Corrections Officer - Female and Experienced CO's Desired

Job Posting End Date:

Worker Sub-Type:

Regular

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

42

Due to current staffing needs, female candidates will be given preference as a bona fide occupational qualifications (BFOQ) in compliance with Sec. 302.41, Wis. Stats. Multiple Female openings are currently available.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Marathon County Human Resources Department, in conjunction with the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office,  is recruiting to fill current vacancies.

Corrections Officers are responsible for the safety and supervision of inmates at the Marathon County Adult Jail and Juvenile Detention Center operating 24 hours a day, seven days per week.

Employees work 12-hour shifts, on a 2on/2off, 3on/2off, 2on/3off shift schedule, allowing for every other weekend scheduled off as a 3-day weekend.  Employees are never forced to work on their off days. This work schedule includes holidays. New hires will typically be assigned to the night shift, 6 p.m. until 6 a.m.

This is responsible work ensuring that secure, safe, and sanitary conditions exist in the daily operation of the County Adult or Juvenile Detention Facility. Corrections Officers must be capable of performing duties in all areas of the corrections facilities including floor, housing control, central control, booking, escort/transportation, and home monitoring assignments at any given time. Corrections Officers may also be required to provide assistance in the duties of Classification and Court Officers. 

Work is performed in accordance with established policies and procedures. Employees will need to exercise some independent judgment when monitoring inmate behavior.  Decisions are usually limited to interpretation of rules and an immediate supervisor is available for consultation.  No supervision is exercised over other employees but may involve supervision of inmate work.  Direct supervision is received from supervisors or higher-ranking officers.  Work is reviewed by observance and inspection of compliance with established rules and procedures.  Work may be performed on a rotating shift basis. Work involves an element of danger.

There are a number of additional benefits and opportunities including a 14-week paid training program, an additional 5 weeks of paid training for State certification requirements within the first year, special team assignments (including Dive and Crisis Negotiations Teams), and a team-driven approach that provides a work-family environment.

 
QUALIFICATIONS:

You must meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old;
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• Possess a valid driver’s license;
• Have no unpardoned convictions for a felony, or any offense that could be punished as a felony in Wisconsin;
• Have no convictions of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence as defined in 18 USC921(a)(33), convictions of domestic abuse as defined in § 968.075(1)(a), Wis. Stats., or convictions of a crime subject to the imposition of the domestic abuse surcharge under §973.055(4), Wis. Stats.;
• Be of good character; and be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition that might adversely affect the ability to perform duties.

Additional considerations:
• Work experience involving direct care and safety of inmates in a correctional setting, residents in a group/shelter home, or patients in a secured institutional facility;
• Previous year law enforcement experience;
• Related education including associate or bachelor degree;
• Candidate with previous three or more years of experience as a corrections officer may qualify for lateral entry.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

• Performs varied job assignments as required, rotating assignments between floor, housing control, central control, booking, escort/transportation, and Huber/home monitoring assignments.  Examples of duties follow:
• Receives arrested, detained, or sentenced persons and properly books all incarcerated inmates in accordance with established procedures.
• Maintains security of adult or juvenile inmates and facility involving both direct inmates supervision and periodic checks of all blocks.
• Completes inmate population counts, security logs, and incident reports as needed.
• Ensures inmates are following facility policies; completes cell searches as necessary; reports any discrepancies to supervisor for disciplinary review.
• Delivers meals, prescribed medications, linens, mail, and canteen items to inmates.
• Escorts inmates within facility for attorney and probation visits, court appearances, sick call, and various programs.  Escorts inmates outside of facility for court appearances, medical appointments, Health Care Center, etc.
• Operates all electronically controlled doors within facility.  Monitors closed circuit cameras and alarms.  Dispatches staff to areas of need within the facility.
• Monitors vehicles entering secure garage and visitors in the secure area.
• Operates the TIME systems computer plus other equipment in central control.  Ensures security of the central control area.
• Completes required documentation before releasing inmates; processes any bonding.
• Monitors arrival and departure time of huber inmates.  Ensures returning inmates are properly searched.
• May be assigned hospital duty to guard an inmate receiving medical care.
• May be required to employ passive counter measures and control alternatives, when interacting with inmates in combative situations.
• Develops solutions to work issues that add value for our customers.
• Participates in establishing professional development goals that are supportive of broader County goals.
• Maintains regular and predictable attendance; works overtime/extra hours as required.
• Performs related work as required.

 
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of departmental rules, regulations, plus statutes pertaining to the custody/discipline of adult or juvenile inmates and operation of the assigned facility after appropriate training period.
• Working knowledge of police arrest procedures.  Working knowledge of juvenile intake procedures.
• Ability to detect and recognize potential hazards and dangers to the security and safety of inmates or the facility.
• Ability to deal firmly with potentially dangerous persons and yet maintain an awareness of their personal needs.
• Ability to maintain a calm demeanor under highly emotional and stressful situations.
• Ability to reason and act quickly and appropriately in emergency situations.
• Ability to observe and accurately interpret inmate mental/physical conditions and behavior.
• Ability to deal firmly, yet tactfully, with the general public, including lawyers, doctors, law enforcement officers, inmates' families, etc.
• Ability to understand and effectively implement oral or written instructions.
• Ability to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to learn use of computer terminal.
• Ability to operate all communications and emergency equipment available in the facility.
• Ability to contribute to a positive work culture that fosters excellent customer service and teamwork.

 
COMPENSATION:

• Start at $27.61/hour and County Benefits
• Lateral Transfers: Three or more years of prior experience may qualify up to $29.01/hour and County Benefits

IMPORTANT WRS - Act 4 Retirement Benefit Information:

Effective 01/01/2024, new employees in this position meet the definition of Jailer and are eligible for Jailer protective status for Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) administered by Employee Trust Funds (ETF).  As a Protective Jailer participating in WRS, you contribute at a higher pre-tax rate, are eligible to retire at an earlier age, and participate in the Duty Disability Insurance Program. 

Jailers/Correction Officers who may not be interested in participating in Jailer Protective Status (2024 employee contribution rate is 14.39% pre-tax) have one chance to opt out of this benefit and participate at the lower General Jailer status (2024 employee contribution is 6.9% pre-tax).  New hires will be asked to complete a form ET-2440, with your jailer election within 60 days from your hire date.

It is imperative that you make an educated decision regarding this benefit as it is irrevocable for your lifetime with Marathon County.  Please watch the video below and reach out to Employee Trust Funds for additional information. 

Understanding My Jailer Election - Video       

https://etf.wi.gov/  and search Act 4 or call 1-877-533-5020

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
All applicants will be notified regarding the status of their application. The selection of the successful candidate may be made by assessment of education and background, oral interview, review of references, extensive background investigation, and/or other job-related selection procedures.  The selected candidate will be required to satisfactorily complete a post-offer medical examination, psychological assessment, and drug screening paid for by the County. Candidates offered employment will be required to submit to and pass the post-offer assessments:  physical and back exam, drug screen, fingerprinting, and a psychological assessment that are paid for by Marathon County. 

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE:  This classification may have occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens.  Refer to the Marathon County Sheriff’s Department Exposure Control Plan for more specific information.

Ongoing Recruitment until needs are met.

Special Accommodations:

Marathon County will make arrangements to furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary and reasonable to afford an individual with a disability the opportunity to participate in the recruitment process. Please notify the Employee Resources Department office or phone (715) 261-1451 to request special accommodations prior to the application deadline.

Notice to Applicants:

Wisconsin Statutes, Sections 19.36 (7), 64.09 (5), and 64.11 (7) require public employers to treat the following items as a public record: Each applicant’s application, records, recommendations, and qualifications except as provided in Section 19.36 (7), Wis. Stats. that allows the identity of an applicant to remain confidential if the applicant requests in writing that the County not provide access to this information.  If you choose not to have this information become a public record, you must make such a request in writing to the Employee Resources Department. If you become a finalist for the position, your identity may be disclosed as required by law