JOB TITLE: CORRECTIONS OFFICER 3

JOB CODE: 47230

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 supervisory and/or administrative work in the care, custody, control, and non-professional counseling of inmates on an assigned shift in a state correctional facility, or supervisory and/or administrative work within the Central Office of the Department of Corrections.

An employee in this job in a correctional facility is responsible for observing and directing the activities of subordinate corrections officers and inmates during an assigned shift to ensure security is maintained and facility rules are adhered to, or performs administrative duties of equivalent scope and complexity. An employee in this job may also assume sole authority and responsibility for facility operations on an assigned shift where a higher-level corrections officer is not assigned and in the absence of an administrative supervisor. An employee in this job exercises discretion and considerable independent judgment in the performance of daily tasks or under emergency conditions. Work is performed according to established rules and regulations and is reviewed by a higher-level officer or administrative supervisor through direct observation, inspections, and reports.

• In a Central Office setting, an employee in this job is responsible for assisting in developing and implementing policies and procedures for programs related to security, inmate abuse allegations, staff misconduct, drug interdiction, or other areas of operations, and for monitoring facility compliance; or is assigned in an administrative and training capacity to the Department's Training Academy.

   DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

     • Work is differentiated from the lower-level job by the responsibility for supervising lower-level corrections officers and/or performing administrative duties that include assisting with the development and effective implementation of agency or facility program policies and procedures.

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.):

• Supervises and directs the security functions of subordinate corrections officers.

• Directs facility operations, such as, security, food service, plant maintenance, medical services, and recreation on an assigned shift where a higher-level corrections officer is not assigned and in the absence of an administrative supervisor.

• Supervises and participates in searches of inmates and visitors and inspections of facility grounds and buildings to ensure conformance with departmental policies and procedures and documents any violations.

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

• Observes inmate behavior and takes appropriate action when anything unusual is detected.

• Participates as a member of a housing unit team.

• Conducts and participates in operational inspections to observe officers' performance, ensures officers are alert and diligent in the performance of their duties, ensures compliance with facility operations, and observes inmates' behavior.

• Monitors Corrections Officer Trainees' progress through observation, discussions with employees and other staff, and review of progress reports.

• Interprets rules, regulations, policies, and objectives of the facility to subordinate corrections officers and to inmates.

• Interviews inmates and staff, investigates incidents of inmate abuse or staff misconduct, and prepares required reports of findings and conclusions.

• Handles and secures evidence obtained from investigations and maintains chain-of-custody.

• Takes, receives, and verifies periodic counts of inmates.

• Investigates and prepares reports regarding findings, with conclusion and recommendations on infractions of the rules and regulations by staff and inmates, initiates corrective action, and recommends major corrective disciplinary action or dismissal.

• Authorizes and reviews the use of force.

• Supervises and participates in the search of visitors and in the inspection of incoming and outgoing vehicles, materials, and supplies for the presence of contraband and to prevent escape.

• Serves as a member of a facility Program Review Committee.

• Receives inmate and staff grievances, complaints, and requests and conducts initial investigation into causes and conditions, and resolves or recommends resolution.

• Prepares required reports on inspections and activities.

• Serves as a liaison with agency facilities or federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

• Audits and reviews facilities' security operations to ensure compliance with policies, rules, and regulations.

• Ensures that searches conducted by the Drug Interdiction Teams are in accordance with established procedures.

• Reviews extraordinary incident, inmate misconduct, and/or other reports prepared by facility staff to determine program and procedural compliance.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• Employees in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates' work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the methods and techniques used in enforcing discipline of inmates.

• Knowledge of individual and group behavior.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of inmate supervision.

• Knowledge of inmate search and inspection procedures.

• Knowledge of corrections security and safety practices.

• Knowledge of basic first-aid practices.

• Knowledge of general housekeeping activities.

• Ability to read and interpret written materials.

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

• Ability to use restraining devices correctly and effectively.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: (NOTE: These are expected of an employee performing the work of this job at the full performance level. These may not be evaluated by the State Civil Service Commission or used for Civil Service examination purposes and are not position-specific performance standards.):

• Knowledge of the use of drug detection procedures and equipment.

• Knowledge of the On-The-Job Training Program for Corrections Officer Trainees.

• Knowledge of emergency preparedness policies, procedures, and implementation.

• Knowledge of investigative principles, including the collection and preservation of evidence.

• Knowledge of appropriate interviewing, interrogation, and investigation techniques.

• Ability to direct the work of subordinate corrections officers.

• Ability to interpret, apply, and enforce facility rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements.

• Ability to direct the movements and activities of inmates either individually or in groups.

• Ability to search inmates, visitors, cell blocks, and other areas in and around the facility for contraband.

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

• One year as a Corrections Officer 2 (Commonwealth job title);

or

• Four years 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:

• Certain positions require possession of an active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C driver’s license or equivalent.