JOB TITLE: CORRECTIONS OFFICER TRAINEE

JOB CODE: 47200

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 structured and specialized trainee work in the care, custody, control, and non-professional counseling of inmates in a state correctional facility.

An employee in this job participates in formal training sessions and on-the-job assignments to develop skills and techniques in the custody and supervision of inmates in a state correctional facility. Training consists of instruction in crisis prevention and intervention, law, human behavior and sociology applicable to inmates in confinement, and firearms qualification. Training also includes being assigned to various shifts and locations throughout the facility in order to gain an understanding of its operations. Initial work assignments are performed under the direct supervision of a corrections officer, with a corresponding increase in responsibility and difficulty as experience and training is gained. Work is performed according to established rules and regulations and is reviewed by assigned corrections officers through direct observation, inspections, and reports.

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.)

• Participates in formalized instruction in the areas of sociology, psychology, court procedures, self-defense, leadership, custodial responsibilities, and the facility’s organizational structure.

• Observes and participates in the security and discipline of inmates during various activities within the facility.

• 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 corrections officer.

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

• Observes inmate behavior and reports anything unusual to a corrections officer.

• Assists and participates in the movement and supervision of inmates in and around the facility, to include its grounds and any off-site locations.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to read and interpret written materials.

• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

• Ability to observe surroundings and accurately recall facts.

• Ability to assess and evaluate surroundings.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.