Correctional Officer jobs in Lincoln, NE

Are you ready to put the U in J_stice? If you’re looking for a job that does you justice, offers you benefits to take advantage of on day one, and provides a place where you can make an impact, the time is now for you to apply to be a correctional officer. Work at one of the most progressive criminal justice agencies in the Midwest. The Lancaster County Department of Corrections prides itself on the impact our officers make on people in some of the more difficult moments of their lives. With excellent starting wages, career advancement opportunities, great insurance, and much more, our benefits go far beyond your average job. 

With full-time and on-call positions starting at $28.64 with an annual merit increase up to $34.23 an hour, competitive pay is always an option. Your increased pay can start from your first day on the job with qualifying previous corrections experience as well. So don’t miss out on this opportunity, say hello to better pay and a better career opportunity. 

Nature of Work

Correctional Officers are direct contact positions in the Lancaster County Department of Corrections. 

Our officers are responsible for providing security and care to incarcerated individuals, ensuring inmate safety, enforcing rules and regulations, maintaining order, escorting inmates, and supervising various inmate activities and programs. Officers also provide input into the treatment of individual inmates and the correctional facility population in general through reporting observations to counseling, medical, and supervisory staff. All work is performed under general supervision of a superior and includes work reviews though reports, conferences, and observations. This job gives our officers the opportunity to make an impact on lives in ways that no other job can. Do you have what it takes? 

What are the work requirements of officers?

• Process new inmates; supervise inmate activities, recreation, personal visits, and phone calls; provide inmates with services such as laundry, meals, mail, sanitation & numerous others. 

• Prevent and control volatile situations among the inmates; conduct searches or shakedowns to control contraband; escort inmates to any medical or legal appointments.

• Supervise inmate activities including educational, recreational, and trustee duties.

• Listen openly to inmate questions or grievances to help resolve or refer problems/issues to appropriate staff.

• Document inmate activities and relevant incidents and complete oral and written reports when required. 

Desirable Knowledge, Abilities & Skills/Desirable Training & Experience

• Knowledge of the criminal justice system.

• Knowledge of correctional facility operations.

• Knowledge of minority cultures and religions.

• Ability to effectively manage inmate behavior in custody environments.

• Ability to communicate effectively.

• Ability to observe and assess inmate behavior for signs of potential suicide, riot, and/or other violent behavior.

• Ability to respond to medical and life threatening emergencies.

• Ability to work with outside agencies, inmates, attorneys, co workers, and the public in a professional manner.

• Ability to perform computer data entry and word processing.

• College-level coursework in criminal justice and some experience in the following, or any combination thereof: a correctional setting, as a counselor in a social setting, law enforcement work, military, particularly in law enforcement or corrections, or with responsibility for individuals in other institutional settings.

Minimum Qualifications/Necessary Special Requirements

Graduation from a senior high school or equivalent.

Must be a citizen of the United States and be at least nineteen (19) years of age. 

At the time of employment, must be fingerprinted for a criminal history search; must be free of any convictions of crimes punishable by imprisonment in a state or federal penitentiary for a term of one (l) year or more, from which a pardon has not been received.

Must submit to and successfully pass a substance abuse test.

Must be examined by a licensed physician and meet the medical requirements of the Corrections Department. Possession of a valid driver's license is required in the performance of assigned duties.