County of Galveston

Sheriff - Freddie Poor

Bureau:  Corrections
Division:  Jail

Title:  Corrections Officer
Rank:  Entry Level
Pay Grade: 12
Pay Step:  D

Annual Salary:  $32,377.71
Bi-Weekly Salary: $1,245.30
Hourly Salary:  $15.57

Assignment: County Jail
Reports To:  Jail/Operations Sergeant
FLSA Status: Non Exempt

Interested Applicants:  Interested Applicants - Learn how to apply
 

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GALVESTON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE MISSION STATEMENT

To interact with Federal, State and Local government agencies and private sector leaders to develop and carry out a strategic plan for public safety through education, crime prevention, intervention, and law enforcement, protecting the rights of all citizens within Galveston County and affording all inmates their right to due process in accord- with the U.S. Constitution.

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The Galveston County Sheriff's Office is seeking those individuals who are interested in a career as a correctional officer.

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WELCOME

Dear Potential Employee,

As Sheriff of Galveston County, I encourage you to join our team of outstanding law enforcement professionals and to accept the challenge of providing the finest law enforcement service in our community.

As an agency with a proud history, we are seeking new employees who are interested in serving our community with pride and dignity.

There are many opportunities awaiting qualified men and women who are willing to demonstrate their abilities and allegiance to the Galveston County Sheriff's Office and the citizens of Galveston County.

Freddie Poor, Sheriff
Galveston County Sheriff's Office

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POSITION SUMMARY:  This position is responsible for maintaining security at the Galveston County Jail.

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ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

As public servants, Correction Officers employed by Galveston County must conduct themselves in an exemplary manner both on and off duty. They must know and scrupulously observe the Galveston County Employee Policies and Procedures, the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office’s standards of employee conduct, the Laws of the State of Texas and the Constitution of the United States.

1. Maintains the security of the facility by conducting security checks, settling disputes, and performing cell searches and inspections; conducts outside perimeter checks.

2. Preparation and proper completion in the documentation of inmate records.

3. Issues inmate meals, clothing, linens, and personal items.

4. Supervises inmate programs, including recreational, legal, health care, visitation and religious services.

5. Prepares reports on jail and inmate activities.

6. Supervises inmates performing such assignments as cleaning and maintaining the jail facility.

7. Continually observes locations and activities of inmates.

8. Assists with the cleaning and maintenance of the facility as needed; identifies maintenance problems.

9. Performs other related duties.

10. Works overtime when required.

Correction Officers maintain care, custody, and control of inmates in accordance with departmental policies and procedures. To provide such care, custody and control, Correction Officers must tour assigned areas (which requires them to climb approximately fifteen stairs); observe inmate activity in person and on closed circuit monitors, identify inmates who have behavioral, medical, or other problems so that appropriate safety and security measures may be taken; and perform general security duties to prevent escape, disorder, rule infractions and harm to inmates, visitors, and staff.

The general security duties performed by Correction Officers require them to search inmates, visitors, cells, and other areas for weapons and contraband; monitor and regulate inmate and staff movement; maintain and record inmate counts, cell assignments, and other pertinent information; escort inmates within and outside the institution; use and maintain keys and other equipment; and supervise inmate work details.

Correction Officers are supervised and directed by ranking officers and must be able to understand and carry out moderately complex oral and written instructions. The work is typically performed while sitting, standing, or stooping.  They are required to prepare accurate written reports and communicate orally and in writing with their ranking officers, inmates, and staff. Correction Officers must respond to emergency situations, including incidents involving inmate violence.  The Corrections Officer must be able to restrain inmates, occasionally lift light objects, and use tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity.  To respond to such situations, they must be able to employ emergency equipment, restraints, weapons (including firearms when authorized to carry), and force when necessary. They must also lift equipment, perform assisted lifting of inmates, exercise sound judgment, and work under pressure in stressful situations.  The work is typically performed in a jail.  The work may expose the employee to noise and contagious or infectious diseases.  The work requires the use of protective devices.

All Correction Officers must participate in training and be available to assume special temporary, and/or provisional assignments and duties.

The work is typically performed while sitting, standing, or stooping.  The employee must be able to restrain people, occasionally lift light objects, and use tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity. The work is typically performed in a jail.  The work may expose the employee to noise and contagious or infectious diseases.  The work requires the use of protective devices.

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EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

A PERSON WHO IS AN APPLICANT FOR THE GALVESTON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE SHALL:

1. Be a citizen of the United States of America.

2. Be at least 18 years of age on the date the application is made.

3. Present a copy of a high school diploma, G.E.D. certificate or official, certified college transcripts.

4. Possess or the ability to readily obtain a valid Texas Drivers License; and an acceptable driving record determined by the Galveston County Sheriff's Office policy in effect at the time of application.

5. Have received nothing less than an Honorable Discharge without conditions if separated from military service and present a copy of a DD-214.

6. Be fingerprinted and be subject to a search of local, state and national records and fingerprint files to disclose any criminal records.

7. No be waiting trial for any criminal offense.

8. Not be on probation for any criminal offense.

9. Have a stable credit record.

10. Meet all standards required and be eligible to be licensed as a Correctional Officer by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education.

11. Not have had any license revoked by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Education. (includes voluntary surrender).

12. Pass all pre-employment skills testing as required.

13. Pass the pre-employment written standardized test with the ability to read, write and perform mathematical calculations at a level commonly associated with the completion of high school or equivalent.

14. Be interviewed personally by representatives of the Galveston County Sheriff's Office and pass pre-employment oral interview board.

15. Pass pre-employment drug screening test.

16. Be examined by a designated physician or facility and be declared, in writing, to have the ability to perform the essential job functions for the position applied for; or make the determination if reasonable accommodation is needed when such accommodation would not produce an undue hardship for the Office.

17. Be examined by a designated psychologist and be declared, in writing, by that psychologist, to be of satisfactory psychological and emotional health to be able to perform the essential job functions of an Officer for the Galveston County Sheriff's Office.

18. No experience requirements.

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GALVESTON COUNTY BENEFITS

Heath Insurance:

Employee's insurance is provided by the county with minimal cost to the employee through payroll deduction.  Dependent coverage is paid by the employee at an additional cost through payroll deduction.

Additional health benefits including cancer, dread disease, intensive care, dental and vision plans are available to the employee at his/her expense.

Life Insurance:

The County provides a life insurance policy for employees.

1. Standard Life Insurance - four - times the amount of your annual salary plus $15,000.

Sick Leave:

1. Employees accrue 10 days after six months of service.

2. 5 more days after his/her one year anniversary.

3. 5 days a year on his/her 2nd and 3rd anniversary.

4. 15 days a year beginning the 4th year anniversary and each anniversary year forward.

Paid Vacation:

1. 1st - 4th year of service = 10 days a year (80 hrs).

2. 5th - 10th year of service = 15 days a year (120 hrs).

3. 11th year plus = an extra day each year up to 25 days a year (200hrs).

Retirement:

Galveston County is affiliated with the Texas County and District Retirement System.  All employees are enrolled in the Galveston County Retirement Plan.  Retirement is recognized under the "Rule of 75" (the years of service plus your age equals 75).  At retirement eligibility, the County will match employee contributions at what ever the current ratio is.

1. 75 Point System

2. 30 Years of Service

3. 8 Years of Service and Age 60

Alternate Plan:

In addition to TCDRS, the County provides an alternate retirement plan, Tax Deferred Alternate 457 Plan, in lieu of Social Security which it opted out of in 1980.  It is a mandatory participation plan through payroll deduction with the County also contributing a percentage to the employee.

Longevity Pay:

$5.00 per month after one year of service.

Pay Disbursement:

Direct Deposit: Bi-Weekly

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AGENCY BENEFITS INCLUDE

Shift Differential Pay

Hourly Salary:  $15.57

1. Evening Shift - + .70 per hour

2. Night Shift - + 1.00 per hour

Career Ladder

1. Entry Level (12a) : 0 - 12 Months

2. Deputy I (13a) : 1 to 2 Years

3. Deputy II (14D) : 2 to 5 Years

4. Deputy III (15E) : 6 to 9 Years

5. Deputy IV (16E) : 9 to 15 Years

6. Deputy V (17E)  : 15 - 20 Years

7. Sergeant I (18g) : 2 - 6 Years

8. Sergeant II (19G) : 6 - 15 Years

Certificate Pay

1. Intermediate Correctional Officer Certificate - $50.00 - Monthly

2. Advanced Correctional Officer - $100.00 - Monthly

3. Master Correctional Officer - $150.00 - Monthly

Uniforms Provided

1. 1 x Class A

2. 5 x Class B

3. Rain Gear

4. Field Jacket and Liner

Meals Served

1. Each Shift Daily

Correctional Academy within the first year of employment provided

Facility

1. $99 million dollar newly Constructed County Facility - circa 2006

2. State of the art Detention Center

3. Multi-Agency Complex (Law Enforcement - Corrections - Judicial)

4. Supervision:  Direct Supervision 1 x 48

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GALVESTON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE HISTORY

The office of Sheriff was created and established by the Texas State Constitution.

The Galveston County Sheriffs Office was created in 1838 and operated under the control of seven (7) different sheriff's during the twentieth century.  Over the years the agency has increased in size to more than 300 regular and reserve deputies.

Under Sheriff Poor's command the deputies have the opportunity to expand their careers and challenge their talents in more than a dozen operational divisions including Administration, Civil Process, Corrections, Communications, Criminal Investigations, Identification, Marine, Mental Health, Patrol, Reserve, Training, and Warrant's.

Operating and maintaining the county jail is one of the most important constitutionally-mandated duties of the Sheriff.  A steady growth in inmate population impacts the agency and the county as a whole, as we do our best to provide more with less.

As we move further into the 21st century pro-active law enforcement which includes more training and education for deputies will continue to be one of the critical personnel areas ensuring our agency is run effectively, efficiently, and safely.

For those individuals willing to meet the challenge, the Galveston County Sheriff's Office can be a rewarding place to begin, and continue, a career in law enforcement and corrections.

The Galveston County Sheriff's Office seeks to fill those vacancies available with individuals interested in growth potential through professionalism.

Cooperative efforts with the citizens and county, reinforces our pledge to "Protect and Serve."

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