Job Specification Details

Supervisory, administrative, and coordinating work involving the planning, implementation, direction, and evaluation of the security and operations procedures at a correctional facility. Work is performed under the general supervision of the facility Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent, and in accordance with departmental and facility rules, regulations, and policies.

All employees of the Agency of Human Services perform their respective functions adhering to four key practices: customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships and results orientation.
 

Supervises correctional security operations of a state correctional facility through chain of command. Coordinates control and security measures with administrative and program staff to achieve effective program implementation. Plans duty posts and staffing coverage required to achieve twenty-four hour a day, seven day a week security and inmate supervision. Develops and reviews facility Continuity of Operations Plans. Develops and implements control, work, and communications procedures. Interprets relevant department directives and develops corresponding facility procedures. Reviews and approves employee expense reports and payroll information. Identifies security staff training needs and arranges for necessary training, including OMS. Maintains and monitors facility camera system in accordance with PREA standards. Writes or supervises the creation of appropriate post orders, logs, and reporting procedures. Develops procedures and instructs staff in the proper methods of handling traditional security activities such as searches, frisks, contraband control, living area inspection, use of chemical and physical restraints, etc. Develops hostage, escape, and riot-control plans. Facility approving authority for any Security Threat Group related designations. Defines contraband for the facility and implements control and handling procedures. Conducts investigations of inmates as assigned. May arrange inmate appointments and transportation. Establishes inmate visitor and mail procedures. May supervise kitchen detail or inmate activities occurring outside of the facility. May be designated Assistant Superintendent in an acting capacity. Performs related duties as required.  Ensures proper training, and assessment of staff and the inmate population for the proper reporting and implementation of PREA standards. Monitors facility camera systems for functionality and takes corrective action if cameras are not functioning. Maintains and supervises property compliance including initial inventory of money and valuables. Maintains security measures over sensitive facility areas such as property safes and weapons armories. Maintains Viapath tablet system for compliance with communication rules. May ban visitors for non-compliance. Is the approving authority for any security threat group designations. Completion of monthly or more frequent reports as assigned by the facility superintendent or designee. Assigns, maintains, and monitors body worn camera use. 

Duties are performed largely within a correctional facility. High stress situations are predictable, even frequent. Potential of physical injury is present. Overtime and emergency duty may be necessary, and independent means of transportation is required for emergency response and for travel during work hours. Emergency activities may require search off facility grounds or physical intervention into inmate altercations.

Thorough knowledge of current penal philosophies and practices.

Thorough knowledge of security and operations principles and practices applicable to correctional facilities.

Thorough knowledge of emergency procedures. 

Considerable knowledge of security and control measures appropriate for close, medium, and minimum-security settings.

Considerable knowledge of Inmate transports, including federal inmate transports.

Considerable knowledge of correctional facility emergency procedures related to unusual incidents, such as inmate disturbances, illness, injuries, or escapes.

Considerable knowledge of the rules, regulations, policies, and programs of the Department of Corrections as they pertain to the care and custody of inmates.

Considerable knowledge of duty stations, staffing levels, and operational needs within the assigned facility.

Considerable knowledge of the Prisoner Rape Elimination Act and its application within the assigned facility.

Considerable knowledge of Vermont Statute as it relates to the reporting of criminal incidents.

Considerable knowledge of supportive supervisory principles and practices.

Ability to design and implement procedures appropriate to the security needs of the facility.

Ability to effectively direct and evaluate security staff in the assigned facility in carrying out program missions and goals.

Ability to identify staff training needs and to arrange for appropriate remedial action.

Ability to take prompt, decisive, and correct action in emergency situations.

Ability to effectively relate community resources and environment to security operations.

Ability to communicate effectively, as required in the class role.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to provide leadership and accountability within the framework of the four key practices of the Agency of Human Services: customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships and results orientation. 

Associate’s degree or higher AND four (2) years in a correctional system and two (2) years of supervisory experience.

OR

High School diploma or equivalent AND three (3) years in a correctional system involving the custody of inmates and three (3) years of supervisory experience.

OR

Four (4) or more years of military experience INCLUDING two (2) years in a correctional system involving the custody of inmates and two (2) years of supervisory experience.

Work experience in law enforcement.

Work experience as a Supervisor or higher in a correctional system.

Direct client contact in a residential facility.

Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

The Department of Corrections does not hire anyone who has been convicted of a felony without a waiver from the Commissioner of Corrections. Any person under supervision or sanctioned for a misdemeanor conviction within the past 5 years is likewise ineligible for employment.