Correctional Officer & Eligibility List

Company:  Mille Lacs County, MN
Location: Milaca
Closing Date: 04/11/2024
Hours: Full Time
Type: Permanent
Job Requirements / Description
Salary: $21.53 - $28.73 Hourly
Location : Milaca, MN
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 00743
Department: Sheriff's Office
Opening Date: 06/30/2024
Description
The Correctional Officer controls access in and out of the jail facility and performs a variety of general and specialized work within the jail facility. This position is responsible for maintaining the safety and security of all personnel and inmates while they are within the facility, or in transit to court or a medical facility, as well as ensuring the safety and security of the facility.
Complete 2024 pay scale is $21.53-$28.73/hr.
This position is covered under the Teamsters - Jail bargaining unit. For a complete position description, click
This posting will be used to fill a current vacancy and as an eligibility list of future vacancies.
Essential Functions
This job description indicates the normal type and level of work expected of the incumbent. Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as apparent or assigned.
1. Participates in daily operations of the jail; monitors inmates within the jail facility and directs their activities; ensures well being of inmates in posted area. Checks cell blocks and interacts with inmates in the different housing units; ensures all inmates have access to meals; ensures that inmates have personal hygiene items; stocks and accounts for all clothing and supplies. Observes inmates for symptoms of health problems and notifies medical staff with appropriate urgency for further assessment. Dispenses prescribed medications at scheduled times under the direction of medical staff and observes whether medication is taken; completes medication records.
2. Conducts inspections of posted areas for maintenance and/or security issues; conducts searches of inmate cells or common areas to detect and confiscate contraband. Performs inmate counts at beginning and end of shift. Performs required checks and documentation on inmates determined to be security or suicide risk and in segregation.
3. Orients inmates on procedures, schedules, and expected behavior within the facility.
4. Uses interpersonal skill to build rapport with inmates as a means of gaining cooperation and limiting aggression; intervenes in disputes among inmates; uses physical restraint when necessary to prevent injury; relocates inmates within the facility to avoid repeat of confrontations.
5. Provides direction to inmates on work assignments, such as laundry or cleaning.
6. Logs all shift activities, including incidents, and writes reports describing incidents, disciplinary actions, etc.
7. Backs up other officers during critical situations.
8. Monitors movement within and in and out of the facility. Operates security doors from a master control location with video and voice communication; controls access to gym and recreation areas; monitors Officer locations at all times; controls phone communications; coordinates emergency response to the facility; monitors access to the facility by family or other visitors, and monitors visits to prevent introduction of contraband. Provides escort to visiting clergy or attorneys.
9. Interviews new arrivals; enters data into the computer, and checks background of inmate; classifies the inmate on a preliminary basis and determines the degree of security required; determines whether the inmate is under a physician ordered treatment plan, including prescribed medications; verifies medications; notifies medical personnel of conditions and prescriptions for further assessment.
10. Screens inmates on arrival at the facility and determines whether they can be admitted, whether they need immediate medical attention, or would pose a threat to others in the facility. Searches inmates, secures and logs all cash and personal property; photographs and fingerprints new arrivals; ;may obtain urine samples and operate/take preliminary breath tester (PBT).
11. Introduces inmates to counseling opportunities, such as drug or alcohol programs; announces programs for training, education, recreation, or counseling, and moves inmates to the program area if they participate.
12. Transports prisoners to and from various detention or medical facilities, to court, on authorized leaves for funerals or other special furloughs, or to transfer custody to an authorized third party. Follows security protocol while in transit.
13. Notifies victims in certain cases.
14. Secures/logs bond or bail.
15. Participates in ongoing mandatory training and staff meetings and provides suggestions for improvements in operations and policies.
16. May be called to testify about observations or the content of conversations.
17. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Requires a high school diploma and two years of experience working in a role that requires interaction with others and proficiency in computer skills, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A valid driver's license is required. An associate degree in a law enforcement related field or prior training or experience in law enforcement or corrections is preferred. Must successfully complete a comprehensive background check. Must have ability to obtain First Responder Certification within one year of beginning employment.
Selection Process
Candidates will be selected based on a review of training and experience. Top candidates will be invited to participate in oral interviews.
Correctional Officer selection process:
  1. Initial screening/oral interview
    1. Averages 20-30 minutes
    2. In-person
  • Background check including a criminal history check
    1. Paperwork averages 1-5 hours to be completed accurately
    2. Must be completed within 7 days of when candidate receives packet (HR will notify candidate of due date)
    3. Background check process averages 2-4 weeks to be completed, once everything is turned in to the Mille Lacs County Sheriff's Office
  • Pre-employment physical/medical examination (time varies)
  • Psychological evaluation (time varies)

  • Interviews will be held approximately one day per week for the duration of this job posting. The entire hiring process typically averages between 45 and 60 days from beginning to end.
    Upon job offer, candidates will be notified of shift and schedule they will be assigned to.
    Overview of shifts:
    • 12-hour shifts:
      • 6:00am - 6:00pm or 6:00pm - 6:00am
      • Every other weekend rotation with regular schedule being 7 working days in a 14 day pay period

    Permanent part-time employees are eligible to earn pro-rated holiday, vacation and sick time benefits.
    The following is intended to be a general overview of benefits provided for full-time positions. Insurance benefits become effective the first day of the month following the month of hire. Further details and a complete copy of the applicable contract/policy language are available at the time an employment offer is extended. If you have any questions about the benefits, please contact the Administrative Services Office at
    Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) Benefits Provided
    Employees fall under the General, Police & Fire, or Correctional defined benefit plan depending on their position. PERA rates and handbooks available on-line:
    Contribution amounts are based on the employee's pay each pay period.
    • Coordinated Plan:
      • Employer Contribution 7.5%
      • Employee Contribution 6.5%
  • Police & Fire Plan:
    • Employer Contribution: 16.2%
    • Employee Contribution: 10.8%
  • Correctional Plan:
    • Employer Contribution: 8.75%
    • Employee Contribution: 5.83%
  • Paid Time Off
    Holidays: Full-time employees have approximately 14.5 paid holidays per year, including floating holidays, subject to the terms of the Personnel Policy or Collective Bargaining Agreement as applicable.
    Vacation: Full-time employees earn 11 to 23 days per year, depending on tenure. Part-time employees earn pro- rated accruals.
    Sick Time: Full-time employees accrue 12 sick days per year. Part-Time employees earn pro-rated accruals.
    Medical Insurance
    Employees have three (3) medical insurance plans to choose from, within three (3) different networks. The rates shown are effective 1/1/2024 through 12/31/2024.
    Single Employee Cost HSA Contribution Family Employee Cost
    RTS Medica Passport
    2000-25% HSA $0 $187.50 $1,073.84
    850-40 $0 N/A $1,365.40
    400-35 $56.00 N/A $1,514.20
    RTS Medica Elect
    2000-25% HSA $0 $291.67 $783.36
    850-40 $0 N/A $1,038.48
    400-35 $0 N/A $1,168.68
    RTS Medica VantagePlus
    2000-25% HSA $0 $312.50 $725.26
    850-40 $0 N/A $973.10
    400-35 $0 N/A $1,099.58
    Employees may choose to contribute additional funds to their HSA each year, up to the IRS limit of $4,150 for singles, and $8,300 for families. Once age 55, employees can contribute an additional $1,000 (to either single or family). The IRS limit applies to the total of employer and employee contributions combined.
    Employees may choose to have their employer HSA contribution (if eligible) go into a VEBA account.
    Dental Insurance
    There is no cost to employee for single coverage. Family coverage costs the employee $74.22 per month.
    Vision Insurance
    Vision coverage is available and paid for by the employee at the following monthly rates:
    • Employee Only - $5.85
    • Employee + Spouse - $11.69
    • Employee + Children - $11.31
    • Family - $18.35
    Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA's) Available
    Plan options include medical and dependent care FSAs, as well as a premium only plan (pre-tax deduction of medical and dental premiums). These amounts cannot be changed during the year unless there is a qualifying life event. All funds must be used by claims deadline.
    • FSA Medical/Health max election of $3,050 per year
    • Limited Purpose FSA max election of $3,050 per year (used when you also have a H.S.A. Can only be used for vision, dental or orthodontia expenses).
    • FSA Dependent Care max election of $5,000 per year per family ($2,500 if married and filing separately)
    Deferred Compensation Program Available
    Deferred Compensation Plans are available through Nationwide:
    Life Insurance
    There is no cost to the employee for $15,000 in basic life insurance coverage. Rates for voluntary additional coverage for employee or spouse vary according to age category:
    Age of Employee Or Spouse Employee Monthly Cost Per $1,000
    Under age 35 .06
    35-39 .10
    40-44 .12
    45-49 .17
    50-54 .25
    55-59 .45
    60-64 .68
    65-69 1.29
    70-74 2.08
    Dependent Life & Child Life Insurance Packages Available
    Child life is available as a $10,000 policy on each child; the cost is $1.30 per month. Dependent care is available as a $2,500 policy on all tax dependents; the cost is $0.66 per month.
    Long-term Disability Insurance Plan Available
    Rates vary according to age and coverage amount.
    Age Price per Month/Per $100 Monthly Benefit
    Under age 25 .26
    25-29 .33
    30-34 .40
    35-39 .48
    40-44 .65
    45-49 .94
    50-54 1.25
    55-59 1.51
    60+ 1.53
    Short-term Disability Insurance Plan Available
    Rates vary according to age and coverage amount.
    Age Price per Month/Per $100 Weekly Benefit
    Under Age 25 11.20
    25-29 8.90
    30-34 9.60
    35-39 8.90
    40-44 8.00
    45-49 8.80
    50-54 9.40
    55-59 12.00
    60-64 13.80
    65+ 15.50
    Critical Illness, Accident and Hospital Confinement Insurance Available
    01
    Do you have a valid driver's license?
    • Yes
    • No

    02
    Have you ever been convicted of, or plead guilty to, a misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, or felony criminal offense? You may answer "no" if the conviction or criminal records have been annulled or expunged.
    • Yes
    • No

    03
    If "yes", please explain the nature of the charge and the circumstances, and give the date, city, county, and state where convicted.
    04
    Are you available to work swing shifts/nights/holidays/weekends with short notice?
    • Yes
    • No

    05
    Please select your highest level of education COMPLETED by the close date of this posting.
    • High School Diploma or GED
    • Completed coursework, but no degree
    • Certificate equivalent to 1 year of full-time post-secondary education
    • Associate's Degree
    • Bachelor's Degree
    • Master's Degree

    06
    If you have a COMPLETED degree, what is the area of study?
    • Corrections
    • Criminology
    • Criminal Justice
    • Law Enforcement
    • Psychology
    • Sociology
    • Social Work
    • Other
    • No Completed Degree

    07
    If you selected "Other" above, please list your degree and area of study.
    08
    Are you willing to work in a secure facility where there are inmates who have been charged with crimes such as murder, rape, armed robbery, and other violent offenses?
    • Yes
    • No

    09
    Are you willing to appropriately deal with aggressive behavior and offensive language from inmates?
    • Yes
    • No

    10
    Are you willing to appropriately deal with violence, assist in breaking up fights and controlling disturbances, even if in doing so you may jeaporadize your own safety?
    • Yes
    • No

    11
    Are you willing to conduct body searches of inmates?
    • Yes
    • No

    12
    Are you willing to work, by yourself, in a housing unit to supervise the activities of unrestrained inmates?
    • Yes
    • No

    13
    Are you willing to search living units and other areas for items such as illegal weapons, tools, alcohol, drugs, or other contraband?
    • Yes
    • No

    14
    How many years of relevant experience do you have?
    • 6 or more years
    • 3 to 6 years
    • 1-3 years
    • Less than a year
    • None

    15
    Please describe any experience that is relevant to this position. If you don't have any experience enter NA.
    16
    Why do you want to be a Correctional Officer for Mille Lacs County?
    Required Question
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