CORRECTIONAL OFFICER
MONTANA STATE PRISON
DEER LODGE, MT
MISSION - Montana Department of Corrections is creating a safer Montana through Accountability, Rehabilitation and Empowerment.
If you want to work making positive changes in the community the Montana Department of Corrections is the place for you!
JOB OVERVIEW - This position is responsible for the overall safety and security of inmates, staff and visitors of Montana State Prison and Montana Correctional Enterprises. Correctional Officers help ensure the institution is operated for the safety of the public, as well as the incarceration, treatment and rehabilitation of the inmate population.
- Supervise adult male felons while in the custody of Montana State Prison, on or off property. Correctional Officers are responsible for a wide variety of security duties relative to the safe, orderly and cost effective operation grounds, performing on including, but not limited to, conducting thorough inspections and searches of inmates, buildings and grounds, performing security observation, preparing documentation regarding institutional matters such as incident reports, disciplinary documentation, counts and logs, operating security equipment, recognizing critical behavior, restraining and controlling offenders, and responding to emergencies.
- Enforce and follow rules and regulations including, but not limited to written and/or oral directives, post orders, and special instructions in addition to policies and procedures which dictate daily, routine and emergency procedures.
- Serve as a member of the Unit Management Team to oversee all aspects of the basic needs and welfare of adult male felons in the custody of Montana State Prison, on or off property. Participate in case management and classification procedures.
- Provide intervention for adult male felons in the custody of Montana State Prison by facilitating and/or overseeing counseling, medical care, first aide, clothing & laundry, janitorial and housekeeping supplies, transportation of inmates, meals, movement, jobs and other services as required.
UPON HIRE
- Successful completion of the Pre-Service training class for prison personnel.
- Successful completion of Corrections & Detention Officer Basic Training at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy within the first year of employment.
- Correctional Officers will be required to participate in weapon familiarization with firearms (AR-15, 12-gauge shotgun, and 9mm pistol) during the two-week preservice training and/or on-the-job training program.
- Firearms familiarization is a condition of employment. Failure to meet qualification standards with firearms will prohibit the CO from being assigned to armed posts or duties.
- Annual TB testing is mandatory.
PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER INFORMATION
This position requires POST Basic Certification after attending training at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy and successfully completing one year of employment with the Department of Corrections. In addition to the training and experience requirements, to be POST Certified, the successful candidate(s) must:
- Be a citizen of the United States of America;
- Be at least 18 years of age;
- Be fingerprinted for a criminal history search;
- Not have been convicted of a crime for which s/he could have been imprisoned in a federal or state penitentiary;
- Be of good moral character, as determined by a thorough background screen;
- Be a high school graduate or issued a GED or its equivalent; AND,
- Possess or be eligible for a valid Montana driver’s license.
Minimum Physical/Mental Requirements
- Regular exposure to temperature extremes.
- Ability to climb and descend multiple stairs and ladders, work at heights up to 50 ft for long periods of time.
- Lifting, pushing, pulling, or dragging heavy furniture, equipment or people up to 30 pounds alone, and up to 100 pounds with assistance.
- Climbing and crawling
- Visual acuity, attention to detail, must remain alert and ready to react throughout the entire shift.
- Remaining on feet for long periods of time, walking on hard surfaces.
- Sitting for long periods of time.
- Ability to respond to verbal communication, alarms, telephones, and radio communication equipment.
- Respond in the event of an emergency, which may include working long hours, mandatory overtimes, reporting to work prior to the start of the shift or staying after the shift normally ends.
- Stressful working conditions.
- Ability to exert physical force and the use of weapons or restraints, including handcuffs or other physical restraints, firearms, and self-defense techniques.
- Must be physically and legally able to drive a vehicle.
REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS –
Applications missing required documentation may not be considered.
- State of Montana Application
- Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process, please make sure all attachments are marked as RELEVANT.
- If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.
- Background screens which may include criminal records check, child/patient/offender abuse registries, and reference checks will be conducted for this position.
BENEFITS
Employment with the state may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under PSLF. Look here to learn more and see if you may qualify!
NOTICES
Brady Act & Lautenberg Amendment - Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence or is the subject of a court order of protection for “an intimate partner or child of such intimate partner” cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition (Title 18, U.S.C., Section 922(g)(91)). Candidates who have been convicted of any felony or a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence or were issued a court order of protection are not qualified for this position.
Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 - Any person who has been convicted of engaging in or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse; or any person who has been civilly or administratively adjusted to have engaged in the activity as described are not qualified for this position.
Tobacco Free - Use of all tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco products and tobacco substitutes in Department of Corrections buildings, is prohibited. In secure care facilities possession of tobacco products is also prohibited.
The Montana Department of Corrections is an EOE/M/F/D/V/SO - (Equal Opportunity Employer: Minority, Female, Disabled, Veteran, Sexual Orientation)
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent and a valid driver’s license are required.
- A background check including criminal records check, child/patient/offender abuse registries will be required prior to being hired.
- A background authorization form and pre-interview questionnaire must be completed prior to interviewing for position.
