Corrections Officer

SALARY:

$78,816 - $95,868 annually; Depending on Experience

For a listing of benefits, please use the following link: Employee Benefits | City of Kent (kentwa.gov)

Additional information may also be found in the AFSCME contract, which you can access at Human Resources | City of Kent (kentwa.gov)

GENERAL PURPOSE:

The position in this class is responsible for all custodial and maintenance activities within the Kent City Corrections Facility and for all the persons confined therein or assigned thereto.  This shall include, but not be limited to, preventing escapes, assaults, or injury to inmates, except that which is self‑inflicted or necessary force to maintain control; and for the cleanliness of the facility, preparation and inventory of food items and supplies and proper recording of activities.  The Corrections Officer will at all times be conscious of the inmate's civil rights and ensure compliance with those rights.

REPORTS TO:

This position will be directly responsible to the Corrections Sergeant.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Receive inmates and persons under the influence or mentally ill into the Corrections facility and release same as required.

• Physically search and control inmates using varying degrees of physical force, as necessary.

• Receive and/or release inmates in accord with classification and facility procedures.

• Take fingerprints and photographs of inmates.

• Arrange for medical treatment of sick or injured inmates.

• Supervise the daily operations and cleaning of corrections facility.

• Supervise the service of meals.

• Maintain required records of daily activities for corrections facility operation.

• Escort inmates to and from court, medical appointments or other destinations, on foot and in vehicles..

• Handle incoming calls for corrections facility, screening for appropriate parties involved.

• Communicate with the court during sessions.

• Apply hand and leg restraints on inmates.

• Write clear and concise incident reports using proper grammar, spelling and punctuation.

• Operate computers and terminals with accuracy.

• Performs related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

•  Computer base entry/retrieval skills.

SKILLED IN:

• Dealing with the inmates courteously, firmly and effectively.

• Interpersonal relationships.

• Analyzing dangerous situations rapidly and accurately.

• Maintaining control in stressful, hostile and hazardous conditions.

• Enforcement of all applicable laws.

• Preparing clear and concise reports.

ABILITY TO:

• Understand and follow appropriate legal guidelines involved in the maintenance of inmates.

• Exercise independent judgment.

• Establish effective working relations with other employees, a  supervisor, inmates and the general public.

• Learn operation of required security control systems including video camera, audio monitoring equipment, intercoms and door/cell access systems.

• Operate keyboards, computers and terminals with accuracy.

• Maintain confidentiality regarding all records and work related materials covered by privacy guidelines.

• Course work in corrections from an accredited college, recognized institution or equivalent.

• Control unruly inmates using verbal persuasion and physical force, if necessary.

MACHINES, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Operate security control systems including video camera, audio monitoring equipment,  intercoms and door/cell access systems;  breathalyzer machine and communication control board, typewriters, computers, terminals and  telephones.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is:

Frequently required to sit and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, controls or tools listed above; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Graduation from a standard high school, or a General Education Diploma (GED) or the equivalent.

A minimum of six (6) months of progressively responsible experience dealing with incarcerated individuals, or substitution of similar work experience.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Positions in this class must meet Civil Service Rules and Regulations.

• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's license or ability to obtain one.

• Must be able to pass a polygraph examination.

• Successful completion of all requirements of the WSCJTC basic Correction's Officer Training Academy including defensive tactics within six months of hire date.

• Basic first aid certificate and CPR certificate within first year of employment.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The working environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.