A Correctional Officer, Detention Officer, or Jailer supervises people being held in correctional facilities, including those awaiting trial, in detention, and inmates who are serving sentences. Maintains order and security within a jail or prison, conducts inspections and searches, enforces regulations, and supervises activities and visits.
This individual is responsible for the security and custody and/or classification and services of the Worcester County Jail, which includes the supervising activities of all Correctional Officers and overseeing all shift assignments, as well as maintaining order and discipline among incarcerated individuals and staff. Reports directly to the Warden.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Safety sensitive position subject to Drug and Alcohol Testing; cannabis is prohibited This position is considered essential personnel subject to emergency call-back with little or no notice. Serves in a 24/7 on-call capacity annually, providing leadership support for institutional operations and responding to operational and emergency situations as required. Successfully pass pre-employment background check including fingerprinting, motor vehicle history, work history, references, physical examination, and psychological testing
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Assigns, schedules, and supervises work activities of Correctional Officers to provide 24-hour overall coverage for the Jail. Supervises staff and makes recommendations for the same regarding personnel matters in accordance with the County's personnel rules and regulations, including hiring and disciplinary action. Conducts regular inspections and patrols all areas of the Jail and takes corrective actions when safety, security, sanitation or maintenance deficiencies are identified to ensure compliance with all rules and regulations by Correctional Officers and incarcerated individuals. Directs the receiving and inspection of incarcerated individuals, the collection and inspection of personal articles of the incarcerated individuals and the issuing of prison clothing. Responsible for preparing and maintaining various records regarding the activities of the Jail and its incarcerated individuals. Directs a consistent orientation process for all contracted staff, volunteers and vendors and works in concert with the training coordinator to ensure robust and inclusive on-going training is maintained. Counsels and advises subordinate Correctional Officers on institutional problems and confers with the Warden on operation improvements. Performs the duties of all other Correctional Officers when necessary. Responsible for establishing, reviewing and implementation of correctional policies and procedures. Ensures that all incarcerated individuals are classified and housed in accordance with all applicable guidelines and regulations. Coordinates appropriate, voluntary programs for incarcerated individuals during their incarceration. Manages incarcerated individual's disciplinary actions. Responds to incarcerated individuals verbally and/or in writing and maintain proper documentation on incarcerated individual communications including but not limited to answering request slips and responding to grievances. Communicate with incarcerated individuals to deliver sensitive information when necessary and refer appropriate support services. Ensures operational alignment across all jail functions through effective oversight and coordination. Supervises and oversees the schedules for the commissary, dietary, classification, maintenance, transportation, classification, work release and pretrial departments. Oversees the delivery of services provided by contracted agencies such as health care. Manages the compliance of annual training for staff and ensure that programs are in place to provide quality, professional training in all phases of career development to the correctional staff. EOE/AA Revised 07/22/2026 (FY27) Oversees the safety programs, prepare all emergency planning documents and ensures that staff are trained to implement established plans. Ensures confidentiality of information and records and comply with the record retention schedule. Coordinates audits as needed and maintain compliance with mandated data reporting. Coordinates with the Sheriff, Courts, State's Attorney, as well as other law enforcement or judicial agencies with regard to acceptance, confinement and release of incarcerated individuals. • Establishes and maintains harmonious working relationships with coworkers, elected and appointed officials, and the general public using tact, discretion, sound judgment, and professionalism. Supervises the Jail in the absence of the Warden. Supports, enforces, and adheres to the Worcester County Government Personnel Rules & Regulations. Performs other related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
• Bachelor's degree preferred Two years of college coursework related to either law enforcement or corrections along with a minimum of five years' experience in a management supervision capacity. Must obtain bachelor's degree within 2 years of hire date Must be currently certified by the Maryland Correctional Training Commission Valid driver's license and driving record of less than 4 points (MD) Exceptional organizational skills with an attention to detail Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite programs sufficient to create, implement and maintain detailed spreadsheets, presentations, correspondence & records Above average oral and written communication skills necessary to prepare reports, prepare and deliver public presentations, provide leadership and motivation to department employees, communicate effectively and professionally with coworkers and the general public Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally with coworkers, officials, and the public Ability to perform work correctly, accurately, and consistently Ability to compose confidential and non-confidential correspondence and maintain confidentiality Ability to follow verbal and written instructions, and directions; keep records and logs; complete written forms accurately Ability to meet deadlines timely Aspiration to become the Warden preferred
KNOWN HAZARDS
(Rarely (<5% of the time), Occasional (5-25% of the time), Frequent (25-75% of the time); Constant (<75% of the time) Constant sitting; Occasional standing & walking, reaching, stooping and lifting of objects up to 10lbs; Rare standing and walking for long periods; Sitting, running, bending, kneeling stretching and reaching, high levels of physical exertion required to lift or restrain incarcerated individuals. Low risk for injury operating office equipment. Occasional exposure to incarcerated individuals with physical, mental and emotional limitations including contagious diseases and loss of control of bodily functions. A generally hostile environment is created by incarcerated individuals using obscene language, gestures and behavior. EOE/AA Revised 07/22/2026 (FY27) Worcester County Government Benefits Information Worcester County Government offers its employees a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, holidays, retirement plans, and much more! To learn more details about our full range of benefits, please view our Benefits Guide at Worcester_Guide_2026.pdf Paid Time Off Full time employees can accrue up to 248 hours of paid time off in the first year of employment starting on the first full pay period. This includes up to 80 hours of vacation, up to 120 hours of sick, and up to 48 hours of personal leave. The accrual for vacation increases after 6 years and 11 years. Unused vacation and sick leave can be rolled over annually as outlined in the policy details. Full time employees are granted 15 paid holidays in calendar year 2026. Medical Benefits Full time employees are eligible for medical, dental, vision, flexible spending account(s), and AFLAC voluntary plans on the first day of the month after date of hire. Please visit our on-line Benefits Guide at the link above for additional details about the plans, co-pays, and premiums. Full time employees are eligible for county paid life insurance and long-term disability insurance on the first day of the month following six months of employment. Retirement All employees budgeted for 500 hours, or more will automatically participate in Maryland State Retirement effective on the date of hire, if not already retired from a Maryland State Retirement system. All employees are eligible to participate in a deferred compensation plan that offers pre-tax and ROTH contribution options. The county provides a $1 for $1 match of employee's contributions up to a maximum of $1,500 per fiscal year as outlined in the plan documents. Part Time Employees Part time employees are eligible to participate in the deferred compensation plan on the first day of the month after date of hire. Part time employees are eligible to earn 1 hour for every 30 hours worked of sick leave (up to 64 hours). Sick leave can be taken after a 106-day waiting period. Extras for All Employees All employees are eligible to use the Fitness Room at the Worcester County Recreation Center at no cost. All employees have access to an Employee Assistance Program that provides telephone consultations and up to 3 face-to-face visits per year. All employees are eligible for SECU credit union membership. For more information, please view our Benefits Guide at Worcester_Guide_2026.pdf or call Human Resources at 410-632-0090.
