Correctional Sergeant/Canine Handler

This class is responsible for acting as a lead worker in maintaining institutional security, including perimeter, of a correctional facility and during K-9 proficiency training.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Supervises and maintains institutional, including perimeter, security, discipline, and order.
   
• Implements prescribed policies and procedures, insures the enforcement of institutional departmental rules and regulations.
   
• Monitors entrances and exits of institution with the exception of main gatehouse.  Insures visitors, contractors and vendors enter and exit institution safely.
   
• Supervises a shift of the K-9 speciality unit.
   
• Supervises, trains and provides routine care for K-9 including feeding, grooming, kennel maintenance and maintains supply inventory and equipment.
   
• Prepares or supervises the preparation of logs and reports.
   
• Supervises security sections within institution during riots, shakedowns, crowd control, drug searches, inmate movement, apprehension of escapees, and other activities as needed.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Correctional Sergeant/Canine Handler
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. At least one year experience as a Correctional Officer/Canine Handler.
2. Possession of a valid Driver’s License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

Applicants may only apply if they are current permanent employees of the State of Delaware Department of Correction in a position covered by the Merit System who have completed their initial probationary period.

Appointees other than in-line promotions must successfully complete a Department training course in security and related areas prior to assignment.  This course is administered by the Department of Correction at the Employment Development Center.  Coursework includes physical, classroom and hands-on training.  Instruction is provided in the areas of inmate supervision, defensive tactics, riot control, weapons, report writing and emergency medical training. 

Employees in a Correctional Officer (CO) series position will be eligible to retire under the provisions of HB363 if, at the time of retirement, they have completed twenty-five (25) years of pension creditable State service, and with at least twenty (20) of those years of pension creditable service as a CO series classified position.

Incumbents working four or more hours of work between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. the following day will receive 5% shift differential pay.

This position is a classification organized under an exclusive bargaining representative (labor organization).  The candidate selected for this position shall be asked to join and pay dues to the labor organization or may, decline joining the labor organization and not pay dues or a fee.  The labor organization has been elected by employees as their representative for collective bargaining and other work related purposes.

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email.  Please keep your contact information current.  You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at www.delawarestatejobs.com.

Examination: A written test is required.  You will need to retake the exam if you have not applied in DEL by 3/24/2010. Test study guides may be obtained by visiting the Human Resource Management web-site at  http://delawarestatejobs.com/explore/test-study-guides.shtml. Applicants scheduled for examinations will be required to show photo identification to the exam proctor before taking the exam.  All scheduling notices will be sent via email to the applicant.  Please check your email for your scheduled exam date.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.  The State of Delaware – An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.