CORRECTIONS OFFICER SENIOR 72018

1/1/91 D

This is the second and journey level class in the Corrections Officer series performing duties in adult corrections field units or institutions. Positions in this class provide security enforcement over inmates and physical plant; and perform custodial, disciplinary and escape prevention duties. This class is distinguished from the Corrections Officer Trainee class by the requirement of successful completion of the four phases of the Basic Corrections Officer training program and satisfactory completion of performance-based service as mandated by Departmental procedure by the Corrections Officer. This class is distinguished from the Corrections Sergeant class by the Sergeant's first line supervisory responsibilities.

Complexity of Work: Positions perform work of moderate difficulty at assigned posts in all facility areas by observing, accompanying, or monitoring all inmate and non-inmate movement and activity either within field unit or institutional premises or by external work gangs. Security posts include, but are not limited to areas such as perimeter towers, gates, entrances and exits, dormitories, libraries, classrooms, warehouses, commissaries, medical clinics, courts, conference and visiting rooms, vehicles and external inmate work gangs locations. Inmate custody and control duties typically include transporting inmates to other corrections facilities, courts, hospitals and medical clinics, family funerals or to/from other states; assigning, supervising, and evaluating inmate work activities; monitoring living, recreational, medical, educational, vocational, and mess hall areas by conducting periodic inmate counts and making continual visual observations. Positions typically identify and search and/or inventory and disseminate incoming mail, packages, and inmate personal property and clothing. Positions may also assist in reporting and investigating inmate-caused incidents; writing reports; recording entries into and maintaining facility logbooks and attending various meetings. During emergencies, positions may also perform housekeeping and sanitation duties, as well as prepare and serve meals and participate in searches for escapees.

Supervision Given: Supervision is typically not a factor. May assist higher level security supervisory positions by directing the work of Corrections Officer Trainees.

Supervision Received: General supervision is received from a Corrections Sergeant or a higher level security position.

Scope: Positions perform work which affects the efficient and effective safety and security of inmates within adult corrections field units and institutions, as well as the safety of staff and those who are within or near the secure confines of a field unit/institution or external work gang.

Impact of Actions: Actions impact a unit of a facility such as recreational, educational and medical areas; shops, housing units and work gangs. Decisions and actions could have serious impact on the agency in that ineffective or inappropriate decisions and actions could result in long-term costs to the public, the Commonwealth and the agency in terms of time; money; services; public, staff, client and inmate safety and welfare; and the goodwill of the public.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal contacts with inmates, inmate families and visitors, staff, field unit/institutional visitors, vendors, contractors and the general public conducting business at the field unit/institution. Infrequent internal/external contact with other law enforcement agencies, court officials, criminal justice and public service officials, community representatives, other state agencies, private and state medical personnel either conducting business with or providing services to the field unit/institution.

Knowledge: Working knowledge of policies, guidelines and laws governing correctional facilities; methods of physical control, self-defense, first aid procedures, radio communications and evidence seizure and control.

Skills: Working skill in the use of firearms, radio equipment, physical control devices and electric and electronic controls.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to communicate both orally and in writing; apply and interpret laws, rules and regulations; conduct thorough searches and investigations and appraise evidentiary information; analyze and resolve problems independently; provide leadership and work direction to inmates and entry level trainee officers; and to use good judgment in the use of lethal force.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: Corrections Officer certification by the Department of Criminal Justice Services. Virginia driver's license.

Education or Training: Graduation from high school or equivalency; satisfactory completion of training mandated by the Department of Criminal Justice.

Level and Type of Experience: Satisfactory completion of the time of service requirement mandated by the Department of Criminal Justice Services Basic Corrections Officer training program.

Additional Requirements: Must be able to satisfactorily pass a background investigation. There is no substitute for the successful completion of all phases of the mandated corrections training programs.

 

This class was redefined as a result of the Statewide Classification Review/Specification Update Program effective January 1991.