Correctional Officer II, (Experienced/Entry Level) Sheriff's Office

Salary

Hiring Rate: $32.33/hour, Grade 18, Non-Exempt, LELS Jail-Dispatch Unit

Stearns County Mission: Provide Exceptional Public Services to Assure a Safe, Healthy, Vibrant County for All.
Stearns County Values: Professional | Approachable | Responsive | Collaborative | Fair & Equitable

Stearns County is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, public assistance status, veteran status, disability or sexual orientation.

It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

The Stearns County Sheriff's Office is committed to our partners, profession and communities.  We strive to deliver the best public safety customer service through community engagement, innovative ideas and the progressive use of technology.  The Sheriff's Office employs over 220 hardworking and dedicated individuals committed to teamwork and organizational growth.

Few people would choose to spend their time inside the walls of a jail, but it's all in a day's work as a Correctional Officer! Interested in a career with great job security and the ability to retire at age 55? Become a Correctional Officer where it will be good time served! You'll receive great pay, benefits, opportunities for advancement, and the reward of helping people make real life changes. Work is performed in a 24/7 locked facility environment with shift work including weekends and holidays. Correctional Officers enjoy 18 days of paid time off as well as 5 wellness days annually so that you have plenty of time to unwind and recharge! Check out this opportunity to make a difference through a rewarding career in public service and enjoy the excellent quality of life in Central Minnesota.

*All correctional officers will be eligible to receive a 5% pay increase on 1/1/2027.

*Hiring Incentive of up to $5,000 ($1,000 after completion of Field Training Officer Program; $2,000 after completion of probationary period; $2,000 after completion of two years of employment. 

Position Objective
To provide security and ensure the safety of inmates, detained juveniles, vulnerable civil commitments, staff and the general public.  This position is responsible for the transportation, programming, court duties, control, observation and direct supervision of detained juveniles, adult inmate population, and to enforce rules, regulations and policies in compliance with the MN Department of Corrections requirements.  This position is the initial point of contact for all incarcerated individuals in the County Jail.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 
These examples do not include all possible responsibilities in this position and do not limit the assignment of related duties to this classification.

1. Staffs the central control areas in order to monitor and report on inmate behavior, calls for assistance and controls the flow of movement throughout the facility by operating electronically controlled doors, cameras and intercom equipment.
2. Books in inmates following established procedures to include initial medical assessments, takes fingerprints, photographs and collects proper medical and demographic information.
3. Supervises, coordinates, escorts, and advises incarcerated adults.
4. Processes and disseminates all inmate needs including, but not limited to, medical issues, courts, programs, visitation, food, clothing, personal hygiene and shelter.
5. Patrols facility by making rounds, conducting inmate counts, assessing inmate status and making referrals as necessary.
6. Conducts security searches on arrested or sentenced persons.
7. Determines hold or release and condition status of arrested persons.
8. Advises arrested or sentenced persons of basic rules and expected conduct and initiates discipline procedures as required.
9. Makes initial classification and recommends placement of incoming inmates.
10. Maintains the integrity and security of the housing units.
11. Escorts and transports inmates and others to and from court, jail and other jurisdictions or rehabilitation institutions.
12. Maintains documentation logs, reports and other forms as required.
13. Assists with the programs offered to inmates.
14. Escorts inmates to and from medical and accompanies the medical staff during medication distribution.
15. Coordinates, if applicable, the release and intake of Huber/Work Release inmates and trustees.
16. Assists the public as needed.
17. Performs COI duties as required.
18. Attends work in a regular and timely manner.
19. Performs other duties as assigned or apparent.

Minimum Qualifications
In order to be considered for this position, applicants must possess the following:

• High School graduate or equivalent
• Valid Minnesota Driver's license or the ability to obtain within 30 days

Preferred Experience Beyond Minimum Qualifications:

• Any experience or education in law enforcement, criminal justice, or similar fields. Those with county corrections, military corrections, or similar experience may be eligible for lateral pay.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
1. Knowledge of Minnesota State Statutes, laws of arrest, legal due process, bail and bond procedures and inmate handbook.
2. Ability to learn and understand the operations manual, emergency plan and the facility's entire floor plan, including camera and alarm locations.
3. Ability to identify and respond appropriately to persons showing symptoms of mental health disorders, including those at risk for depression or suicide.
4. Ability to identify all staff personnel by sight and voice.
5. Ability to maintain emotions and self-control in a high stress environment.
6. Ability to be certified in CPR/First Aid and Taser.
7. Ability to use taser, handcuffs and self-defense techniques.
8. Ability to maintain professionalism and adaptability when working with individuals of differing backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.
9. Ability to demonstrate sound judgment and make quick, effective decisions during crises, emergencies, or high-risk situations
10. Ability to be mentally alert with eye and hand coordination.
11. Ability to communicate and deal effectively with persons under adverse situations.
12. Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.

Accountabilities Shared By All Employees
1. Consistently performs job responsibilities with a positive attitude and in a manner consistent with the County’s mission and values.
2. Develops and maintains a respectful and collaborative professional relationship with all County employees and the public we serve.
3. Values and respects the diversity each employee brings to the organization.
4. Develops and maintains knowledge and understanding of all department and County-wide policies, protocols and procedures that apply to the performance of this position.
5. Complies with all rules and policies to maintain a safe work environment.

Work Environment and Physical Demands
The primary responsibilities for this position will be performed 90-95% of the time indoors in a secure jail. Involves transporting inmates to other facilities and to Court 5-10% of the time. Will have some exposure to health hazards and accidents. Click the following to view the: Functional Job Analysis for this job.

The ability to hear and analyze information at a normal range of radio and speech is required. The ability to visually observe persons and conditions is required. All employees are required to reside within the state of Minnesota.

 

Extent of Supervision or Guidance Provided
Work is performed under the general supervision of the Sergeant - Corrections.

Responsibility for Public Contact
Frequent.

Hours of Work
Involves shift work, including weekends and holidays with rotating days off.

Interview Date
If you are selected to be interviewed for this position, interviews will be held on a date to be determined. Invitations to interview will be sent to the email address listed on the job application and will be based upon an assessment of education and experience. A job specific physical, drug and/or psychological exam may be required before appointment.

Benefits

To view Stearns County benefits go to: Stearns County Benefits Page

If you require special accommodations to participate in the Stearns County hiring process, please contact us at 320-656-3606.