JOB TITLE: CORRECTIONS OFFICER 1

JOB CODE: 47210

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The Corrections Officer job series describes work involving the care, custody, control, and non-professional counseling of inmates.

DEFINITION: This is work in the care, custody, control, and non-professional counseling of inmates at a state correctional facility on an assigned shift.

An employee in this job directs inmate activities in cellblocks, housing units, work areas, dining areas, and recreation areas and observes inmates from various locations throughout the facility to ensure security is maintained and facility rules are adhered to. Work also includes providing advice and guidance to inmates in their adjustment to and participation in the correctional processes. Work varies from duties where there is direct involvement with inmates, to work where there is limited contact with inmates and visitors. Work is performed according to established rules and regulations and is reviewed by a higher-level corrections officer through direct observation, inspections, and reports.

   DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

      • Work is differentiated from the lower-level trainee job by independently performing the full range of duties related to the care, custody, control, and non-professional counseling of inmates.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.):

• Inspects inmate living areas for cleanliness, contraband, stolen goods, and signs of escape plans or procedures.

• Observes and participates in searches of inmates and visitors and inspections of facility grounds and buildings to ensure conformance with departmental policies and procedures and reports any violations to a higher-level officer.

• Provides non-professional counseling to inmates on issues related to facility adjustment as well as matters of a personal nature.

• Observes inmate behavior and reports anything unusual to a higher-level officer.

• Participates in the movement and supervision of inmates in and around the facility, to include its grounds and any off-site locations, ensuring that inmate passes are reviewed and inmate movements are recorded properly.

• Controls access to and egress from inmate cellblocks, cottages, and housing units by operating electronic equipment which opens and closes doors allowing entrance or exit to the facility or cells.

• Quells disturbances, assists other officers in emergency situations, and reports the inmates involved.

• Oversees inmates and maintains security during periods of exercise, recreation, meal, shower, and other activities.

• Administers first-aid to inmates or other employees when necessary.

• Signs visitors in and out of visiting areas and searches visitors for contraband.

• Issues laundry, clothing, and other supplies.

• Observes the facility and its surrounding areas to ensure there are no escapes, fires, or suspicious persons.

• Patrols cellblock areas and housing units to ensure there are no fire hazards, suspicious occurrences, and to ensure inmate living areas are suitable.

• Travels and escorts inmates to community hospitals, court, and special activities.

• Instructs inmates on personal hygiene, general housekeeping duties, and facility rules and regulations and answers any questions.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of individual and group behavior.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of inmate supervision.

• Knowledge of inmate search and inspection procedures.

• Knowledge of basic first-aid practices.

• Knowledge of general housekeeping activities.

• Knowledge of corrections security and safety practices.

• Ability to read and interpret written materials.

• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

• Ability to observe changes in inmate personality, demeanor, attitude, and degree of program participation and to identify unusual or suspicious behaviors.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities):

• Successful completion of the Corrections Officer Trainee Program;

or

• One year of experience in corrections security work in a Pennsylvania state or county corrections facility. (Note: Persons seeking employment under this option will be required to successfully complete, or have completed, a training program conducted by the Department of Corrections.)

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

• An active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C driver’s license or equivalent is required for certain positions that involve driving a vehicle as designated in the post/position requirements.