Jail Correctional Officer

Performs intermediate protective and human support service work ensuring the care and security of inmates at the county jail; does related work as required. Work is performed under the regular supervision of the Jail Administrator, Assistant Jail Administrator, and jail sergeants or acting sergeants.

• Processing inmates into custody of institution, searching prisoners, taking charge of personal property; providing opportunity to call attorney or relative, advising on institutional rules and regulations;
• Operating specialized equipment;
• Patrolling jail area periodically to ensure security and maintain order;
• Supervising inmates during meals, exercise, work, recreation, and personal hygiene and related activities for conformance to institutional rules, regulations and procedures;
• Serving as turnkey in admitting visitors, attorneys, police officers, and bondsmen;
• Supervising the work of inmate workers;
• Attending to special needs of prisoners and attempting to resolve individual problems, if possible;
• Escorting inmates within the confines of the jail as required;
• Preparing and maintaining detailed manual and computerized records on inmates;
• Ensuring the care and maintenance of living quarters and recreational facilities used by inmates;
• Performing laundry duty as assigned;
• Arranging visits, inspecting items brought into the jail, checking incoming and outgoing mail;
• Overseeing the serving of meals to inmates;
• Distributing and administering medications as prescribed;
• Maintain a clean workspace;
• Staffing the control room of the jail when needed;
• Performing related tasks as required or directed.

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school supplemented by courses in CPR and first aid.

Possession of all qualifications for this position as required by Dubuque County and the State of Iowa. Must satisfactorily complete an initial jail training program spanning several weeks, an initial 40‑hour jail training program within 1 year of hire at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, and 20‑hour annual continuing jail education and other department training as required.

Satisfactory driving record and possession of a valid Driver's License.

• General knowledge of the security, rules, regulations, and procedures of the institution;
• Some knowledge of the practices of modern penology as related to the supervision and care of persons under institutionalized restraint;
• Some knowledge of basic principles of human psychology;
• Ability to enforce institutional rules firmly and fairly;
• Ability to detect potential behavior problems of inmates;
• Ability to detect the early symptoms of common health problems;
• Ability to carry out oral and written directions accurately;
• Ability to supervise the activities of large groups of inmates;
• Ability to prepare records and reports.

• Drive a motor vehicle;
• Assist with the control of jail inmates;
• Physically restrain/control an inmate physically resisting a lawful order;
• Use departmental equipment, including telephones, computers, and radios;
• Be able to stand for extended periods of time;
• Be able to smell potentially dangerous odors.