JOB TITLE: CORRECTIONS OFFICER 4

JOB CODE: 47240

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

An employee in this job in a correctional facility is responsible for assigning and directing subordinate corrections officers assigned to a specific shift, or performs the duties assigned to the position of Intelligence Captain. Work involves carrying out regularly scheduled facility activities according to established rules, regulations, and directives. An employee in this job may also assume sole responsibility and authority for facility operations on an assigned shift where a higher-level corrections officer is not assigned and in the absence of an administrative supervisor. Work is performed with a high level of independence and employees are responsible for managing unusual or emergency situations quickly and effectively. Work is reviewed by a higher-level corrections officer or an administrative supervisor through conferences with the employee, personal inspection tours of the facility, investigative or other reports, and effectiveness of results.

• In a Central Office setting, an employee in this job is responsible for supervising lower-level commissioned officers and for developing and implementing policies and procedures for programs related to security, inmate abuse allegations, staff misconduct, drug interdiction, or other areas of operation, and monitoring facility compliance.

   DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

     • Work is differentiated from the lower-level job by the responsibility for developing and ensuring the effective implementation of agency or facility program policies and procedures and supervising lower-level commissioned officers (Corrections Officers 3).

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.

• Coordinates and conducts intelligence gathering on security threat groups.

• Develops, implements, and reviews departmental and facility policies and procedures related to specific areas of operation and monitors compliance.

• Performs tours of inspection to ensure staff compliance with rules, procedures, and policies.

• Inspects cell blocks, housing units, dormitories, and individual cells and ensures that proper standards of sanitation and cleanliness are maintained.

• Reviews extraordinary incident, inmate misconduct, and/or other reports prepared by facility staff for accuracy, clarity, and thoroughness, and takes appropriate corrective action.

• Investigates and prepares reports related to infractions of rules and regulations by staff and inmates, for submission to the Superintendent or Central Office.

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

• Implements emergency plans, when appropriate.

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

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

• Prepares required reports on inspections and activities.

• Reviews inmate and staff grievances, complaints, and requests and takes appropriate action.

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

• 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 the principals and practices of employee 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 and are not position-specific performance standards.):

• Knowledge of departmental and facility rules, regulations, policies, and procedures related to safety and security.

• Knowledge of intelligence gathering methods and procedures.

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

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

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

• Knowledge of force continuum, including defensive tactics and the use of equipment and restraining devices.

• Knowledge of work requirements and inmate job assignments within the facility.

• Ability to monitor facility compliance, identify deficiencies, and take appropriate action.

• Ability to direct the work of subordinate corrections officers.

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

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

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

• Two years as a Corrections Officer 3 (Commonwealth job title);

or

• Six years of experience in corrections security work in a Pennsylvania state or county corrections facility, including two years of supervisory experience.

(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.