Corrections Officer

Under the general supervision of a Corrections Sergeant, performs specialized duties involving the control and management of detainees in the City Jail, and supervises detainee work crews in the maintenance of public facilities and equipment. Ensures safety and proper treatment of detainees, in accordance with department directives and applicable law. Work is performed in accordance with established procedures, but employees are expected to apply independent judgment in making routine and emergency decisions.

• Receives detainees, and conducts body searches.
• Maintains physical control of detainees using minimum force required.
• Obtains required information from detainees; inventories and properly stores detainees' valuables and other personal property; issues uniforms and other items per directive.
• Supervises and guards detainee work crews, both within and outside the detention facility; escorts, transports and guards prisoners in non-secure areas, including court, hospital, and work sites.
• Coordinates and supervises City Jail detainees assigned to custodial and exterior building maintenance duties; obtains and provides necessary equipment; monitors detainee activity; inspects and directs work; identifies needed facility repairs; and coordinates with the Building Superintendent.
• Assists other Corrections Officers and other department employees; performs court security duties; operates electronically-controlled access doors; summons assistance when necessary; communicates with other personnel by means of intercom and two-way radio.
• Monitors activities of detainees within jail facility, both visually and by means of closed-circuit television; communicates with detainees directly or by means of intercom.
• Performs and/or supervises preparation and delivery of meals, laundry, and housekeeping within the facility.
• Works continuously to maintain safety of employees, detainees and other members of the public by adhering to safety procedures and protocols at all times. Provides first-aid to detainees and assists medical personnel as required.
• Coordinates and monitors visitation of detainees with family members, friends, attorneys, and members of other criminal justice agencies.
• Maintains appropriate records of booking, detention and release of detainees; operates computerized records management system; enters and maintains computerized data regarding warrants, arrests, convictions and sentences.
• Accepts and accounts for detainees' money and handles commissary transactions; accepts deliveries and assists with ordering and inventory of jail supplies; accounts for inventory and control of department equipment and supplies.
• Operates City-owned vehicles when required to transport detainees, travel to training, or perform other department business.
• Contributes to the effective administration of the City Jail and the Yakima Police Department by demonstrating an attitude that encourages cooperation, coordination of efforts, productive time management, efficient use of resources, and exceptional customer service. Provides continuous effort to improve operations, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality services. Proactively introduces suggestions for change to address emerging issues and opportunities.

Knowledge/understanding of and ability to apply statutory and judicial limitations on prisoner confinement, and the rights of all persons under the constitution of the United States and the State of Washington. Knowledge and understanding of safety practices and procedures. Knowledge and understanding of the strategic objectives of City Council as they relate to the Police Department. Knowledge of, and clear commitment to, the principles of 21st Century Policing. Knowledge of effective leadership principles, practices; practices and principles of work flow and systems analysis; record keeping systems, processes, and practices; principles and practices for project management; municipal records retention procedures, and techniques. Demonstrates knowledge and sound judgement with regard to public disclosure, and confidentiality standards. Knowledge and understanding of the concept of exceptional customer service. Models this behavior and encourages it from other employees. Knowledge and understanding of policies, procedures, laws, rules and regulations related to Corrections operations and staff, in accordance with policies and procedures of the department and the City of Yakima. Ability to read, research, interpret, learn, explain and apply: modern prisoner detention methods and techniques; State, Federal and City laws, regulations, codes, rules, and ordinances; and City and Department policies and procedures. Ability to understand and apply the rules of evidence and to obtain information through interview, interrogation and observation. Must possess ability to identify and define complex problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Ability to evaluate circumstances and make sound judgments and decisions in a timely manner, based on training and experience, to analyze situations quickly and objectively, and to determine the proper course of action; ability to react quickly and calmly under emergency conditions; ability to cope with stressful situations firmly, courteously and tactfully; ability to do strenuous physical work. Ability to handle concerns or complaints skillfully and respectfully, and to communicate and negotiate clearly and effectively, with employees, members of the public representing diverse educational and cultural backgrounds, and with officials at all levels of government utilizing well developed communication skills, both written and oral, with appropriate use of business English, and plain English, including but not limited to correct grammar, vocabulary, letter composition, editing, spelling, and punctuation. Must prepare a variety of records and reports; and answer inquiries by telephone, e-mail, or in person while routinely and regularly maintaining a high degree of confidentiality and discretion through all forms of communication. Ability to effectively work in a team-based approach to problem-solving and solution implementation, and to establish, facilitate, and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, the public, community organizations and government agencies; to consistently and continually demonstrate tact, diplomacy, and respect to individuals, groups and organizations representing a wide diversity of ethnicities, cultures, opinions, and beliefs; Ability to perform the essential physical requirements of the job, including but not limited to ability to confront and affect the apprehension of prisoners by means of command presence, voice control and physical force, up to and including deadly force, if necessary. Demonstrates knowledge of and adherence to a high standard of personal and professional ethics. Ability to positively receive feedback and take direction is essential. Ability to work independently with self-direction and minimal supervision or oversight; use initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines; maintain sustained attention to detail and work under timeline pressures; prioritize and assign workloads; manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines. Excellent analytical and organizational skills are essential. Must be innovative and flexible with ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities and demands. Requires ability to perform effectively and efficiently with frequent interruptions with competing deadlines, priorities and objectives in a calm and professional manner. Ability to operate standard office equipment including but not limited to a personal computer, utilize specialized software, and enter information into a computer system with speed and accuracy; effectively use City programs including but not limited to records management and automated information systems. Must have strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and office equipment including but not limited to computer, fax machine, copy machine, telephone etc. Ability to maintain annual training and credit requirements of the position, including but not limited to City mandatory training requirements, and position specific training. Ability to work extended hours as needed to carry out responsibilities of the position.

Work is normally performed in a confined indoor environment while sitting, standing and/or walking for an extended period of time. Constant use of all senses including feeling/talking/hearing/seeing while performing duties and while communicating with inmates, co-workers, general public and completing all tasks as assigned, including operating a motor vehicle. Constant use of both hands in reaching/handling/grasping/keyboarding and other fine motor skills while performing duties. May be exposed to bio-hazardous materials, slippery surfaces, dirt, and unpleasant working conditions. Frequent kneeling/bending/ crouching/ crawling/reaching/walking. Occasional heavy work includes lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds. Occasionally ascends/descends stairs and inclines while maintaining balance. May work outdoors, at heights, confined spaces, alone, with others, or in noisy work area. Must be able to distinguish color and maintain long-term and short-term memory. Will be required to wear safety protective gear when necessary.

Working conditions include: working nights, weekends, holidays and rotating shifts; carrying and qualifying with a firearm; overtime and callback; contact with violent, intoxicated and/or mentally ill criminal offenders; possibility of exposure to bloodborne pathogens, drug paraphernalia and other health hazards.