JOB SUMMARY
Under supervision of the chain-of-command, manage, regulate, and proactively supervise inmate behavior by assessing inmate risk and need, effectively assign inmates to housing, meet inmates basic needs, define and convey expectations for inmate behavior, and proactively supervise inmate activities to productively influence how they spend their time.
The Correction Division’s operating philosophy is Strategic Inmate Management (SIM). Correction deputies fulfill their role, complete their duties, and perform assigned tasks according to the elements, principles, and behavioral requirements of Inmate Behavior Management and Direct Supervision.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Duties expected of all Corrections deputies include but are not limited to the following Direct Supervision elements and behavioral requirements:
Element 1: Conduct safety and security inspections.
- Conduct searches of the housing unit common areas to identify and address safety and security issues.
Element 2: Supervisory authority in the housing unit.
- Serve as the sole authority in the unit.
- Primary decision-maker on matters concerning inmates and activities in the unit.
- Establish and maintain a positive supervisory relationship with inmates.
- Provide direction and coaching to inmates.
- Supervise all unit activities.
- Monitor all inmate behavior to ensure inmates are not exerting control over other inmates.
Element 3: Provides information and responds to requests and concerns.
- Use all available resources to answer inmate requests. If a deputy is unable to answer a request, a written response will be provided.
Element 4: Continuously interact with inmates throughout the shift.
- Actively listen, demonstrate interest and concern, and respond to inmate requests while interacting with inmates in the unit.
Element 5: Familiarity with all inmates under his/her supervision.
- Able to describe patterns of inmate behavior and recognize changes.
Element 6: Identify and address problems in the early stages.
- Identify potential conflict among inmates through verbal and non-verbal cues and take appropriate action to determine and address the root cause.
Element 7: Motivate inmates to comply with facility rules and behavioral expectations.
- Ensure inmates understand facility rules and expectations for their behavior.
- Serve as a positive role model for inmate behavior in the unit.
- Use positive motivation techniques to encourage inmates to comply with facility rules and behavioral expectations.
- Consistently and fairly hold inmates accountable for complying with rules and behavioral expectations.
- Convey changes to housing unit rules and behavior expectations during unit town hall meetings.
Element 8: Engage inmates in positive activities.
- Understand and be knowledgeable of all available jail programs and encourage inmates to participate in programming.
Element 9: Work as part of a team with fellow housing-unit deputies and other staff.
- Collaborate with support staff and peer professionals (food service, medical, mental health, classification, re-entry services etc.) on inmate management issues and strategies.
Use standard office equipment and computers as well as specialized technologies during their work.
Perform all other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Remain calm during stressful situations.
Engage in effective interpersonal communication and interaction with all types of people.
Use sound, independent judgment within established policy, procedure and the principles of Inmate Behavior Management and Direct Supervision.
Prepare clear, concise, and effective reports and written materials.
Maintain accurate records and files.
Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
Work cooperatively and effectively within a team and the larger organizational setting.
Possess a basic understanding of technology and computer applications and software.
Perform tasks requiring physical endurance and agility under episodic adverse conditions.