JOB TITLE: CORRECTIONS OFFICER 5

JOB CODE: 47250

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 professional correctional and managerial work in administering the security program or directing the unit management teams, and providing non-professional counseling to inmates in a state correctional institution, or functioning at the agency level as an administrator within the central office of the Department of Corrections.

An employee in this job in a correctional facility is responsible for directing and managing the custodial security or treatment programs according to the policies and procedures of the Department of Corrections. Work involves overseeing inmate cell block activity, monitoring staff and inmate work assignments, and establishing standards for security or unit management operations. Supervision is exercised over corrections officers or corrections officers and treatment staff in unit management team operations on the various shifts, and is performed by means of personal inspections, analysis of reports, and communication and conferences with subordinate staff. Work is reviewed by an administrative supervisor through conferences with the employee, personal inspections and tours of the facility, analysis of reports, and effectiveness of program results. In a central office setting, an employee in this job is responsible for managing and directing the implementation of departmental programs and related policies and procedures pertaining to the emergency preparedness plan and response teams, drug interdiction program, hostage rescue operations, security operations reviews, or the inmate abuse allegation monitoring program.

   DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

     • Work is differentiated from the lower-level job by having the full responsibility of either the security or unit management program at a state correctional facility, or by serving as a program administrator in a central office setting. Work at this level includes the supervision of subordinate Corrections Officers 4.

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.)

• Plans and supervises the facility security or unit management operations program within a state correctional facility.

• Supervises and provides non-professional counseling of 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.

• Develops and implements procedures in crisis intervention and prevention.

• Conducts inspections of the facility on a regular basis to determine that security operations are appropriately administered.

• Conducts and participates in staff meetings, local labor/management meetings, and other meetings.

• Investigates irregularities and difficulties arising within either the security or unit management programs and initiates corrective measures.

• Serves on the Program Review Committee, Crisis Intervention Team, or other committees as assigned.

• Reviews work-related reports pertaining to inmates and staff and recommends appropriate resolutions.

• Reviews, develops, and implements agency and facility policies and procedures related to security operations, inmate abuse allegation investigations, and other areas.

• Reviews inmate abuse allegation investigation reports or other reports submitted at the agency level for thoroughness and to ensure compliance with policies and procedures.

• Ensures compliance with departmental and facility policies and procedures pertaining to emergency preparedness, drug interdiction initiatives, and other security operations.

• 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 general operations of correctional facilities.

• 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 principles and practices of employee supervision.

• Knowledge of treatment programs related to the rehabilitation of criminal offenders.

• 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 of 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 are not used for merit system evaluation or examination purposes and are not position-specific performance standards.)

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

• Knowledge of the emergency preparedness plan and response teams, drug interdiction program, hostage rescue operations, and security operations reviews.

• Knowledge of intelligence gathering methods and procedures.

• Knowledge of appropriate methods for conducting, analyzing, and reporting inspections, investigations, and searches.

• 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 exercise initiative and judgement in evaluating, formulating, and applying program plans, policies, and procedures.

• Ability to plan, direct, and assign the work of subordinates to obtain maximum efficiency and achieve desired results.

• 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)

• One year as a Corrections Officer 4 (commonwealth job title);

or

• Six years of professional correctional experience in a Pennsylvania state or county correctional facility, including three years of supervisory experience. (Note: Persons employed 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.