Job Details

Corrections Officer

Initial candidate eligibility is based on the job application and any accompanying documentation. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide sufficient information and details within the body of the application (education and work experience sections) to permit the City of Yakima to properly evaluate the candidate's qualification, abilities and experience as it relates to the requirements of the position. For calculation of experience, one year of experience equals 12 months with a minimum of 173.33 hours per month. Additional required documents must be attached. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of application fields.

Overview and Minimum Class Requirements

The City of Yakima is offering new Corrections Officers a hiring incentive of $10,000!! $5,000 be paid on their first paycheck following the first full month of employment and the additional $5,000 to be paid on the paycheck following their first full year of employment! (after execution of a 36 month repayment contract of employment) In addition newly hired Lateral Corrections Officer will receive a bank of 40 in lieu hours that can be used at any time during the first year of employment!!! Posted rate of pay includes 2% deferred compensation contribution. BENEFIT PACKAGE: The City of Yakima is a premier employer in the Yakima Valley with extensive opportunities for training and growth. The City offers a competitive benefit package including:

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage
• FREE healthcare clinic!
• WA State PERS pension plan
• 2% contribution to a 457 deferred compensation plan
• Leave accruals:
1. Vacation Starting at 7.67 hours/month
2. Sick 8 hours/month
3. Personal holiday 2 days
4. Observed holiday 11 holidays
• Up to 5% bilingual/biliterate English/Spanish special pay
• Life Insurance
• Much more!

The pay range listed for this position is established through the City of Yakima's Master Pay Ordinance in accordance with the Municipal Code and/or the applicable collective bargaining agreement. New employees generally start at step A with progression through the steps based on merit and successful performance evaluation. Click here to view the Master Pay Ordinance.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: For entry to the class: must be 20 years of age or older at time of appointment (19 at time of application) and a U. S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident. Must have a good command of the English language, both written and verbal, and be a high school graduate or equivalent. Must be in good physical condition, good moral character, and capable of performing the full range of required duties, including physical control of violent offenders. Meet State and Federal laws to possess and carry a firearm and must be able to meet and maintain the department standards for firearm qualification. Applicants must pass a written examination, oral board, physical agility examination, pre-selection interview, polygraph examination, psychological examination, medical examination, drug screening, and a comprehensive background investigation regarding applicant's aptitude, character, judgment, credit, driving record and criminal history.

OR

ADDITIONAL MINIMUM CLASS REQUIREMENTS FOR LATERAL TRANSFERS TO THE CLASS:

Must have successfully completed the course of study prescribed and/or approved for Correction Officers by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (to qualify for the WSCJTC Corrections Officer equivalency academy) and have two (2) years continuous experience as a Correction/Detention Officer within the last five (5) years. Must be 20 years of age or older and be lawfully employable in the U. S. Must have a good command of the English language, both written and verbal, and be a high school graduate or equivalent. Must be in good physical condition, good moral character, and capable of performing the full range of required duties, including physical control of violent offenders. Meet State and Federal laws to possess and carry a firearm and must be able to meet and maintain the department standards for firearm qualification. Applicants must pass a oral and written examinations, pre-suitability testing and interviews, polygraph examination, psychological examination, medical examination, drug screening, and a comprehensive background investigation regarding applicant's aptitude, character, judgment, credit, driving record and criminal history.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS:

Must posses a valid Washington State Driver's License. Must be able to satisfactorily complete the course of study prescribed for Correction Officers by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission.

Job Summary

Under the general supervision of a Corrections Sergeant, performs specialized duties involving the control and management of detainees in the City Jail, and supervises detainee work crews in the maintenance of public facilities and equipment. Ensures safety and proper treatment of detainees, in accordance with department directives and applicable law. Work is performed in accordance with established procedures, but employees are expected to apply independent judgment in making routine and emergency decisions.

Essential Functions

Receives detainees, and conducts body searches. Maintains physical control of detainees using minimum force required. Obtains required information from detainees; inventories and properly stores detainees' valuables and other personal property; issues uniforms and other items per directive. Supervises and guards detainee work crews, both within and outside the detention facility; escorts, transports and guards prisoners in non-secure areas, including court, hospital, and work sites. Coordinates and supervises City Jail detainees assigned to custodial and exterior building maintenance duties; obtains and provides necessary equipment; monitors detainee activity; inspects and directs work; identifies needed facility repairs; and coordinates with the Building Superintendent.

Assists other Corrections Officers and other department employees; performs court security duties; operates electronically-controlled access doors; summons assistance when necessary; communicates with other personnel by means of intercom and two-way radio.

Monitors activities of detainees within jail facility, both visually and by means of closed-circuit television; communicates with detainees directly or by means of intercom.

Performs and/or supervises preparation and delivery of meals, laundry, and housekeeping within the facility.

Works continuously to maintain safety of employees, detainees and other members of the public by adhering to safety procedures and protocols at all times. Provides first-aid to detainees and assists medical personnel as required.

Coordinates and monitors visitation of detainees with family members, friends, attorneys, and members of other criminal justice agencies.

Maintains appropriate records of booking, detention and release of detainees; operates computerized records management system; enters and maintains computerized data regarding warrants, arrests, convictions and sentences.

Accepts and accounts for detainees' money and handles commissary transactions; accepts deliveries and assists with ordering and inventory of jail supplies; accounts for inventory and control of department equipment and supplies.

Operates City-owned vehicles when required to transport detainees, travel to training, or perform other department business.

Contributes to the effective administration of the City Jail and the Yakima Police Department by demonstrating an attitude that encourages cooperation, coordination of efforts, productive time management, efficient use of resources, and exceptional customer service. Provides continuous effort to improve operations, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality services. Proactively introduces suggestions for change to address emerging issues and opportunities.

Requires regular and reliable attendance.

Performs other duties as required or assigned.

Major Worker Characteristics

Knowledge/understanding of and ability to apply statutory and judicial limitations on prisoner confinement, and the rights of all persons under the constitution of the United States and the State of Washington. Knowledge and understanding of safety practices and procedures.

Knowledge and understanding of the strategic objectives of City Council as they relate to the Police Department. Knowledge of, and clear commitment to, the principles of 21st Century Policing.

Knowledge of effective leadership principles, practices; practices and principles of work flow and systems analysis; record keeping systems, processes, and practices; principles and practices for project management; municipal records retention procedures, and techniques. Demonstrates knowledge and sound judgement with regard to public disclosure, and confidentiality standards.

Knowledge and understanding of the concept of exceptional customer service. Models this behavior and encourages it from other employees.

Knowledge and understanding of policies, procedures, laws, rules and regulations related to Corrections operations and staff, in accordance with policies and procedures of the department and the City of Yakima.

Ability to read, research, interpret, learn, explain and apply: modern prisoner detention methods and techniques; State, Federal and City laws, regulations, codes, rules, and ordinances; and City and Department policies and procedures. Ability to understand and apply the rules of evidence and to obtain information through interview, interrogation and observation.

Must possess ability to identify and define complex problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Ability to evaluate circumstances and make