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Nature of Work
Under direct supervision, serves as a first
line supervisor of Correctional Officers. The officer is
responsible for enforcing or supervising the enforcement of the
rules, regulations and state law necessary for the control and
management of offenders and the maintenance of public safety.
The officer supervises and reviews the work of subordinates to
ensure facility security or the functioning of a specialized post
or unit. Performs related work as required.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This is first-line supervisory
work. Holds the assigned rank of Corporal.
Examples of Work
Conducts/supervises the orientation and/or on-the-job training
of subordinate officers.
Reads and implements training materials, post orders,
administrative regulations, log entries and/or memoranda.
Provide guidance and direction to subordinate officers.
Monitor the performance of subordinate officers, making
recommendations for disciplinary action when necessary.
Counsels/prepares written evaluations of subordinates.
Obtains information from previous shift regarding activities
occurring on that shift.
Conduct/assist with offender intake/discharge procedures.
Observes offenders to detect unusual or prohibited behavior
and maintain custody and control within the correctional
facility.
Performs or supervises offender counts.
Performs
or supervises offender escort/transport security.
Performs
or supervises contraband searches.
Instructs and supervises offenders in performing assigned
tasks.
Maintains public safety and control of offenders by
supervising the enforcement of rules, regulations and state
law.
Reports violations.
Testifies in internal disciplinary hearings and in court.
Interacts with offenders in order to facilitate development
or improvement of living and social skills; reinforces
positive behavior; listens and responds appropriately to
offender requests, problems and complaints.
Recognizes and supervises the response to potential or
actual emergencies, such as but not limited to, fires,
physical altercations, disturbances, or escapes in a manner
which is consistent with policy, procedure and state law and
ensures public safety.
Handles and operates security/communications equipment and/or
firearms as directed in a manner which is consistent with
policy, procedure and state law and ensures public safety.
Conducts incident inquiries/investigations as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of correctional security, treatment and support
program operations.
Knowledge of rules, regulations and state law.
Skill in locating and identifying contraband.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
Ability to supervise enforcement of rules, regulations and
state law.
Ability to plan, organize and direct subordinate staff and
offender activities and work details.
Ability to resolve offender and subordinate staff problems
and conflicts.
Ability to follow and issue written and oral direction within
a formal chain of command.
Ability to interact positively with staff, inmates and the
general public.
Ability to run, jump, climb stairs and physically restrain
violent residents.
Ability to use appropriate physical force to control offenders
when necessary.
Ability to safely handle and use firearms, chemical agents
and mechanical restraints and to obtain certification in
the use of this equipment.
Ability to conduct correct contraband searches.
Ability to write routine reports and complete standard forms.
Ability to read and understand and apply training and
directive materials.
Ability to complete tasks in a specialization such as Field
Training:
Officer.
Minimum Qualifications
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Training:
Graduation from a standard high school or the
equivalent.
Experience:
Two years of full-time or equivalent part-time
paid experience as a correctional officer, probation/parole
officer, military police officer, police officer or in
criminal justice or related field.
Substitution:
Successfully completed study from an accredited
college or university in corrections, criminal justice or
related field with a minimum of two semester hours in
corrections, criminal justice or related field may
substitute at the rate of thirty semester hours for each
year of experience.
For Division of Juvenile Services:
Training:
Graduation from a standard high school or the
equivalent.
Experience:
Three years of full-time or equivalent part-time
paid experience as a correctional officer, probation/parole
officer, military police officer, police officer or in
criminal justice or related field.
Substitution:
Successfully completed study from an accredited
college or university in corrections, criminal justice or
related field with a minimum of two semester hours in
corrections, criminal justice or related field may
substitute at the rate of thirty semester hours for each
year of experience.
Special Requirement:
Completion of the Division of Juvenile
Services Basic Training Academy.
For Regional Jail Only:
Training:
Graduation from a standard high school or the
equivalent.
Experience:
Three years of full-time or equivalent part-time
paid experience as a correctional officer, police officer,
military police officer, probation/parole officer, or a
related position in criminal justice or related field.
Established: 8/19/93
Revised: 5/1/94, 8/2/94, 12/4/95, 10/6/97,
10/2/00, 7/1/04,
2/14/08, 5/6/09
Effective:
5/6/09
Conditions of Employment with Division of Corrections:
Applicants must successfully complete competitive promotion
selection process governed by agency policy.
Applicants must successfully complete a psychological
examination prior to appointment and annually thereafter.
Applicants must successfully complete a medical examination
prior to appointment and annually thereafter.
Applicants must successfully complete a physical performance
test prior to appointment and annually thereafter.
Applicants must successfully complete a chemical urinalysis
drug screening test prior to initial employment. All
employees in this job class shall be subject to drug testing
for probable cause as set forth in agency policy.
Applicants character and suitability for employment as a
Correctional Officer must be verified through an agency
investigation prior to employment. Applicant's background
must be clear of felony convictions.
Applicants appointed to the classified service will be
required to work various shifts and it is understood
schedules as subject to change at any time.
Applicants are subject to mandatory overtime requirements and
must be available for assignment to any location in the
State of West Virginia.
Applicants must possess a valid driver's license prior to
appointment and continuously maintain such license while
employed in this classification.
Applicants shall successfully complete orientation training
upon employment.
Applicants shall successfully complete annual in-service
training to maintain Correctional Officer status.
Applicants shall successfully complete specialized training
as assigned. This particularly includes training,
licensing, certification or education requirements necessary
for assignment to a specialized post or position.
Applicants shall successfully complete a Supervisory Course
within six months of promotion.
Conditions of Employment with Division of Juvenile Services:
Must be available for assignment to any location in the State
of West Virginia (Juvenile Services hires for specific
locations.)
Shall successfully complete annual in-service training to
maintain Correctional Officer status.
Shall complete specialized training as assigned.
Conditions of Employment with Regional Jail:
Applicants must successfully complete a psychological
evaluation prior to appointment and at anytime required
during employment.
Applicants character and suitability for employment as a
Correctional Officer must be verified by a background
investigation prior to appointment.
Applicants must submit to and meet minimum standard for a
physical examination prior to employment.
Applicants must successfully complete competitive promotion
selection process governed by agency policy.
Applicants must successfully meet physical standards to
perform the essential functions and tasks prior to
appointment and annually thereafter.
Applicants must be available to work all shifts and
assignments and work overtime as required; and, furthermore,
be available for temporary assignment to any location in the
State of West Virginia.
Applicants must possess a valid driver's license prior to
appointment and continuously maintain such license while
employed.
Applicants shall successfully complete orientation training
upon employment.
Applicants shall successfully complete annually forty (40)
hours of in-service training, undergo a physical
examination, and pass a test of physical conditioning
successfully.
Applicants shall successfully complete one hundred and twenty
(120) hours of basic correctional officer training during
probationary period.
Applicants shall successfully complete specialized training as
assigned, including any particular training, licensing,
certification or education requirements necessary for
assignment to a post or position.
Applicants must maintain a telephone at his/her residence for
the duration of employment.