Transport Officer oversees and participates in the custody, security, and treatment of prisoners while transporting them to various locations. The employee works independently and without supervisory direction, and must exercise discretion and use independent judgment, often facing critical, potentially violent, and complex situations.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
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Escort and transport individual or groups of inmates out of cells for rehabilitation, visiting, exercise, sick call, court appearances, attorney visits, transfers to other facilities, etc.
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Plans and executes all aspects of the trip including: inspection/exchanging information, search of the vehicle and security items, timing and routing of the trip, accommodation of needs of offenders, possession of all clearances and necessary travel documents, inspection and storage of offender’s personal property, and the assurance of a safe and controlled travel environment.
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Observes offenders’ activities to detect unusual behavior that might be a threat to the security and safety of other employees, other offenders and the public.
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Observes and immediately responds to all incidents such as assaults, disturbances, or other situations threatening the security of the transport.
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Physically and verbally control, restrain, and subdue disruptive inmates to prevent injury and possible escape. Appropriate response may include use of firearms, and/or deadly force.
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Performs counts of inmates and conducts thorough searches of them and their property for contraband items.
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Communicates with correctional facilities, jails, and other law enforcement agencies where offenders are being housed, giving instructions for their departure and approximate time of arrival.
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During necessary stops, inspects restrooms or other areas where an offender may be waiting or housed, for possible escape routes.
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Maintains proper court security coverage, may act as bailiff and provide court security when directed to prevent escapes.
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Places restraining devices on the offender for security purposes while transporting and assures secure environment when devices are removed.
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Counsels offender as appropriate to maintain a stable environment, especially those with discipline problems or who have mental health or physical infirmities, and obtain compliance with departmental rules and regulations.
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Contacts Sheriff’s Administration to arrange twenty-four hour coverage if an offender is admitted to a medical facility and remains with the offender until properly relieved.
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Reviews, handles, and distributes all related travel and court documents.
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Prepares written records and reports related to the work.
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May take part in searches for escaped inmates.
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May dispense prescribed medication to inmates as directed.
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Respond to emergencies and provide first aid or arrange for inmate medical attention.
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Maintains vigilant adherence to all departmental security policies and procedures.
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Other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Work is performed under the direction of the Sheriff with direct supervision by the Corrections Sergeants and other designated command officers (Lieutenants, Jail Administrator or Undersheriff).
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Supervision is exercised over all inmates committed to the custody of the Sheriff.
EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, EDUCATION:
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Graduation from an accredited high school (GED acceptable)
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Minimum of five (5) years of current or previous employment in a corrections or law enforcement position in a satisfactory status.
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Manage sensitive issues independently and work under stressful conditions.
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Ability to physically and verbally control disruptive inmates.
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Ability to deal effectively with complex human behavior problems.
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Ability to maintain composure in difficult situations, and act quickly and calmly in emergencies.
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Ability and willingness to enforce laws, rules and regulations with firmness and tact.
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Writing, reading, mathematical principles; proficient computer skills-Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook; exercise sound judgement and decision making in accordance with policies and procedures; ability to research and problem solve independently; knowledge of County operations and functions; ability to prioritize and time manage; handle stressful situations, provide effective and friendly customer service; support the County's mission and values; ability to think critically where necessary.
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Knowledge or understanding of basic administrative tasks: operate standard office equipment; document management; prepare and maintain records, various correspondences and reports; answer general inquiries and refer as necessary; answer telephone calls, process mail, order supplies/equipment; prepare meeting agendas, attend meetings, record/transcribe/distribute minutes; entering, transcribing, recording, storing or maintaining information in written or electronic form with speed and accuracy; maintain calendars, arrange meetings, schedule rooms and equipment as necessary.
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Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with management, co-workers and clients; obtain and communicate accurate information; apply common sense understanding to complex instructions and respond accordingly; communicate complex ideas through graphs, charts, presentations, reports or other professional correspondence.
ESSENTIAL ABILITIES FOR ALL ST. CLAIR COUNTY JOB CLASSIFICATIONS;
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Ability to demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance.
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Ability to read, write & communicate in English; follow written and verbal instruction and understand basic mathematics and figure checking.
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Ability to interpret and apply procedures, rules, technical information, instructions, manuals to complete tasks accurately and on schedule.
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Ability to learn from directions, observations, and mistakes; and apply procedures using good judgement.
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Ability to use discretion and maintain sensitive and confidential information.
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Ability to work independently or part of a team; ability to interact appropriately with others such as County officials, employees, vendors and the general public.
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Ability to work under supervision, receiving instructions/feedback, coaching/counseling and/or action/discipline.
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Adaptability to change in the work environment, managing competing demands and ability to deal with frequent changes, delays or unexpected events.
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Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction
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Proficient skills using Microsoft Office programs including, but not limited to: Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook required. Proficiency may be tested.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Prior to starting employment, and as a condition of continued employment, must demonstrate:
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Physical fitness as determined by an evaluation by a licensed health care professional which demonstrates that the candidate is free from any physical defects or chronic diseases which may impair the performance of the essential job functions of a law enforcement officer or which might endanger the lives of others or the law enforcement officer.
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Good moral character as determined by a favorable comprehensive background investigation. The background investigation is understood to encompass all forms of pre-employment screening, including but not limited to: drug screen, physical, criminal background, driving record, sex offender registry, education, training and licensing verification, credit check, school and employment records, home environment, personal traits, integrity and professional and personal references. A satisfactory background check is defined as the absence of a criminal history record which bears a demonstrable relationship to the applicant’s or employee’s suitability to perform the required duties and responsibilities of the position.
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Mental fitness as determined by an evaluation by a licensed health care professional which demonstrates that the candidate is free from mental or emotional instabilities which shall mean free from any mental or emotional instabilities which may impair the performance of the essential job functions of a law enforcement officer or which might endanger the lives of others or the law enforcement officer.
Throughout employment, and as a condition of continued employment, must demonstrate:
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Possession of a valid State of Michigan Operator’s License and maintain eligibility to drive as per the County’s driving policy and the Sheriff’s Office policies and procedures.
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A familiarity with firearms and the ability to obtain a Concealed Pistol License (CPL) within ninety (90) days of employment. Incumbent who is authorized to carry a firearm on duty shall qualify with said weapon annually.
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Possession of a valid CPR, first aid and AED certification, or successfully complete the training within ninety (90) days of employment in the position.
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Successfully complete an annual criminal background check in order maintain satisfactory personal qualifications (including but not limited to: good moral character, mental fitness and physical ability), certifications and complete required training as mandated by the department and state regulations.
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Willingness to further credentials by attending additional education, training and workshops.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job with or without accommodations. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:
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Hear and understand information presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Read, interpret and understand procedures, rules, technical information, instructions and manuals.
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Speak to others to convey information effectively.
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Sit, bend, stoop, crouch, crawl and kneel.
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Reach with hands and arms.
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Stand and walk for significant periods of time.
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Climb stairs.
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See details in color, at close range and at a distance.
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Lift, move, push, pull or carry objects and equipment weighing up to fifty (50) pounds.
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Good physical condition which will mean the fitness to be able to apprehend, and the ability to exert the force necessary to subdue and control individuals who require physical intervention.
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Use hands to operate a computer, handle materials and operate equipment such as but not limited to: duty weapon, taser, handcuffs.
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Facility operates on a seven (7) day per week, twenty-four (24) hour per day schedule. This position may require irregular hours and work schedules will include nights, weekends, holidays and unanticipated overtime.
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This position involves contact with people harboring potentially communicable diseases and is frequently at risk to exposure from bodily fluids. Tasks require the use of Personal Protective Equipment such as gloves and hand sanitizer.
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The noise level in the work environment is moderate with many interruptions.
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Work involves an element of risk in the event of a breach of security.
Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job requirements or duties performed. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: It is the policy of St. Clair County not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, disability that does not prevent performing essential job functions or because he or she is a protected veteran.
