SHERIFF’S OFFICE OF WORCESTER COUNTY
POSITION: Correctional Officer
BARGAINING UNIT: NEPBA
I. GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Correctional Officers are responsible for the care, custody and control of inmates housed at the Worcester County Jail and House of Corrections.
II. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Maintains custodial care and control of inmates by escorting or transporting them under restraint; patrolling facilities; making periodic rounds, head counts and security checks of buildings, grounds and inmate quarters; monitoring inmates' movements and whereabouts; and guarding and directing inmates during work assignments to maintain order and security in a correctional institution.
2. Observes conduct and behavior of inmates; notes significant behavioral patterns in order to prevent disturbances, violence, escapes or other crises such as suicides.
3. Notes and investigates suspicious inmate activity relative to contraband by searching individuals, vehicles, packages, mail and inmate quarters for weapons or other forbidden devices/objects to maintain prison security.
4. Develops working relationships with inmates by referring individuals to appropriate supportive services (e.g. medical, psychiatric, vocational, etc.) to aid in rehabilitation and to foster an atmosphere of cooperation between inmates and staff.
5. Prepares reports on such occurrences as fires, disturbances, accidents, security breaches, etc.; prepares monthly evaluation reports on inmates; makes entries into unit log of daily activities and reviews daily activity reports to have accurate and up‑to‑date information available for reference by authorized personnel.
6. Supervises Correctional Officers of lower seniority to ensure that inmates are receiving proper treatment and assignments.
7. Supervises and teaches inmates performing a variety of prison services and functions which include laundering, maintenance, kitchen services, farming and other occupations.
8. Enforces maintenance by inmates of cleanliness in the cell blocks and prison areas.
9. Maintains discipline in prison cell blocks and prison areas.
10. Reports prison activities, complaints and conditions to his Senior Shift Officer or other officer of higher rank.
11. Exercises first aid and emergency measures until the arrival of proper authorities.
12. Performs related duties such as screening visitors; operating two‑way radios; carrying and operating firearms; inspecting fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, alarms and other safety apparatus; serving food to inmates; and assigning housing areas to inmates.
13. Exercises authority consistent with the obligations imposed by the oath of office.
14. Accountable for the securing, receipting and proper transporting of all property received into custody.
15. Maintains and monitors caustic and toxic materials that are stored in designated chemical closets.
16. Uses physical force in a lawful manner to restrain and apprehend inmates and to suppress riots, violence, escapes, disturbances or other crises, including suicides, by inmates, including inmates who may be violent and dangerous.
17. Carries and uses fire arms when authorized in a safe and lawful manner.
18. Functions in dangerous situations where personal safety may be in jeopardy, where conditions are stressful; and where subject to physical and verbal abuse.
19. Works long hours during any part of a 24 hour day, including weekends and holidays.
20. Stands or walks for prolonged periods of time.
21. Reports for duty in a prompt and timely fashion wherever assigned.
22. Maintains regular and uninterrupted attendance at work.
23. Maintains a thorough, working knowledge of all applicable policies and procedures.
24. Conducts confidential investigations and inquiries when assigned to Special Services.
III. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A. Education and Experience:
Associate’s Degree, or higher education; or documentation of 60 credits towards completion of a Bachelor’s Degree at an accredited college or institution of higher learning; or two years of military service.
Two (2) years of relevant work experience may be used to substitute for a degree or (2) years of military service.
B. Special Requirements:
1. Physical ability and capacity to maintain custodial care and control of inmates, use lawful force and weapons.
2. Mental capacity to handle stressful situations, physical danger, risk of serious injury to person and others. May be required to submit to a psychological examination.
3. Ability to work in a semi‑military organization.
4. No prior criminal record that includes guilty finding or guilty plea of a felony, or incarceration in any jail, house of correction, or prison. Candidate must also pass a background investigation that may include interviews of references, former employers and relatives.
C. Knowledge, Ability and Skill:
1. Ability to learn, understand, explain, and apply the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, specifications, standards of correctional and law enforcement principles, and guidelines governing assigned unit activities.
2. Understands and has working knowledge of rules, regulations, practices and theories and laws relating to the judicial process and law enforcement.
3. Ability to make decisions and act quickly in emergencies and dangerous situations.
4. Ability to interact with people who are under physical and/or emotional stress.
5. Ability to establish rapport with persons from different ethnic, cultural and/or economic backgrounds.
6. Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others.
7. Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
8. Ability to give oral and written instructions in a precise, understandable manner.
9. Ability to write concisely, to express thoughts clearly, and to develop ideas in logical order.
10. Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare general reports.
11. Ability to work accurately with names, numbers, colors, codes and/or symbols.
12. Ability to maintain a calm manner in stressful and emergency situations.
13. Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information.
14. Ability to adapt to varying work situations.
15. Ability to operate a motor vehicle and hold a driver's license. An RMV background check will be completed.
16. Ability to obtain a permit to carry firearms and be familiar with proper use and care of firearms.
17. Working knowledge of first aid and CPR.
18. Working knowledge of the habits, attitudes and behavior of prison inmates.
19. Some knowledge of modern principles of criminology and penology and of the elements of criminal law and court procedures.
20. Ability to instruct, counsel and advise inmates to assist in their return to society.
21. Ability to supervise small number of subordinates and maintain discipline.
D. Physical Qualifications:
1. Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods of time.
2. Must possess physical stamina and endurance.
3. Must successfully pass physical fitness test.
IV. JOB ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed within a correctional facility.
V. SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Works under the general supervision those officers who possess higher rank, i.e. Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Deputy Superintendent.
VI. SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
At times may supervise Correctional Officers of lower seniority or rank.
[1] This 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 the requirements of the job change.
[2] The essential functions or duties listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
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Pass a written test.
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Pass a medical / drug screening.
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Pass a physical fitness test.
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Pass a psychological examination.
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Age 19 years or older
Worcester County Sherriff’s Office offers a competitive, comprehensive employee benefits package for our employees. Employees are entitled to premier medical benefits and participation in the Massachusetts State Retirement System.
Comprehensive Benefits Package:
Retirement
- 20 years creditable service retirement option
- 457 Deferred Compensation and Roth Plans
Health & Well-Being Benefits
- GIC Health Insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts – Medical/Child care reimbursement
- Prescription Drug Plan
- Dental/Vision Benefits
- Optional Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Yearly flu vaccine clinics
Payable & Non-Payable Leave
- Vacation, Personal and Sick accruals
- Twelve Paid Holidays
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) & Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML)
- Military Leave
- Short-term & Long-term Disability
Other Benefits
- Paid Recruit Training Academy
- GI Bill which can be used for up to one year as a new hire
- Yearly Clothing Allowance
- Yearly Education Stipend
- Bonus Accrual Programs
- Longevity
- Tuition Remission for participating schools
- On-site Fitness Center
