• Must not have been convicted of, plead guilty to or entered plea of no contest to any felony charge, or any violation of federal or state laws or city ordinances relating to force, violence, theft, dishonesty, gambling, liquor or controlled substance.
• Must attend and successfully complete a recruit corrections training academy.
• PROOF OF EDUCATION, TRAINING AND/OR EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED.
   

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists in maintaining security and order in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Assists in the admittance and release of residents.
• Observes and reports the conduct and behavior of residents to prevent disturbance, escape and introduction of contraband.
• Mans observation post or relieves other personnel as required.
• Controls the operation of security floors, i.e. sanitation, security and maintenance.
• Supervises movement of residents and maintains control in areas of the prison.
• Makes periodic unscheduled patrols of resident's quarters and performs count at specified and unspecified intervals.
• Inspects resident's person and quarters for contraband.
• Controls, restrains and maintains disciplinary control over residents.
• Handles emergency situations according to policy and procedures.
• Acquires and maintains working knowledge of radio, computers and other electronic equipment.
• Prepares and completes reports connected with responsibilities, such as progress reports, disciplinary and accident reports.
• Attends and successfully completes Annual In-Service Training.
• Resists resident attempts to manipulate, distract or interfere with operations.
• Resolves minor problems/conflicts before they escalate into major problems.
• Follows appropriate procedures under extraordinary circumstances, remains calm to maintain security of the facility and safety of all personnel.
• Performs security checks, routine shakedowns and searches to ensure security.
• Performs other related duties as required or directed.
   

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to observe and accurately record events.
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
• Ability to use tact in problem situations.
• Physical ability to perform assigned work tasks.
• Knowledge of the civil and constitutional rights of inmates.
• Ability to establish and maintain records.
• Knowledge of security systems and their implementations.
• Ability to display initiative, sound judgment and positive approach.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees.
   

Special Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible to work in the United States.
• Must not have any felony convictions.
• Must be able to function in a prison environment.
• Must be able to work weekends and various shifts as required.
• Must have a valid Tennessee driver’s license as of the date of the scheduled medical examination.
• Must be of high moral character and pass a comprehensive background investigation.
• Must have been discharged under honorable conditions from armed forces, if applicable.
• Must successfully pass the physical agility test, psychological and pre-employment tests, and TB and drug screening.
• Be willing and able to qualify and use chemical spray and perform CPR.
• Must attend and successfully complete basic training school to include physical and written tests.
   

Disclaimer

This position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work employees perform within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties responsibilities and qualifications required by the employee assigned to the position.
 

This position is subject to a background check for any convictions that have a substantial relationship to potential job duties. Only convictions that are substantially related to potential job duties will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate.