Corrections Officer

Corrections Officer

Union - FOP - Corrections Division

Pay Grade - Corrections Officers

Wage Scale - Full-Time Wage Range $25.34 - $29.83 (2026 Wage Scale)

Summary: Responsible for intake and release processing of prisoners, maintaining jail security, and attending the physical needs of inmates. Receives incoming calls for assistance, obtains essential information and directs calls to appropriate staff. Transports prisoners, Assists in providing security for the courts. Supervises trustee work details. May participate in interviewing, overseeing and monitoring progress of prisoners in the work release program.

Principal Duties And Responsibilities:

• Processes prisoners brought to the jail by city, county, state and other enforcement officers.
• Completes tasks and procedures including:
  • Registers incoming prisoners.
  • Searches, fingerprints, photographs, and books prisoners. Records information such as reason for incarceration, previous arrests, address, birth date, height, weight, eye color etc.
  • Records and stores monies and personal effects.
  • Processes prisoners names through the LEIN system to check for outstanding wants and warrants.
  • Conduct regular cell checks to assure that all inmates are accounted for and properly secured. Observes inmates behavior and takes appropriate action in case of fights, property damage or other incidents. Periodically searches inmates and cells as part of security procedures.
  • Distributes meals to inmates, collects and counts dishes and eating utensils.
  • Responds to telephone calls concerning inmates, providing information to the courts, bondmen's, family members and other authorized parties. Supervises visits between inmates and authorized visitors.
  • Assists inmates with personal needs, such as distributing library material, providing medications, arranging for visits, supervising recreation, and moving inmates to authorized programs.
  • Transports prisoners.
  • As authorized, releases inmates.
  • Prepares various forms, reports and logs, e.g., incident reports, admitting and release forms, and activity and visitor logs.
  • Provides routing information on inquiries and routes other calls to appropriate department personnel.
  • May serve as a lead worker, coordinating the efforts of other Correctional Officers.

Position Requirements - Qualifications:

Education: Job requires knowledge normally acquired through the completion of a general high school education. Completion of 160 Correctional School is desirable. An Associates Degree in Criminal Justice is desirable.

Pre-Hiring Test: Must pass EMPCO reading and writing exam and Michigan Sheriff's Coordinating Training Council physical agility test.

Experience: Between six months and one year of previous job related and/or on-the-job experience is desired.

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Ability to work in a high stress environment. Conflict resolution skills. Ability to administer first aid and CPR. Skill in the use and care of firearms is required. Must be able to pass a drug screen and background investigation. A valid driver's license. The qualifications listed above are guidelines for selection purposes; alternative qualifications may be substituted if sufficient to perform the duties of the job.

Location - St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office

About the Organization: The mission of St. Joseph County Government is to provide efficient, dependable services while fostering public trust through collaboration, accountability, and long-term stewardship of county resources. By leading with integrity, St. Joseph County seeks to shape a future that preserves trust, strengthens responsibility, and inspires pride across generations. St. Joseph County Government as stewards of people and resources promotes equal opportunity for all, and hereby encourages the talents, creativity and leadership of all County employees in striving for prompt, courteous, respectful and efficient delivery of services. St. Joseph County provides an excellent benefit package. This includes health, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability insurance. We also offer a very generous sick and vacation package as well as paid holidays for eligible positions. Pension plans and additional retirement options are also available to eligible employees.

EOE Statement: We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

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