Sergeant (Custody - Jail Systems) - County of Berks

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POSITION SUMMARY:

Supervises correctional staff assigned to security positions. Maintains physical security in the Jail environment by providing correctional officers and inmates with direction, supervises visitors, and ensures effective daily operations. This is a first-line working supervisor who oversees approximately 40 correctional officers per shift.  This is also the first level of supervision outside of the bargaining unit. 

POSITON RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions

• Directs, supervises, and submits written evaluations of correctional officers in the performance of their assigned tasks, and directly supervises correctional officers in the supervision of inmates
• Modifies work schedules and ensures minimum staffing levels (sick leave, emergency leave, etc.)
• Reviews, processes and writes inmate misconduct reports, security reports, and general informational reports submitted by correctional officers
• Supervises and conducts accurate inmate counts at prescribed times to ensure that all inmates are accounted for
• Conducts roll calls to account for staff, pass on important information, and assign duties to correctional officers
• Directs/supervises the searching of inmates’ cells and common areas for contraband
• Investigates allegations of misconduct by inmates and correctional officers and prepares investigative reports for submission to supervisors.
• Supervises, videotapes, and photographs emergency situations such as cell extractions, prostraint chair placements, etc.
• Trains probationary correctional officers and probationary sergeants.
• Must be able to perform all the essential job functions of a correctional officer
• Performs all other duties as assigned

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to stand for extended periods of time, often in excess of 3 to 4 hours.
• Ability to lift/carry or assist another to lift/carry in excess of 100 pounds (occasionally), for a span up to ¼ mile.
• Ability to traverse stairs up to four stories and climb ladders as required for duty assignments.
• Ability to engage in physical exertion at any given moment in response to an emergency or to control or subdue a resisting inmate and supervise such actions.
• Stamina to avoid health related issues and the ability to deal with stress daily.
• Ability to walk at least one mile
• Ability to handle/operate all security, safety, maintenance, and other equipment relevant to the position, including but not limited to weapons/firearms, restraints, keys, radios, telephones, computers, copiers, air packs, vehicle, etc.
• Vision correctable to 20/20 and hearing abilities that are natural or corrected to the normal range of hearing.  May not be affected by color blindness to any degree which would prevent him/her from effectively performing job duties
• Ability to pull grill gates and doors (up to 30 lbs.) at least three times daily
• Ability to reach overhead at full arm’s length regularly
• Physical presence in the facility is required.

   MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Possess a high school diploma or GED certificate from an accredited agency and equivalent of 1-year Technical School/College in field of Criminal Justice.
• Minimum of 1-year experience as a correctional officer
• Preferred 21 years of age or older – we will consider 18-20 years of age based on maturity and documented work experience
• No felony convictions or misdemeanors for job related offenses. Not presently serving probation or parole.
• Have a valid PA driver’s license

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent planning skills, decision-making skills, and organizational skills.
• Participate and adhere to employee drug testing procedures.
• Ability to pass all pre-employment screening
• Ability to handle/operate security and safety equipment relevant to the position, including     weapons/firearms, restraints, two-way radios, keys, and air packs, etc.
• Working knowledge, skill, and ability to make instantaneous sound decisions and judgments in a management capacity and react to violence and life-threatening situations within the scope of Berks County Jail System policy.
• Advanced knowledge of computer operation and PC skills.
• Working knowledge and ability to delegate authority and assign tasks to subordinates.
• Working knowledge and skill in the use of video and audio recording equipment and digital photography equipment.
• Working knowledge, skill, and ability to train subordinates in all aspects of the job.
• Working knowledge and ability to analyze investigative reports received from officers and recommend appropriate disciplinary action to the Warden
• Ability to identify symptoms of stress-related job performance deficiencies in subordinates and take appropriate action. 
• Ability to handle stress
• Physical presence in the facility is required

 WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• Requires working within the confines of a secure jail
• Requires working in loud, small, and communal workspaces.
• Requires working in an environment where personal safety may be of concern.
• Requires working in an environment where there is possibility of foul odors.
• Requires working in extreme heat and/or cold.
• Requires working beyond 8 hours a day daily.
• May require working an additional 8-hour shift (forced overtime) with little or no prior notice to ensure minimum staffing on the next shift.
• Requires working with inmates (prostitutes, drug addicts, etc.) in a potentially high-risk communicable disease environment (AIDS, tuberculosis, hepatitis, etc.), where some inmates are incarcerated for violent crimes including murder.

This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant/employee. It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position and may be changed where appropriate.

All non-Collective Bargaining Agreement employees are "AT WILL" employees, which means that the employer or employee can end the employment relationship with or without cause.  Nothing in an employee handbook, the Standard Operating Procedures, or any other policy or guideline pertaining to employment or conditions of employment is intended to change or alter the "AT WILL" status of employment.