Corrections Officer

Position Summary:

Under general supervision, performs correction officer duties and duties associated in the development of supervisory skills and techniques in the security, custody and control of inmates in correctional facility setting.

The work is normally reviewed upon completion, with occasional spot checks while in process, to ensure accuracy, timeliness and conformance to established standards; major work tasks are covered by instructions or procedures and unusual situations are referred to a supervisor.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supervises and observes inmate behavior and builds rapport with inmates.
• Ensures policies, rules, and regulations of correctional facility operations are adhered to.
• Uses techniques in verbal intervention, listening skills and physical force techniques to minimize and control disturbances, injuries, and thwarting escape attempts.
• Maintains discipline and order among prisoners using non-lethal weapons, if necessary.
• Performs security measures by inspection of locks, grills, doors, and gates for evidence of tampering.
• Escorts inmates to and from visitation, tribal court, medical appointments or religious services that may include driving inmates to locations outside correctional facility.
• Performs inmate searches for contraband articles.
• Processes paperwork for the receiving and incarceration of incoming prisoners.
• Serves inmate meals and provides other services as required.
• Patrols assigned areas for evidence of prohibited activities, rule infractions, security breaches.
• Reports correctional facilities observations to supervisor as required.
• Conducts regularly scheduled head counts of inmates.
• Prepares reports regarding inmate behavior, actions, security breeches or other incidents.
• Performs Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation or First Aid as required in the event of medical emergencies.
• Wears, carries and uses protective equipment such as respirators, protective masks and personal safety equipment.
• Keeps logs of inmate property, booking information, and receives inmate in/out going mail.
• Testifies in court.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned and contributes to a team effort.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the Tohono O'odham culture, customs, and traditions.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, tribal laws, regulations and requirements.
• Knowledge of the economic, educational, health and social problems of Native Americans.
• Knowledge of self-defense and related defense and control equipment.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques for maintaining control over inmates.
• Skill in maintaining composure under stressful or dangerous conditions.
• Skill in maintaining accurate records.
• Skill in operating various word-processing, spreadsheets, and database software programs.
• Skill in providing superior customer service to external and internal customers.
• Ability to interact and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to learn, understand and apply the principles and dynamics of direct supervision and inmate management techniques.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.
• Ability to maintain privileged confidential information.
• Ability to work independently and meet strict timelines.
• Ability to work extended hours and various work schedules including nights, weekends and holidays.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or General Education Diploma and four years' work experience in a Correctional facility, Military or Law Enforcement field.

Security Clearance:

• Any adverse background information disclosed or obtained in criminal and/or traffic records check will disqualify applicant.
• Any falsification of application information may result in immediate disqualification from further employment consideration.

Licenses, Certifications, Special Requirements:

• Must possess Bureau of Indian Affairs or State Corrections Training Academy Certification.
• Must have completed the Tohono O'odham Nation's five-week Field Training Officer program.
• Must be certified in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and First Aid.
• Must demonstrate seventy percent proficiency in grammar, spelling, and math.
• Must pass physical agility test or tests.
• Must maintain Certification of Investigations and Adjudication on file with human resources.
• Upon recommendation for hire, a criminal background check is required to determine suitability for hire, including a 39-month Motor Vehicle Record.
• May require possessing and maintaining a valid driver's license, (no DUIs or major traffic citations within the last three years).
• If required, must meet the Tohono O'odham Nation tribal employer's insurance requirements to receive a driver's permit to operate program vehicles.
• Based on the department's needs, incumbents may be required to demonstrate fluency in both the Tohono O'odham Language and English as a condition of employment.