STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Correctional Commissary Operator Trainee

Recruitment #201008-2258CO-001

Introduction



Looking to start your new career?

The State of Connecticut, Department of Correction (DOC), is seeking to fill openings for the position of Correctional Commissary Operator Trainee. We currently have two full-time positions open, one at the Cheshire Correctional Institution (District 2) and one at the MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution in Suffield (District 1). 
This position requires traveling within the District. 

This is a full time, 36.25 hours-per-week (Monday-Friday) position on first shift. We offer a competitive benefits plan that includes health and dental coverage, along with a 25 year hazardous duty retirement. Selected candidates will be required to attend a 12 week hazardous duty training at the Maloney Center for Training & Staff Development located in Cheshire.

The unit directs commissary operations, which permit the inmate population to purchase items not provided by the Department, and maintains an inmate account system that tracks personal funds for the offender use in commissary. 

An individual applying for this position must be able to successfully undergo a thorough Collect Background Check, employment reference and facts stated in the application, including being fingerprinted, pre-employment physical and drug screening. 

JOB DUTIES
When hired, you will be trained on the skills and proficiencies held by current Correctional Commissary Operators. These include:

Inventory Control
  • Perform continuous inventory and (periodically) full inventory of all stock items.
  • Initiate purchase orders on depleted stock.
  • Seek out new items to add to stock while phasing out low demand items.
  • Coordinate delivery and organization of items.
Scanning/Sales
  • Arrange for and/or distribute order slips to inmates.
  • Verify inmate account balance.
  • Scan order into commissary data system.
  • Arrange for and/or deliver orders directly to inmates.
  • Verify acceptance of delivery.
Security 
  • Develop security precautions and routines for protecting stock and limiting access to commissary area.
  • Monitor actions of inmate workers to prevent pilferage.
  • May shakedown or strip inmates for contraband prior to leaving premises.
  • May physically restrain inmates, quell disturbances and otherwise assist custodial forces in emergencies.
Supervision 
  • Train and develop job skills in assigned inmates.
  • Maintain appropriate discipline.
  • Submit necessary reports on inmate behavior, training, progress, disciplinary measures, recommendations for accrual of good time, adjustments in pay, etc.
  • Oversee scanning/sales performed by inmate workers.

ABOUT US

Since 1968 the Connecticut Department of Correction has proudly served and protected the citizens of the State of Connecticut, by daily ensuring the safety, security and order of our 14-correctional facilities in a manner which is widely viewed as a national model. The Department endeavors to provide the programming, education and treatment which willing inmates may utilize to improve themselves and the success of their eventual reintegration into society. Our staff of dedicated correctional professionals takes great PRIDE (Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Dignity, Excellence) in the daily performance of their duty to our state. 

Selection Plan

Applicants are asked to submit a resume with their application. Please attach your resume under the "Resume" tab when applying for this position.

This posting MAY require completion of additional referral questions (RQs) which will be sent to you via email after the closing date. Please regularly check your email for notifications. Please also check your SPAM/Junk folders. You must reply by the deadline indicated on the notification or you will be automatically disqualified from consideration. Please ensure that your application is complete. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State of Connecticut. Candidates who submit an untimely, incomplete or inaccurate application will not be considered for this employment opportunity.

If selected to interview, candidates may be asked to provide the following:
  • Two recent letters of recommendation from previous employers
  • Last two years of performance evaluations (if you are a state employee)
Candidates must possess and retain a valid motor vehicle operator's license, and may be required to travel.

NOTE: This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.

Any questions regarding this recruitment should be directed to the recruiter, Jake Ferrari, via email at jake.ferrari@ct.gov.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In a Department of Correction facility or district this class is accountable for receiving on-the-job training in the commissary operation.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Receives training to perform tasks as outlined in the specification for the class of Correctional Commissary Operator; receives instruction in agency policies and procedures; assists in performing duties involving inventory control and sales; assists in providing inmate supervision; assists in maintaining order and security; performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Knowledge of principles and methods of retail purchasing techniques; knowledge of stock and inventory control methods; knowledge of prison security procedures; basic knowledge of bookkeeping techniques; interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; ability to utilize computer software.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Three (3) years of experience in commissary or retail merchandising, wholesale sales or warehouse operation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

  1. College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equaling one-half (1/2) year to a maximum of two (2) years.
  2. Experience as a Correction Officer may be substituted for the General Experience to a maximum of two (2) years on a year for year basis.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Large scale retail and/or warehouse experience. 
  • Familiarity with loss prevention standards.
  • Experience in inventory control.
  • Experience working in Microsoft Office.
  • Background in customer service, especially as it relates to resolving customer issues.
  • Possession of a valid Connecticut Driver's License and clean driving record as part of the job responsibilities, which includes delivering product to various correctional facilities in the region. 
  • Experience driving a 24 foot box truck.
  • Supervisory experience in a retail and/or warehouse setting.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  1. Incumbents in this class must have reached their 21st birthday.
  2. Incumbents in this class are required to possess a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certification at the time of appointment.
  3. Incumbents in this class may be required to successfully complete a formal training course in correctional work to develop the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the class.
  4. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain either a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license, a Commercial Driver’s license or both.
  5. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

CHARACTER REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the checking of references and of facts stated in the application, a thorough background investigation of each candidate may be made before persons are certified for appointment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  1. Incumbents in this class must have general good health, be free from any disease or injury which would impair health or usefulness and possess and retain sufficient physical strength, stamina, agility, endurance and visual and auditory acuity required to perform all the duties of the class.
  2. A comprehensive medical examination, including a controlled substance screening, will be required of all applicants upon a conditional offer of employment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to significant stress of confinement within a dangerous and volatile prison population and to considerable danger of injury from assaultive and/or abusive inmates and disagreeable conditions.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.