Entry Level Corrections Officer

SALARY:

$78,816 - $95,868 annually, depending on experience

$6,568 - $7,989 monthly, depending on experience

For a listing of benefits, please use the following link: Employee Benefits | City of Kent (kentwa.gov)

Additional information may also be found in the AFSCME contract, which you can access at Human Resources | City of Kent (kentwa.gov)

GENERAL PURPOSE

Positions in this class are responsible for corrections work involving the protection of life and property, enforcement of procedures, prevention of crimes and maintenance of order within the jail setting.     Work is performed according to departmental regulations and procedures.  Corrections Officers receive, book, supervise, discharge and assure the safety and security of the jail inmates, jail staff, volunteers and contracted employees; and for the cleanliness of the facility, preparation and inventory of food items and supplies and proper recording of activities.   Work requires a considerable amount of contact with inmates who may use abusive language or become violent.  The Corrections Officer will at all times be conscious of the inmate's civil rights and ensure compliance with those rights.

Duty assignments and special instructions are received from supervisors. Work is evaluated by inspection, review of reports and general appraisal of the effectiveness of the employee and adherence to established policies.  

REPORTS TO:

Corrections Sergeant or Acting Shift Sergeant

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Ensure the security and welfare of jail inmates; direct and supervise inmates' daily activities; establish rapport and assess individual inmate baseline behavior. 

Observe, direct, escort, move and supervise jail inmates during daily activities.

Communicate with others regarding activities and incidents in the jail.

Tactfully diffuse any verbal or physical abuse which may occur in the course of performing work assignments. 

Physically protect themselves, inmates and personnel and provide immediate first responder/life saving measures to others.      

Recognize and determine when and to what extent physical force should be used, up to and including deadly force, as governed by law and policy

Maintain direct contact with inmates who may be mentally unstable, under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, verbally aggressive or physically dangerous. 

Document, accurately, thoroughly, and clearly, incidents and actions by writing incident reports, maintaining daily logs and preparing other related documents.

Take initial custody of prisoners; evaluate for medical and mental stability, search prisoners to remove property, contraband and weapons; complete an initial medical intake evaluation; inventory and secure property and money, enter booking information, photograph, fingerprint, classify security level, and place inmates in the appropriate housing unit. 

Process court documents, release or transfer inmates in accordance with court orders or established standards of release.  Assure that all documents regarding inmates are legal, accurate and properly recorded.  

Operate control room; control all movement of inmates and personnel in, out and within the facility; monitor security cameras to ensure the safety of staff and inmates and report potentially dangerous situations or suspicious activities to other staff; monitor inmate behavior.

Respond to emergency situations and alarms; effectively communicate with inmates and the public via intercom, telephone and the public lobby; Screen incoming mail for contraband, escape plans, gang activity or other criminal behavior. 

Accurately collect and process bonds or cash bail. 

Direct and monitor all daily housing unit inmate activities, to include, but not limited to, formal counts, medication pass, meal service, inmate supply exchanges, and all inmate activities.  Ensure the sanitation of the facility and record maintenance needs.

Directs in-custody court video hearings; works with defendants, judges, court clerks, defense attorneys, prosecutors and language interpreters; ensures the safety of inmates and court staff

Transports inmates to and from jail and to various appointments; maintain corrections vehicles and complete vehicle inspection logs; distribute paperwork throughout the City

Screen incoming mail for contraband, escape plans, gang activity or other criminal behavior.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Adult judicial procedures and the criminal justice system; civil and constitutional rights, their content, intent and application.

• Department and facility policies and procedures, federal, state and local laws and health and safety regulations relating to jail facilities and activities.

• Knowledge of and the ability to apply proper English language usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.

SKILLED IN:

• Analyzing routine, dangerous and stressful situations rapidly and accurately.

• Diffusing potentially violent/explosive situations.

• Maintaining control in stressful, hostile and hazardous conditions.

• Coping with situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, and with respect for the rights of others.

• Effectively dealing with violations of rules, policies and procedures on an impartial basis.

• Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing.

• Preparing clear and concise reports.

• Use and care of handcuffs, leg irons, waist restraints, Taser, OC and other available tools.

• Operation of corrections vehicles in accordance with legal and defensive driving practices.

ABILITY TO:

• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others using tact, patience and courtesy.

• Relate effectively to people of a variety of cultures, languages, handicaps and socio-economic situations.

• Apply general policies and procedures to specific situations.

• Act without direct supervision and exercise independent discretion, using good judgment, common sense and flexibility.

• Assure the safety and security of jail inmates and personnel.

• Act without direct supervision and exercise independent discretion, using good judgment, common sense and flexibility.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Education:  High school diploma, general education degree (GED), or equivalent.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid Washington State Driver's License, or the ability to obtain within thirty (30) days of employment.

• Positions in this class must meet Civil Service Rules and Regulations.

• Must be able to pass a comprehensive background investigation, including a psychological, medical and polygraph exam.

• Successful completion of all requirements of the Washington State Basic Corrections Academy or equivalent within the guidelines set by WAC.

• Washington Crime Information Center (WACIC) Certificate within one year.

• CPR/AED Certification is required within one year of employment.

• Must be a United States citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or a deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) recipient.

• Ability to fluently speak, read, and write the English language.