Correctional Officer Jobs

This is a Full-Time 80 Hours in two weeks position with the Department of Corrections. For more information on the Department of Corrections, please visit https://doc.sd.gov/.

Are you ready for a new, challenging and rewarding career that allows you to assist people in making positive life changes? The South Dakota, Department of Corrections is looking for individuals who are confident, assertive, independent, motivated, and act with integrity to fill positions as Correctional Officers.

We will provide you with a paid, comprehensive 8-week training program to ensure you have the knowledge and skills needed to perform the important work of affecting change in offenders from incarceration to successful release into the community.

Service as a Correctional Officer at the South Dakota State Penitentiary is an excellent way to begin a law enforcement career and to gain supervisory experience.

In this role you will help maintain custody of male inmates at the South Dakota State Penitentiary by enforcing institution operations memoranda and procedures to ensure the safety and security of the inmates and employees and that confinement conditions are maintained.

Individuals selected for the position will be required to have direct (level 1) exposure to OC spray and demonstrate proficiency with two types of firearms (handgun and shotgun) prior to graduating from the basic Correctional Officer training program.

Job Functions:

• Distributes and monitors security keys, radios, inmate property, warehouse supplies, vehicles, mail, tools, restraints, chemical agents, and firearms in accordance with policy and procedures.
• Performs other work as assigned.
• Maintains control and order in the institution by observing inmates and by enforcing institution operations memoranda and procedures to ensure inmate and staff security.
• Supervises inmates by assigning duties and monitoring work and recreation to maintain order in the institution.
• Confiscates contraband by searching inmates, living quarters, the institution, and visitors to maintain security.
• Monitors and controls the institution gates and cell doors to control inmate movement and to prevent inmate escapes.
• Responds to emergencies such as fights, behavioral incidents and medical emergencies.
• Works in an assigned specialty position to assist in maintaining security and provide services to all inmates.
• Conducts inmate counts and maintains count book to account for all inmates at all times.

Questionnaire: Applicants will be required to answer a series of job-related questions when applying for this position.

The ideal candidate will have:

Knowledge of:

• English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Ability to:

• Perform duties in enclosed and confined spaces;
• Exercise tact and discretion in dealing with others.
• Observe and recall inmate behavior, surroundings, and events;
• Respond to emergencies quickly;
• Perform duties in all types of weather;
• Communicate information clearly and concisely;
• Understand and apply instructions;
• Stand and walk without rest for prolonged periods;

This position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment. Offers of employment are conditional upon successful completion of a drug screening.

NCRC: If you possess a National Career Readiness Certificate, please submit the certificate with your application. For more information on how to acquire a National Career Readiness Certificate contact a South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Job Service Office. A certificate is not necessary to be considered.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers employer paid health insurance plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information at https://bhr.sd.gov/job-seekers/work-for-state-government/. This position is a member of Class B retirement under SDRS.

"An Equal Opportunity Employer"