Correctional Officer I

Correctional Officer I

Location Chestertown, Maryland

Department Detention Center

Employment Type Full-Time

Compensation $23.21/hourly - $35.97/hourly

Under the direction of a Corporal, the Correctional Officer is responsible for maintaining the safety, security, and orderly operation of the Detention Center in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and correctional standards. This position supervises inmates, protects staff and visitors, safeguards County property, and ensures the secure and humane treatment of individuals in custody. The Correctional Officer contributes to public safety through the secure confinement, care, and supervision of inmates.

• Maintains continuous supervision of inmates and detention facility operations through observation, control, confinement, and counseling.
• Ensures inmates receive daily necessities, including meals, hygiene supplies, and access to approved services.
• Maintains accountability of utensils, tools, and other items issued within the facility.
• Conducts routine and targeted searches of inmates, inmate property, housing units, facility grounds, and other areas to detect and prevent contraband.
• County vehicles drive to transport courts, medical appointments and escort inmates to and from housing units to medical and other authorized locations.
• Screens and authorizes entry of visitors, contractors, vendors, maintenance personnel, and service providers; receives and processes deliveries.
• Monitors inmate behavior and intervene appropriately to prevent assaults, de-escalate situations, or respond to verbal and physical altercations.
• Enforces rules and regulations governing the conduct of visitors.
• Provides security during attorney visits, family visitation, and other authorized inmate contacts.
• Supervises inmates on work details and inmate activities, including recreation, educational programming, and other approved activities.
• Processes incoming inmates, including intake, classification, identification, fingerprinting, and documentation.
• Releases inmates only upon verification of authorized documentation and established release procedures.
• Maintains strict accountability for weapons, keys, restraints, communications equipment, and other security devices.
• Performs regular, documented security checks of housing units and maintains heightened observation of inmates requiring special monitoring.
• Oversee incarcerated individual (inmate) work assignments and assist in maintaining facility cleanliness, sanitation, and security, reports maintenance and repair needs.
• Maintains accurate records and reports, including inmate counts, incident reports, inventories, log entries, and other required documentation.
• Responds to emergencies, disturbances, medical incidents, and other critical situations in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

This position reports directly to a Corporal and does not have supervisory responsibilities.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, law enforcement personnel, incarcerated individuals (mates), attorneys, government officials, service providers, and members of the public.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to prepare accurate reports and documentation and effectively present information to staff, officials, and the public.

• Demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and respect in all interactions.
• Effectively manages difficult, emotional, or high-stress situations.
• Treats individuals fairly and impartially regardless of background, status, or circumstances.
• Demonstrates sound judgment, discretion, and emotional intelligence.

• Adapts effectively to changes in policies, procedures, technology, and operational needs.
• Exercises initiative and sound decision-making in dynamic and potentially volatile situations.
• Communicate information and recommendations clearly and effectively.

• Ability…