Correctional Officer; SDSP

Job  
• Agency:
Department of Corrections, SD State Penitentiary
•

Location:

Sioux Falls
• Salary: $25.60 - $30.00 per hour, depending on experience
• Pay Grade: GH-G
• Closing Date:
Open Until Filled

Maintains security by enforcing DOC policies and institutional post orders to ensure the safety and security of offenders and employees and that confinement conditions are maintained.

Service as a correctional officer is an excellent way to begin a law‑enforcement career and to gain supervisory experience. New officers are trained in all aspects required of the job; no prior education or experience is necessary. Officers are eligible for Class B retirement with 8 % matching contributions. Uniforms are provided.

Correctional Officers must be able to work all shifts. Weekday and weekend shifts are twelve (12) hour rotations. Officers are required to work every other weekend along with some holidays.

• Monitor and control access to the facility and restricted areas
• Man an armed post (requires annual firearms certification)
• Monitor facility perimeter
• Maintain a controlled movement schedule for offenders
• Escort and transport offenders in authorized state vehicles, while armed
• Monitor visiting areas
• Conduct formal, informal, and emergency counts
• Conduct searches per policy
• Inspect facility and cells to maintain health, safety, and sanitation standards
• Inspect inmate mail
• Utilize proper protocols when responding to emergency situations
• Follow established tool and key control, ensuring proper storage and documentation
• Attend shift briefings
• Document incidents utilizing established reporting practices
• Communicate pertinent information to coworkers and supervisors

• At least 18 years old and possess a valid Driver’s License
• May have to undergo an abuse and neglect screening
• High school diploma or GED

• Successfully pass all modules of the South Dakota Department of Corrections Basic Training, including English reading comprehension, competency assessments, and written/practical exams in Defensive Tactics and firearms/armed transport curriculum
• Possess the physical ability to complete Defensive Tactics (e.g., lift arms above head, stable a person, deliver blows, withstand impact, rotate body 90°, perform repeated kneeling)
• Will be exposed to Oleoresin Capsicum during Basic Training and assignment
• Must see and hear to observe, address, and respond to potential breaches in safety and security
• Seize, hold, control, or subdue violent persons and defend oneself or others to prevent injury
• Demonstrate body agility, strength of all four limbs, and the ability to walk and climb stairs consistently
• Work 12‑hour rotating shifts, including holidays and weekends
• Work in situations involving assaultive behavior, physical control, or restraint situations
• Deal with individuals with a range of moods and behaviors, using tactfulness and a congenial manner
• Communicate by talking, listening, or signaling people to convey assignments or information
• Work in environments with fluctuating noise and temperature, possibly outdoors in inclement weather or concrete/sand surfaces
• Willing and able to travel and work various shifts, days, afternoons, graveyards (nights) with rotating schedule
• Undergo tuberculosis screening upon hire

Applicants will be required to answer a series of job related questions when submitting an application for this job.

Eligibility:
This position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08. Successful applicants must undergo a background investigation; a record of arrest or conviction does not necessarily bar employment. Offers are conditional upon successful completion of a drug screening.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. This position is a member of Class B retirement under SDRS.

"An Equal Opportunity Employer"