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Nature of Work
Under limited supervision, performs administrative duties of the Chief Correctional Officer or functions in a specialized administrative capacity. The officer manages the enforcement of institution rules and regulations necessary for the control of offenders and the maintenance of public safety. The officer plans, directs and reviews the work of subordinates or performs administrative duties related to the security or operation of a specialized unit. Performs related work as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics
Factors such as size of correctional officer complement or offender population are considered in determining assignment of a position to this rank. Holds the assigned rank of Major.

Examples of Work
Ensures security of perimeter and points of ingress/egress.
Identifies posts and ensures adequate coverage.
Ensures controls are in place regarding searches to detect and discourage the introduction, manufacturing and trafficking in contraband.
Functions as the designee for chief executive officer of the operational unit, as directed.
Maintains public safety and control of offenders through efficient management of correctional officer work force.
Conducts, assigns, supervises and/or evaluates required security audits and inspections and takes appropriate follow-up action.
Conducts, assigns, supervises and or evaluates inquiries or investigations and takes appropriate action.
Participates in or conducts segregation reviews.
Testifies at internal disciplinary hearings and in court.
Ensures monitoring of disruptive and high profile offenders.
Assists in selection, hiring and promotion of staff.
Prepares work schedules, makes required adjustments and maintains leave, overtime and attendance records.
Ensures equitable rotation of correctional officers.
Ensures subordinates complete required training.
Ensures performance evaluations are completed.
Delegates and monitors subordinates assignments.
Encourages staff mentoring, development and advancement.
Listens to problems and concerns of staff and resolves them through appropriate action.
Makes referrals to employee assistance programs.
Recommends staff commendations and disciplinary actions.
Recognizes and directs the response to potential or actual emergencies such as, but not limited to fires, physical altercations, disturbances or escapes in a manner consistent with policy, procedure and state law.
Ensures offender escort/transport security.
Ensures key and weapon control.
Handles and operates security/communications equipment and/or firearms as required and in a manner consistent with policy procedure.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of correctional security, treatment and support program operations.
Knowledge of policy directives of the agency and pertinent sections of the West Virginia State Code.
Knowledge of administrative and supervisory principles.
Ability to organize, plan, delegate and supervise to effectively utilize human and material resources.
Ability to follow and issue written and oral direction within a formal chain of command.
Ability to recognize, correctly assess, respond to and direct the action of subordinates during potential and actual emergencies such as, but not limited to fires, altercations, disturbances or escapes in manner consistent with policy and procedure which ensures public safety.
Ability to interact positively with staff, inmates and the general public.
Ability to run, jump, climb stairs and physically restrain violent residents.
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 contraband searches according to established procedures.
Ability to use a computer terminal for entry of data by typing at a rudimentary level on a standardized format.

Minimum Qualifications       [Top]
Training:
Graduation from a standard high school or the equivalent.
Experience:
Seven 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 may substitute at the rate of thirty semester hours for each year of experience.

Established: 4/1/94
Revised:      5/1/94, 8/2/94, 8/3/94, 8/4/94, 12/4/95, 10/6/97, 7/1/04, 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 an Administrative Course within six months of promotion.

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