Job Description

Department: Sheriff
Job Status: Full-Time
2026 Rate of Pay: $24.75 hourly

Job Summary

The duty of a Corrections Officer focuses primarily on the custody and care of inmates and to maintain control of the Van Buren County Jail. The Corrections Officer will be required to maintain a secure and human living environment for the inmates in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Van Buren County Jail. Corrections officer will answer directly to a Corrections Sergeant, in the absence of the Corrections Sergeant and no other Corrections command, Corrections Officers will report to the Uniform Response Sergeant on duty.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this position.  These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.  Other duties may be required and assigned.

1. Book, finger print and take the picture of prisoners. Prepare records of all prisoner' s personal property at the time of detention.
2. Safeguard in mate's personal belongings and return to them upon release.
3. Screen inmates for medical and psychological conditions and document and report all condition to a supervisor.
4. Physically and verbally control disruptive inmates.
5. Escort inmates out of the cells for recreation, medical visits, court appearances, attorney visits, transfers to other facilities, etc.
6. Maintain head count including movements of inmates.
7. Enforce inmate rules by making written reports and making violations known to supervisors.
8. Investigate violations of inmate's rules and regulations. Interview witnesses, victims and others in order to prepare the required reports.
9. Inspect cells and premises for security and sanitation.
10. Distributes food trays, laundry, mail, commissary orders, and prescribed medication.
11. Controls inmates by maintaining cell checks at a minimum of one per hour.
12. Check inmate court paperwork and keep i nm ate files up to date.
13. Makes sure all inmate appointments are placed on the appointment list.
14. Taking bonds and being responsible for lawfully releasing inmates.
15. Administers PBT to inmates to determine alcohol content.
16. Practical knowledge of applicable Federal, State and local laws and informing supervisors when non-compliance is known
17. Answer telephones and give allowable information to the public.
18. Escort and retain custody of inmates removed for jail approved functions.
19. Supervise and guard prisoners.

Physical Requirements:

Must pass a physical agility test and written exam Prior to employment

Must pass a pre-employment physical, drug screening and a psychological exam.

Must be available to work 12-hour shifts evenings, weekends, holidays.

Must successfully pass an annual physical control tactics training.

Working Conditions:

Required to keep facility secured and must be able to give and follow verbal and written instructions.

Use physical restraint if necessary to maintain safety, security, and control of the inmates and others.

Complete pat searches, and data entry.

Required to complete visual checks of the inmates within the facility.

Required to transport inmates to different designated areas, as well as receiving and booking inmates.

Learn and work according to policy and procedures.

Qualifications and Experience - Graduation from an accredited high school (GED acceptable) and one to three years of responsible work experience required

Special Requirements -

Physical ability by successfully completing the Michigan Sheriffs ' Coordinating and Training Council (MSCTC) Local Corrections Officer Physical Ability Test (LCOPAT).

Good moral character as determined by a favorable comprehensive background investigation. The background investigation is understood to encompass all forms of pre-employment screening, including but not limited to: drug screen, physical, criminal background, driving record, sex offender registry, education, training and licensing verification, credit check, school and employment records, home environment, personal traits, integrity and professional and personal references. Consideration will be given to all criminal and civil law violations as indicating a lack of good character.

Mental fitness as determined by an evaluation by a licensed health care professional which demonstrates that the candidate is. free from mental or emotional instabilities which may impair the performance of the essential job functions.

Possession of a valid State of Michigan Operator's License and maintains eligibility to drive as per the County's driving policy and the Sheriff’s Office policies and procedures.

Pre-Employment Testing - Successful applicants will be given a conditional offer of employment, however, prior to beginning their actual job duties. The applicant must pass the MSCTC pre-employment reading, writing, situational reasoning and physical agility tests.

Applicants who successfully completed the pre-employment MSCTC tests will be highly preferred.

More information on the pre-employment testing requirements and testing sites can be found by going to click on correctional officer testing standards.

Abilities, Knowledge, and Skills -

• Passing score on the EMPCO written test for local corrections officer candidates as recognized and approved by the Michigan Sheriff's Coordinating and Training Council (MSCTC) with a minimum score of 70% or better required.
• Graduation from a MSCTC approved local Corrections Academy, with in first year of employment
• Ability to physically and verbally control disruptive inmates.
• Ability to deal effectively with complex human behavior problems.
• Ability to maintain composure in difficult situations, and act quickly and calmly in emergencies.
• Ability and willingness to enforce laws, rules and regulations with firmness and tact.
• Writing, reading, mathematical principles; proficient computer skills - Microsoft Office Suite , Outlook; exercise sound judgement and decision making in accordance with policies and procedures; ability to research and problem solve independently ; knowledge of County operations and functions ; ability to prioritize and time manage; handle stressful situations , provide effective and friendly customer service; support the County's mission and values; ability to think critically where necessary.
• Knowledge or understanding of basic administrative tasks: operate standard office equipment; document management; prepare and maintain records, various correspondences and reports; answer general inquiries and refer as necessary; answer telephone calls, process mail, order supplies/ equipment ; prepare meeting agendas, attend meetings , record/transcribe/distribute minutes; entering, transcribing, recording, storing or maintaining information in written or electronic form with speed and accuracy; maintain calendars, arrange meetings , schedule rooms and equipment as necessary.
• Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with management, co-workers and clients; obtain and communicate accurate information; apply common sense understanding to complex instructions and respond accordingly; communicate complex ideas through graphs, charts, presentations, reports or other professional correspondence.
• Ability to demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance.
• Ability to read, write & communicate in English; follow written and verbal instruction and understand basic mathematics and figure checking.
• Ability to interpret and apply procedures, rules, technical information, instructions, manuals to complete tasks accurately and on schedule.
• Ability to learn from directions, observations, and mistakes; and apply procedures using good judgement.
• Ability to use discretion and maintain sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to work independently or part of a team; ab ili ty to interact appropriately with others such as County officials, employees, vendors and the public.
• Ability to work under supervision, receiving instructions/feedback, coaching/counseling and/or act ion/ discipline.
• Adaptability to change in the work environment, managing competing demands and ability to deal with frequent changes, delays or unexpected events.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction
• Proficient skills using Microsoft Office programs including, but not limited to: Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook required. Proficiency may be tested.

Supervision Received

Work is performed under the direction of the Sheriff with direct supervision by the Corrections Sergeants and other designated command officers (Lieutenants, Uniform Sergeants, Jail Administrator or Undersheriff).

Additional Information

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed and does not include all of the duties required for this position. The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office reserves the right to change the requirements at any time, if needed.

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