CORRECTIONAL OFFICER

Requirements, Benefits
Berkshire County Sheriff’s Office correctional officer recruits take part in a nine-week Basic Recruit Training Academy. For those who successfully complete the training academy, benefits include a starting salary of $59,092.20, paid vacation, 11 paid holidays, medical and dental benefits and a retirement plan. To qualify, applicants must:

  • Be at least 19 years old
  • Possess a high school degree or equivalent
  • Pass a background check, physical exam and a battery of tests
  • Have no criminal history

Academy Outline
At the academy, trainees are instructed in such subjects as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, communicable diseases, communication skills, computer skills, cultural diversity, defensive tactics, direct supervision, firearms safety & handling, fire safety, first aid, gangs, hostage situations, inmate discipline, inmate rights, report writing, searches and contraband, security procedures, sexual harassment, staff/inmate relations, substance abuse, suicide awareness and prevention, use of force, court testimony, first responder certification, history of jails and the Office of Sheriff, physical fitness, stress management, supervision of special needs inmates, transportation and use of restraints.

All applicants must pass an employment background check, pre-placement medical exam and drug screen.  To apply, fill out the online application below or pickup an application at the BCSO main lobby, 467 Cheshire Road, Pittsfield, MA. Applications should be returned to diane.maynes@sdb.state.ma.us or dropped off to BCSO.

The Berkshire County Sheriff’s Office is an EOE/AA employer.

 

Preliminary Application for Employment

Prefix(Required)
Name(Required)
Mailing Address(Required)
Street Address (If different than mailing)
Are you authorized to work in the U.S. on an unrestricted basis?(Required)
Are you over age 19 - under 65?(Required)
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Berkshire County Sheriffs Office, 467 Cheshire Road, Pittsfield, MA 01201
Have you worked for the Commonwealth before?(Required)
Are you available for full time work?(Required)
Are you available for part time work?(Required)
Are you available to work nights and weekends?(Required)
Who referred you to us?(Required)

Criminal Offender Record Information (C.O.R.I) PLEASE READ BEFORE SIGNING:

If employed, I agree to abide by all rules and regulations of the Berkshire County Sheriffs Office. I understand if convicted of a felony, I will notify my supervisor immediately. I agree to furnish such additional information and complete such examination as may be required to complete an employment process and understand that this application for employment in no way obligates the Berkshire County Sheriffs Office to employ me. I acknowledge that the Berkshire County Sheriff's Office will, if applicable, review the Criminal Offender Record Information (C.O.R.I.) and the Central Registry of Criminal Offender Record Information (C.O.R.I) PLEASE READ BEFORE SIGNING Child Abuse/Neglect reports in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 119, Section 5 lB. I hereby acknowledge that I have read in full and understand the above statement.
Criminal Offender Record Information (C.O.R.I) Consent(Required)
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Berkshire County Sheriff's Office, Jail and House of Correction
HUMAN RESOURCES DIVISION

CORRECTIONAL OFFICER- ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Regular, punctual and predictable attendance at assigned workplace and post. 2. Maintaining custodial care and control of inmates by escorting or transporting them under restraint; patrolling facility (including two -tiered areas with approximately fifteen stairs); making periodic rounds, head counts and security checks of buildings, grounds and inmate quarters; monitoring inmates movements and whereabouts; and guarding and directing inmates during work assignment to maintain order and security in a correctional institution. 3. Knowing, complying with and enforcing departmental policies and security procedures; 4. Obeying moderately complex oral and written orders; 5. Observing inmate and staff activity in person and in closed circuit monitors; 6. Searching cells, footlockers and other areas; 7. Frisking inmates and performing strip searches; 8. Listening for possible disturbances; 9. Maintaining inmate counts, making accurate written entries in log books and preparing accurate written reports; 10. Opening and closing doors and gates manually and electronically; 11. Communicating orally; 12. Using communication, emergency and other equipment; 13. Applying handcuffs, other restraints, and safety devices; 14. Performing restraining and self-defense techniques; 15. Lifting emergency equipment (e.g. fire extinguisher) and performing assisted lifting of inmates; rendering first aid when necessary; 16. Participating in training; 17. Dealing effectively with inmates one-on-one and in large groups; using IPC skills and de-escalation techniques; 18. Dealing calmly and effectively with stressful situations, including emergencies; 19. Exercising good judgment; 20. Carrying and discharging a firearm; 21. Operating a motor vehicle; 22. Performing computer assisted work; 23. Lifting more than 50 pounds; 24. Working outdoors in all types of weather; 25. Any and all other duties as assigned at any time.

The Sheriff reserves the right to modify these job responsibilities as may be appropriate from time to time.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

1. Must be high school graduate or possess equivalency certificate issued by MA. Dept. of Education. 2. Must be nineteen (19) years of age or older. 3. Must not have been convicted of a felony, or served a sentence in a Jail or House of Correction. 4. Must have a dependable background and pass a background investigation. 5. Must qualify in all phases of testing- written, physical fitness, personal interview. 6. Must meet all qualifying standards to enter the Correction Officers Training Academy and must successfully complete the Academy training as a condition of employment. 7. Must have a Massachusetts Drivers license 8. Must pass drug screen testing. 9. Must be legally eligible for employment in the United States. Proof of citizenship or immigration status will be required. 10. Work experience related to criminal justice system preferred. 11. Must be of good character. 12. Must be able to maintain regular and punctual attendance.
Reprint Name:(Required)

I understand that typing my name in the box above constitutes a legal signature confirming that I acknowledge and agree to all the above Terms. Signatories have the option to opt out and sign with a paper signature instead.

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