Correctional Officer - I

The Sheriff's Office is currently seeking applications for Correctional Officer - I. Positions may be assigned to either the Auburn Jail Facility or the South Placer Jail Facility.

Qualified applicants will undergo an extensive background investigation to determine if they meet the high standards set by the Sheriff's Office in the areas including, but not limited to: high moral character, honesty, and exemplary work ethic. The Sheriff's Office also highly values those with a positive attitude toward fellow workers and the community they will be serving.

*In addition to the base hourly rate listed above, individuals will receive a yearly uniform allowance of $750.00. Those assigned to work the night shift will receive a shift differential of 7.5%.

Under general supervision, maintain security and ensure inmate welfare in a County jail; oversee jail activities and facilities during an assigned shift; perform related work as assigned.

This is the entry level class in the Correctional Officer series.  This class is distinguished from the journey by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within this series.  Employees at this level are not expected to perform with the same independence of direction and judgment on matters allocated to the journey level.  Since this class is typically used as a training class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience.  Employees work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks.

Receives immediate supervision from assigned Sergeant.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Maintain centralized jail security and ensure inmate welfare in accordance with laws, regulations and institutional philosophy.
• Obtain necessary information and book prisoners, complete necessary forms, take photographs and fingerprints and perform other processing activities such as preparing reports and maintaining files.
• Search, examine, instruct and log inmates; inventory and secure property and valuables.
• Interview inmates; classify them and assign them to the appropriate detention area and activities.
• Supervise and monitor inmates and inmate trustees assisting with housekeeping, meal preparation and distribution, laundry and similar activities.
• Supervise inmate exercise, recreation, visiting and similar privileges.
• Assist medical staff in the distribution of medications; screen and refer requests for medical attention; administer emergency first aid as required.
• Escort inmates within the jail areas; provide security for medical staff as required.
• Inspect facilities and report the need for maintenance or unusual situations; request and/or issue clothing and supplies.
• Prepare reports and other written materials; maintain accurate records, log and file.
• Testify in court as subpoenaed.

It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.

Experience and Training: Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: No direct experience is required.  Experience involving the control and custody of incarcerated individuals or experience in a law enforcement support setting is desirable.

Training: Completion of twelfth grade or G.E.D. College level coursework in law enforcement or a related field is preferred.

License or Certificate:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid driver's license.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.
• Must complete both the Corrections Standards Authority Corrections Officer core course (or Correctional Officer Basic Academy supplemental core course for those who have completed the POST Basic Academy) and the course work required by California State Penal Code Section 832 within one year of employment.

Knowledge of:

• Techniques for dealing with individuals from various socio-economic backgrounds in hostile and/or confrontational situations.
• Basic first aid practices and procedures.
• Basic computer operations.
• Basic office administrative practices, including filing.

Ability to:

• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of a Correctional Officer's duties; intermittently remember accounts given by witnesses; identify potential situations of potential altercation; interpret and apply operational procedures; observe inmates; and explain rules to inmates.
• On an intermittent basis, sit at desk; on a continuous basis, walk or stand during shift; bend, squat and kneel during booking process; climb stairs while observing inmates; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine manipulation.  Continuously wear utility belt and other equipment of 30 pounds; and intermittently lift very heavy weight.
• Maintain facility security and inmate welfare in varied circumstances.
• Oversee and direct the work of inmates in structured situations.
• Prepare clear and accurate reports and other written materials.
• Maintain accurate records, logs and files.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Meet physical and psychological standards and pass a detailed background investigation.
• Work irregular hours and shift work, including holidays, nights, weekends, and overtime. 
• Be sensitive to various cultural and ethnic groups present in the detention facility.

Performance Examination (20%)

The performance examination will consist of a series of job related exercises. 

Written Examination (80%) 

The written examination will consist of the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) Adult Corrections Officer Exam. To locate the Candidate Orientation Booklet for this exam, which includes example questions, please click here.

Note: Applicants who have already taken the BSCC Adult Corrections Officer Exam within six (6) months of their application submission date may attach their official score report notice (including agency name, exam name, exam date, and exam scores) to their application materials to forward their scores to Placer County.

Prior to the date of hire, applicants must undergo a fingerprint test by the Department of Justice, pass a medical examination (which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation), sign a constitutional oath and submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S.  For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, undergo a background investigation (which may include a voice stress analysis and/or a polygraph) and/or be bonded. Additionally, positions in law enforcement classifications, and those supporting law enforcement functions will be required to complete a conviction history questionnaire prior to or during the interview process. Applicants for positions with access to Medi-Cal billing software or who are licensed providers must clear the Federal Exclusion List, credentialing, and social security verification. Failure to clear these requirements may result in an employment offer being withdrawn.

The eligible list(s) resulting from this recruitment may be certified as a substitute list for a substantially similar classification.  For this purpose, a substantially similar classification is one at a lower level in the same classification (example: entry level vs. journey) and/or a similar classification (similar work performed, similar training and experience qualifications required). If you are contacted for an interview by a County department, you will be informed of the classification and other relevant information. If you choose not to interview for a substantially similar classification, you will remain on the eligible list for which you originally applied.

Placer County offers an expedited process for qualifying certain applicants for interviews. Candidates currently employed, or employed within the last year, by a public agency operating under a personnel civil service or merit system may be eligible to be placed on a Public Agency Eligible List and certified as eligible for appointment to a similar job assignment without going through the examination process. For more information on the Public Agency Eligible List, to download forms, or to apply, please click here.

Thank you for your interest in employment with Placer County. Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that harassment, discrimination and retaliation are prohibited and that all employees, applicants, agents, contractors, and interns/volunteers shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, transfer and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, military and/or veteran status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Please contact the Human Resources Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change.  It is advisable that applicants inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Human Resources Department.

Tentative Recruitment Timeline:

01/18/19 - Recruitment Opens

02/01/19 - Recruitment Closes

02/04/19 - Minimum Qualifications Screening

02/20/19 & 02/21/19 - Physical Agility and Written Exams

03/18/19 - Eligible List Established

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Laura Craig, Administrative Technician, at lcraig@placer.ca.gov or (530) 886-4664.