Corrections Officer

FOR BEST CONSIDERATION APPLY BY JUNE 24, 2026

***A RESUME WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED IN LIEU OF A COMPLETED APPLICATION

Definition: The purpose of this position is to provide a safe and secure setting for McKinley County Adult Detention Center.  This is accomplished by providing security checks, conducting detainee searches, conducting Facility Counts and providing direct and indirect supervision of inmates. Other responsibilities include assisting with maintaining facility sanitation; serving detainee meals; processing detainees into facility; and performing other duties as needed.

Essential Job Functions: This information is intended to be descriptive of the key responsibilities of the position. The list of essential functions below does not identify all duties performed by any single incumbent in this position. Additionally, please be aware there are physical demands of each essential function.

1. Provide security checks of the facility and outer perimeter to ensure there are no breaches of security.  Monitor all detainee activity.  Perform detainee pat searches, bunk searches, cell searches and housing unit searches, while confiscating unauthorized or illegal materials from the units.  Inspect physical structure of the units for damages. Inspect all equipment, doors, locks, and mobile equipment for missing parts.  Maintain a Logbook documenting all daily activities and pertinent information. Inform Shift Commander of all unusual activities and respond to emergency situations.

2. Conducts Facility Counts at designated and random, unannounced times by counting detainees to ensure all detainees are accounted for, safe, and secured.  Conducting Facility Counts and confirming detainee’s physical appearance matches the Count Sheet and Identification Wristband.  

3. Provides direct and indirect supervision for detainees housed in Specialty Housing Units.  Escort detainees from housing units to Sick Call, Mental Health Appointments, Programs, Video Court Arraignments, Attorney Visitation, Visitation, Zoom Visitation and Work Details.  Provide transport for detainees to and from court, hospital, and scheduled medical/dental appointments.  

4. Facilitates sanitation by issuing cleaning supplies to units, detainee hygiene, clean clothing, and bed linen.  Ensure detainees receive a meal tray three times daily.

5. Processes new intakes by booking required information into the facility data base; logging and storing personal property and ensuring a Medical Health Assessment has been conducted, followed by forwarding documents to appropriate personnel.

 

Minimum Qualifications Requirements:  

• Must have a Valid Driver’s License and maintain a satisfactory driving record
• Must be at least 18 years of age at time of hire

Preferred Qualifications:

• College course work in related fields: criminal justice, social work, or psychology
• Experience working in a correctional facility
• Basic computer/data entry experience
• Experience working in local/county government

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of basic computer/data entry skills
• Knowledge of chain of command as it relates to a detention center
• Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective relationships with co-workers, superiors, detainees, inmates, and members of the public
• Ability to prepare clear comprehensive written and oral reports
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to learn security, regulations and laws governing detention operations
• Ability to follow chain of command
• Ability to make effective decisions while in stressful situations and circumstances

Guidelines: Guidelines include Federal, State, local and Tribal laws, statutes, ordinances, court orders, agency policies, practices, and procedures.  Other guidelines include County policy and procedures.  Due to the wide variety of jurisdictions involved, there may be a variety of jurisdictional guidelines to be considered.  The incumbent is required to exercise a high degree of judgement in applying and interpreting guidelines to various operational and situational problems or issues.  Training may require exposure to or sprayed with pepper spray or other chemical agents. The incumbent must comply with the safety guidelines as established by McKinley County. The incumbent will complete an in-house training academy and a probationary period.

 

Certificates and Licenses:  

• Must possess a valid Driver’s License at time of employment and be insurable for liability purposes; and the ability to possess a New Mexico Driver’s License within six (6) months of hire date.

Conditions of Employment:

• This incumbent will be required to pass a background check.
• This incumbent may be required to pass a conditional post-offer of employment physical examination.
• This incumbent may be required to pass a conditional post-offer of employment drug analysis test.
• This incumbent must comply with the grooming standards set forth in the Adult Detention Center’s Policy & Procedure Manual

Working Conditions: Most of the work is performed in an office or housing unit, which is adequately heated, ventilated and lighted with level floors that are tiled. Travel may be involved for transporting staff to attend meetings or conferences.  Outdoor work is performed in all kinds of weather situations.  This position may be exposed to potentially dangerous situations, including attack with intent to harm and exposure to pepper spray or other chemical agents. Must be able to work various shift assignments, overtime, weekends, and Holidays.

Supervisory Controls: Duties are performed under the supervision of Shift Commander who assigns work assignments and keeps incumbent informed of changes.  The incumbent works with a high degree of independence and is required to make instantaneous decisions in emergency situations to control a situation and maintain order. Work activities are reviewed for compliance with established policy, legal requirements, supervisory instruction, guidance and conformance with ADC regulations and acceptable work practices.  Reports are reviewed for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with established procedures.

Disclaimer: Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

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