Corrections Officer

Middleton, MA
Essex County Sheriff's Department

NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! $2,500 hiring bonus! The Essex County Sheriff’s Department is seeking people to join our multi-cultural, multi-talented and well-trained team of corrections professionals. Correctional officers provide care, custody and control of pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates. All employees, vendors and volunteers must be able to effectively communicate with staff, inmates, and the general public. Ongoing. Starting Salary: $63,962.36-$68,042.27 including incentives.

General Statement of Duties:

The basic purpose of this position is to maintain order and security in a correctional institution. Incumbents of positions in this area maintain care and custody of inmates detained or sentenced to the Essex County Correctional Facility, ensuring that established policies and procedures are followed; supervise their occupational, vocational, and recreational activities; patrol correctional facilities; observe conduct and behavior of inmates; investigate suspicious inmate activity; and perform related work as required. Other duties performed are under somewhat undesirable working conditions and may require intermittent moderate physical effort and potential risk of injury typically associated with working with inmates. Incumbents hold the sworn office of Correctional Officer.

Essential Functions:

  • Maintain custodial care and control of inmates detained or sentenced to the Essex County Correctional Facility by escorting them under restraint; patrolling facilities; making periodic rounds, head counts and security checks of building, grounds and inmate quarters.
  • Monitors inmate movements and whereabouts.
  • Supervises and directs inmates during work assignments in order to maintain order and security.
  • Observes conduct and behavior of inmates, noting significant behavioral patterns, to prevent disturbances, violence, escapes, or other crises such as suicides.
  • Notes and investigates suspicious inmate activity relative to contraband by searching individuals, packages, mail and inmate quarters for weapons or other forbidden devices, objects, and material.
  • Develops working relationships with inmates by referring individuals to appropriate supportive services (medical, psychiatric, vocational, etc.) as needed to aid in rehabilitation and to foster an atmosphere of cooperation between inmates and staff.
  • Prepares written reports on such occurrences as fires, disturbances, accidents, security breaches, etc.
  • Makes entries into unit log of daily activities and reviews daily activity reports to have accurate and up to date information.
  • Perform related duties such as screening visitors; operating two-way radios; carrying and operating firearms, serving food to inmates, etc.
  • Assist in transporting inmates outside of facility.

Required Education and Experience:

  • Must be over the age of (19) on the day of employment.
  • Ability to qualify in all phases of testing (written, medical, physical, and psychological).
  • High School Degree
  • Must not have been convicted of a felony or served a sentence in a Jail or House of Correction.
  • Some knowledge of correctional procedures.
  • Ability to instruct, counsel, and advise inmates having in mind their rehabilitation and return to society.
  • Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class 3 Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.