CORRECTIONAL OFFICER SERGEANT (Canine Dog Handler)

State of Maryland - DPSCS-Canine Operations • Full-time • Baltimore, MD, US • $60.77k - $94.33k / year • 3d ago

Introduction

If you are looking for an exciting career with great benefits, pension, generous leave, competitive salary, and the opportunity for advancement and professional growth, apply to join the DPSCS team today!

The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) is seeking dedicated candidates to fill important roles within our department. We are one of the largest departments in Maryland with nearly 12,000 employees and a budget of more than $1 billion. In order to fulfill our mission of promoting safety, we have increased security at our institutions while leading the way in innovative restorative justice projects that will help offenders reintegrate into society upon release.

As a member of the DPSCS team, you can have a fulfilling career, while also enjoying a wide range of benefits such as medical and dental coverage, paid time off (i.e. vacation, sick leave), becoming vested in the State pension, supplemental retirement options, and even joining the Maryland State Employees Credit Union.

GRADE

CORR 0005

LOCATION OF POSITION

Be advised this reposting is for Baltimore and Jessup Region only.

Main Purpose of Job

To enhance the security of State Correctional Facilities by operating a specialized, trained K-9 dog work team. Teams shall provide a psychological and physical presence. Detect contraband and controlled dangerous substances.

POSITION DUTIES

Teams shall patrol areas, conduct security checks, deter and track escapees, disband mass disturbances, control inmates, break up fights, respond to calls for service and conduct building searches. Enhance the security of State Correctional Facilities by operating a K-9 drug detector dog work team. Teams shall provide a psychological and physical presence. Conduct area, vehicle and person searches using the dog to detect drugs and contraband. Conduct building searches using the dog to detect human scent as a way of locating possible escapees or other persons who may be hiding. Assist in monitoring inmate movement and monitor yard activities by positioning the dogs in key location so that they are available to assist with problems. Train the dog on a regular basis to include non- work hours to maintain their effectiveness. Report deficiencies, discrepancies and issues as appropriate. To provide public education and promote zero tolerance and Break the Cycle campaign goals. Conduct demonstrations, school outreach programs and assist allied agencies in Task Force operations. Be on call 24 hours daily for emergency responses to disturbances, riots, escapes, searches or other needs for all State Correctional Facilities and State emergencies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: High School diploma or high school equivalency certificate acceptable to the Maryland State Board of Education as described in the Correctional Training Commission regulation.

Experience: Three years of experience as a Correctional Officer involving the custody and security of adult inmates.

Notes:

1. The above educational requirement is set by the Correctional Training Commission in accordance with Correctional Services Article, Section 8-209.

2. Candidates may substitute additional education at an accredited college or university at the rate of sixty credit hours for one year of the required experience provided that a minimum of 15 credit hours are in the field of criminal justice or related social sciences.

3. Candidates may substitute equivalent State experience in other classifications within the correctional field which involve daily contact with and custody of inmates for the required experience. Qualifying experience must be in a classification where the salary is comparable to that of Correctional Officer II.

4. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience in correctional classifications or correctional specialty codes in the criminal justice field of work equivalent to a Correctional Officer II on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

LIMITATIONS ON SELECTION

This position is limited to current Department of Public Safety & Correctional Services employees who hold the requirements for this classification, and are currently on the Sergeants eligibility list.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

1. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.

2. Employees in this classification may be required to operate busses for the transportation of inmates. Employees assigned such duties will be required to acquire a Class B Commercial Driver's License with passenger and air brakes endorsements valid in the State of Maryland.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Employees who have not already done so must meet the selection standards required and successfully complete the training prescribed by the Maryland Correctional Training Commission for a correctional officer during their probationary period, (Correctional Services Article, Section 8-209). Selection standards for correctional officer training are listed in detail in the Code of Maryland Regulations Title 12, Subtitle 10, Chapter 01 and include the following:

U.S. Citizenship or Resident Alien status
Must be at least 21 years of age
A completed background investigation
Oral interview
Physical examination.

2. Employees in this classification hired or reinstated on or after July 1, 2016 shall successfully complete the Entrance Level Firearms Training prescribed by the Maryland Correctional Training Commission (Code of Maryland 12.10.04.04 and 12.10.04.05) and demonstrate practical knowledge and proficiency in the safe use and care of firearms on a periodic basis.

3. Employees in this classification are subject to call-in 24 hours a day and, therefore, must provide the employing agency with a telephone number where they can be reached.

4. Employees in this classification are subject to substance abuse testing in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulations 17.04.09, Testing for Illegal Use of Drugs.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

Candidates advancing beyond the interview phase will be required to participate in an Orientation Day. This assessment period is designed to evaluate each candidate’s ability to work effectively within a K-9 environment while providing an introduction to program standards, expectations, and operational procedures. During Orientation Day, candidates will participate in hands-on activities, including kennel operations, canine interaction and handling, as well as cleaning and sanitation responsibilities. Successful participation is required for continued consideration in the selection process.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position to include job duties.

BENEFITS

As an employee of the State of Maryland, you will have access to outstanding benefits, including: health insurance, dental, and vision plans offered at a low cost.

CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR MORE DETAILS: STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

Personal Leave - new State employees are awarded six (6) personnel days annually (prorated based on start date)

Annual Leave - ten (10) days of accumulated annual leave per year
Sick Leave - fifteen (15) days of accumulated sick leave per year
Parental Leave - up to sixty (60) days of paid parental leave upon the birth or adoption of a child
Holidays - State employees also celebrate at least twelve (12) holidays per year

Pension - State employees earn credit towards a retirement pension

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application. Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application, supplemental questionnaire, and required documents may be emailed to Luwanna.Barber@Maryland.gov. Emailed application materials must be received in our office by the closing date for the recruitment. Only additional materials that are requested will be accepted for this recruitment.

If you are having difficulties with submitting your online application, please contact the DBM Recruitment and Examination Division at Application.Help@maryland.gov or 410-767-4850.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.