Corrections Officer

This is very responsible correctional facility work involving the intake, processing and incarceration of individuals suspected and/or convicted of criminal activity. Activities associated with the job include data entry of information into a computer database, fingerprinting, logging personal items, and photographing suspects, performing searches and placing the individual in the most appropriate level of confinement. Upon confinement, Corrections Officers conduct frequent safety checks, maintain a log of events and activities, monitor inmates’ health and emotional state, deliver meals and administer medications as prescribed.

Additional responsibilities include the transportation of inmates, checking for warrants on individuals taken into custody and prisoners and related administrative duties. Performance is evaluated by Corrections Corporals and Corrections Sergeants through review of the efficiency of the correctional facility operations, effectiveness in dealing with inmates, physical capacity to perform job duties and compliance with existing rules and regulations pertaining to correctional facility operations.

• Performs appropriate intake activities for individuals taken into custody such as fingerprinting, photographing and recording personal items into a log.
• Enters personal identification information into a computer database and conducts searches in local and state law enforcement databases for outstanding warrants, personal identifiers and/or criminal histories.
• Conducts searches of inmates and individuals taken into custody.
• Accompanies inmates to court, ensures they remain in control during court proceedings, records judgments and enters the information into the computer upon return from court.
• Performs routine security checks as prescribed in operational policies and the status of the inmate(s); maintains a log of monitoring activities indicating the behavior and demeanor of inmates including any significant changes and actions taken in response.
• Accompanies inmates to church services, GED classes, visitation, etc. and ensures that they remain in control at all times.
• Operates the control board and opens and closes doors to ensure the security of the facility.
• Monitors cameras to view inmate activity and the grounds surrounding the facility.
• Participates in shake downs to determine the presence of contraband and other illegal substances in the facility.
• Verifies visitors’ identification and observes inmates and visitors during visitation periods.
• Distributes meals and dispenses medications to inmates at prescribed times.
• Occasionally transports prisoners to medical doctors, emergency facilities, court appearances or other correctional facilities.
• Maintains documentation of inmate information in an organized and accessible manner.
• Intervenes and establishes control in dangerous and/or volatile situations to ensure the safety of individuals taken into custody and other inmates.
• Maintains a log of individuals released on bond and updates computer records as needed.
• Supervises the activity of trustees as they perform their assigned duties.
• Determines the appropriate course of action for inmates experiencing trauma or in need of medical attention.
• Performs related duties as required.

Required:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) or one-year related experience and/or training or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Tennessee driver’s license and ability to be insured at standard vehicle liability rates.
• Ability to pass a physical and drug screen administered by a licensed physician.
• Successful completion of all requirements necessary to receive Tennessee Corrections Institute Certification.
• Successful completion of forty (40) hours of in-service training annually.

Section 41-4-144 (a) After July 1, 2006 any person employed as a jail administrator, jailer, corrections officer, or guard in a county jail or workhouse shall:

• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;
• Be a citizen of the United States;
• Be a high school graduate or possess its equivalency which shall include a general educational development (GED) certificate;
• Not having…