JOB OVERVIEW: The purpose of this position is to plan, direct, lead, manage, and supervise personnel, budget, inmate supervision, facility security, and security maintenance for County corrections functions. As the leader in a correctional environment, the role involves significant responsibility and ensures that the correctional facility's complex operations run smoothly while adhering to regulations and upholding standards of care for the incarcerated population. The work is performed under the general directions of the County Executive and the Director of Administration.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Conducts department long-term and short-term planning. Reviews past inmate census and projects future needs. Recommend and defend capital improvements.
- Develops and implements department policies and procedures for all aspects of corrections, including in-mate supervision, personnel matters, facility maintenance, security, recordkeeping, etc., according to applicable laws, case law, rules, and regulations.
- Coordinates department staff functions. Meets with staff to hear and act on staff concerns. Advises and counsels supervisory employees.
- Coordinates County corrections with outside agencies and services such as law enforcement, courts, social services, mental and physical health care providers, clergy, educators, vendors, etc.
- Meets with inmates/detainees, hears and responds to complaints and concerns.
- Develops and leads strategic facility planning, including renovation and modernization initiatives aligned with correctional standards.
- Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of and actively advances the Direct Supervision model within the facility.
- Promotes and supports evidence-based mental health and substance use disorder programming within correctional operations.
- Writes employment standards, screens applications, interviews applicants, and hires employees.
- Allocates personnel, maintains standards, approves transfers/promotions, conducts disciplinary actions, and commendations.
- Leads risk management initiatives and implements proactive corrective action strategies to ensure compliance and operational integrity.
- Cultivates strong intergovernmental and community partnerships, effectively collaborating with courts, law enforcement agencies, attorneys, and public officials.
- Effectively navigates public accountability by managing community expectations and responding to public scrutiny with transparency and professionalism.
- Exemplifies ethical leadership, integrity, and a high standard of professional conduct.
- Demonstrates cultural competence and sensitivity in managing diverse populations within a high-stress correctional environment.
- Leverages data analytics to inform facility-wide decision-making and continuous improvement efforts.
- Aligns jail operations with broader county strategic priorities and organizational goals.
- Develops annual operating budget. Reviews past expenditures, forecasts staffing needs, and revenues.
- Approves, allocates, and monitors assets.
- Performs public relations functions. Conducts tours, grants interviews, and prepares or approves press releases.
- Reviews facility reports and correspondence. Drafts reports and correspondence.
- Maintains knowledge of current corrections theory, practices, and procedures; applicable laws, rules, and regulations; budget development and administration policies and procedures; corrections personnel policies and procedures; and inmate care standards.
- Maintains current knowledge on corrections technology, familiarity with facility design standards, and planning for facility construction and expansion.
- Develops and implements evidence-based programs (EBP) and cognitive behavior programming that combat and assist with reducing recidivism.
- Oversee special projects, renovations, or building improvements to ensure the best interests of the facility and its operations.
- Ensures that the Department is in compliance with PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act).
- Have a working knowledge of the ACA (American Corrections Association) standards and work progressively toward achieving and maintaining applicable ACA standards.
- Serves as the Chief spokesperson for the Department.
- Coordinating with law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders.
- Oversees daily operations of the correctional facility.
- Ensures security measures and emergency plans are in place and effectively managed.
- Handling of public relations and community outreach.
- Conduct regular inspections and audits of the facility.
- Utilize data and technology to enhance operational efficiency.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Education
- Bachelor's degree
- Criminal Justice or related field.
- Certifications
- Certified Jail Manager (CJM), American Jail Association or other professional corrections associations.
- FBI LEEDA Trilogy Certification.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with and/or administrative personnel, both orally and in writing.
- Job Experience
- 10 or more years of experience.
- A minimum of 10 years of extensive experience in institutional management, criminal justice work, preferably in a jail or prison setting. Serve a minimum of 5 years in a supervisory position within the preferred field.
- Knowledge, skills, and abilities
- At least 5 years of experience overseeing and managing complex corrections operations.
- Comprehensive knowledge of the public administration principles and practices commonly employed in the operations, management, and control of an institution.
- Thorough knowledge of functions, organizations, rules, and requirements of the criminal justice system at all levels and their effects on the jail populations.
- Thorough knowledge of correctional goals, objectives, methods, and techniques applicable to the management of jail facilities and programs.
- Strong leadership and organizational skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and handle stressful situations.
- The St. Charles County Charter Section 4 sets out the minimum qualifications:
- 4.803. QUALIFICATIONS. To serve as Director of Corrections, a person:
- 4.803.1. Shall not, at the time of assuming office, and during the term in office, hold any other remunerative office with the United States, the State of Missouri, St. Charles County, or any political subdivision of this Subparagraph shall not apply to membership in the military forces of the United States, the State militia, or notaries public; and
- 4.803.2. Shall take an oath or affirmation to support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Missouri, to abide by this Charter, and to faithfully perform all of the duties required.
- 4.803.3. Must have at least five (5) years of experience in the field of corrections or related programs; and
- 4.803.4. Must establish residency within the County within one hundred twenty (120) days after assuming the position. Further, the position must maintain residency within the County during the term of employment.
- Employment is contingent on successfully passing a full criminal background check.
TO APPLY: All applications must be submitted using the APPLY NOW link above. We do not accept faxed, e-mailed or print applications.
BENEFITS: This is a full-time 40 hour per week position which includes a full range of benefits including Paid Time Off, Extended Medical Leave, Holidays, Employee Health, Dental, Life, Disability, Retirement, and Tuition Assistance programs.
Applications will be accepted on a continuing basis until the position is filled or a sufficient number of qualified candidates has applied.
St. Charles County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. St. Charles County is a drug and alcohol-free workplace. A pre-employment drug screen is required for all positions.
