About the Department

Position Duties
- Supervises and maintains custody of inmates of the Polk County Jail by controlling inmate conduct; conducts searches; inspects living areas; maintains surveillance; dispenses medication; provides escorts to court and meetings; regulates inmate visitation and coordinates the intake and release of inmates.
- Maintains a safe and secure environment within the Polk County Jail.
- Move and/or transport inmates, whether cooperative or combative in a safe manner,
- Monitor and respond to jail activity, ensuring the safety and protection of others.
- Utilize Jail Management Software/Records Management Software to record, retrieve and interpret data relative to inmates and their incarceration, perform general clerical and data processing duties.
- Recognize and respond appropriately to multiple and simultaneous events.
- Respond to, report and document any emergency and/or special situation as necessary.
- Properly apply and remove restraint devices.
- Communicate effectively with other law enforcement agencies, probation and parole, prosecutors, defense attorneys, court personnel, county/state/federal agencies, Department of Human Services, emergency service providers, contracted personnel, inmates and the public in general.
- Attend and successfully complete required training, in-services and staff development activities and meetings.
- Report to work when ordered to do so by the proper authority.
- Provide necessary back-up to other staff members during periods of absence and during peak workloads, as directed.
- Know and understand department programs in order to answer questions or refer them to the appropriate resource(s).
- Train other staff members, or potential staff members, to perform the essential job functions.
- Other duties as assigned
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Minimum Qualifications
Possess the skills and abilities to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
- Individual must pass a standardized psychological screening for Corrections Officers
- Individual must pass a standardized physical exam for Corrections Officers
Education/Experience
- High School Graduate, GD, or HSED
- Must be a United Citizen and at least eighteen (18) years of age.
- Must be free of felony convictions
- Applicants with post-high school education and/or two years of experience in corrections or law enforcement related field may be given preference.
Competency Requirements
- Attention to Detail - Ensures information is complete and accurate; follows up with others to ensure that agreements and commitments have been fulfilled.
- Self-Management- Organizes and plans for task accomplishment in a way that maximizes efficient performance; establishes and adjusts priorities to ensure timely completion of assigned work/fulfill responsibilities.
- Written and Verbal Communication Skills - Recognizes or uses correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information in a brief, clear, and organized manner, and takes responsibility for understanding others; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience.
- Integrity/Honesty - Contributes to maintaining the integrity of the organization; displays high standards of ethical conduct, maintains confidentially, and understands the impact of violating these standards on an organization, self, and others; is trustworthy.
- Flexibility - Open to changes and new information; adapts behavior or work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles; effectively deals with ambiguity.
- Leveraging Technology - Demonstrates proficiency in using on-line tools and business applications, creating and maintaining accurate data and communications, including, but not limited to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and specialized web-based and/or related departmental systems
- Customer Service and Community Relations - Anticipates and strives to meet the needs of both internal and external stakeholders (employees, contracted staff, residents, families, and other internal and external clientele). Delivers high-quality services; is committed to continuous improvement. Communicates/Interacts with members of the public and other key stakeholders in a way that elicits positive response and participation, which on occasion, may include interaction either one-on-one or with several stakeholders at one time to present information and/or represent the facility's interests.
- Accountability – Assumes responsibility for successfully accomplishing work objectives and delivering results; setting high standards of performance for self and others
- Stress Tolerance/Emotional Maturity - Maintains neutrality and effective performance when under pressure, confronted with unjustified challenge or direct criticism in a public forum. Ability to continue performance of duties in times of insufficient staff or resources, fluctuation, and in time of encountering disagreements
Certifications
- Become certified by the State of Wisconsin as Jailer/Corrections Officer within the timelines established by the Training and Standards Bureau.
- Obtain and maintain CPR/AED certification.
- Obtain and maintain Wisconsin DOT TIME training.
- Obtain and maintain any other certification deemed necessary by administration.
Other Qualifications
Pre-Employment Requirements
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, verification of eligibility to work in the United States, drug screening and phycological assessment.
Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representatives of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Regularly stand, walk, sit; use hands to finger/handle/feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. Occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
- Must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to, or more than, 100 pounds.
- Specific vision requirements include:
- close vision,
- distance vision,
- color vision,
- peripheral vision,
- depth perception and
- visual adjustment
Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- May occasionally be exposed to verbal threats or assaults.
- May occasionally be exposed to physical threats or assaults by inmates.
- Often exposed to intense levels of various and simultaneous activities.
- Always exposed to artificial light and electronic equipment.
- Always work in an entirely secured setting, and primarily in close quarters.
- Noise level is frequently moderate and occasionally loud.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
Polk County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.
ADA Accommodation Statement
If you require accommodations during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact Human Resources at 715-485-9270
Benefits
- Polk County provides complete training, including 4-week Basic Jailer Certification and uniforms provided.
Personal Time off (PTO)Annual Front Load HoursStart1443 - year anniversary1606 - year anniversary20010 - year anniversary20813 - year anniversary24815 - year anniversary25620 - year anniversary264**Personal Time Off (PTO) is frontloaded and prorated upon hire and a maximum of 300 hours
can carry over to the new accrual year.
Extended Leave
Accrual at the rate of five (5) days, 46.25 hours, cap of 185 hours
Holidays
Ten (10) paid holidays per year (Employees working on holidays, paid over-time rate - 1 1/2 times regular rate of pay)
Short-term Disability
66 2/3% weekly wages from days 30-89, at cost to employee
Term Life Insurance
One (1) times annual salary at no cost to employee
Supplemental Life available for employee, spouse, & children
Retirement - WRS
There are two options for new hire rates (must be selected within 60 days of hire)
General Employee portion: 7.20% or Act 4 Jailer Employee portion: 14.90% General Employee portion: 7.20% or Act 4 Jailer Employer portion: 7.20%
Deferred Compensation
Wisconsin Deferred Compensation – three (3) options for additional retirement savings (pre-tax)
Health Insurance
Begins on the 1st of the month following date of hire. Health Partners - three (3) plan options to choose from
Other Insurances
Dental, Vision, Long-Term Disability, Accident and Hospital
Flexible Spending Account
Administered through WEX (pre-tax dollars for medical expenses and daycare costs)
Employee Assistance Program
Health Partners confidential counseling services
Wellness Program
Fitness Center & 1/3-mile wooded walking trail located at the Government Center available.
Agency Information
- Employer
- Polk County (WI)
- Department
-
Law Enforcement
- Address
-
1005 West Main Street
Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, 54810
- Website
-
https://www.co.polk.wi.us/law