Correctional Officer

The Correctional Officer is responsible for the care and custody of the inmates/detainees under his or her charge. This requires close and courteous interaction with inmates/detainees under normal and potentially volatile circumstances. Correctional Officers are required to handle multiple tasks, frequently under high-stress conditions, simultaneously, while being mindful of security operations. Correctional Officers may also be asked to testify in court proceedings.


This position is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, requiring day, evening, overnight, weekend and holiday shift assignments.Essential Functions:

• Perform security rounds during scheduled and unscheduled times.  Use discretion to determine violations and unusual situations and direct the appropriate response.   Document incidents, movement, rounds and inmate/detainee discipline. 
• Create and maintain a safe and secure cell block/pod atmosphere conducive to respect of others. 
• Determine appropriate inmate/detainee disciplinary action.  Make the decision on the corrective action to be imposed, notifying and enforcing with inmate/detainee and documenting.
• Initiate and monitor inmate/detainee movement, recognizing abnormal or inappropriate behavior.  Restrain unruly inmates/detainees using force and restraining devices, using maneuvers as trained.
• Determine classification of inmates/detainees to the appropriate housing unit and security level, to include review of previous behavior, criminal charges and other mitigating factors. 
• Respond to inmate/detainee mental health behaviors, to include determining risk factors for mental health intervention or implementing suicide precautions. 
• Read, comprehend, and process legal and non-legal documents, including medical instructions, commitment or release orders, summons, criminal statutes and other documents.
• Communicate effectively and coherently with the public, staff, inmate/detainees and in court or other formal settings with approved facility communication devices.
• Attend and participate in shift briefings, division and department meetings and required training to maintain certified status and related activities.
• Perform related duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Maintain compliance with all county policies and procedures.

Education and/or Experience Required:

• HS Diploma or GED.  
• Must be at least 20 years of age at the time of employment offer.
• Successful completion of the in-house 120-hour academy training program.
• Successful completion of the 240-hour Correctional Officer on-the-job training program.
• Successful completion of the oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray certification and taser are required.
• No felony convictions.
• Must meet minimum hiring assessment standards, including physical agility, written examination, criminal and character background and physical and psychological examinations.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid South Dakota Driver’s License within 90 days of moving to South Dakota.
• The Sheriff has the discretion to waive any of the above requirements.  

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state and local standards.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 100 pounds.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively on telephone, in-person and in writing.
• Must be able to stoop, kneel, crouch, stand, climb stairs, walk and sit.
• Ability to periodically exert high levels of energy in the form of unarmed self-defense and lifting or moving more than 100 pounds.   
• Must be able to effectively communicate objectives and mediate disputes.  
• Must be able to handle high levels of stress while making prompt and effective decisions.   
• Ability to respond to emergent situations, including the ability to run, restrain aggressive or suicidal individuals and manipulate restraint tools.

Working Environment:

• Work is typically performed indoors in a correctional facility.  This is a potentially volatile environment with high accountability.  
• This position may be exposed to contagious or infectious diseases or irritating chemicals.   
• Work requires the use of protective devices, such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.  
• This position will include close interaction with inmates/detainees.