About the Department

Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Jail Administrator, this position supports the mission of the Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office by providing quality services that promote and protect the safety, security, and well-being of all the people in our community. The Sergeant – Corrections is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Jail Division, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws, and providing leadership to Correctional Officers.

Assignments may include Operations or Administration. This position involves supervising staff, maintaining control over inmate activities, assisting in policy development and implementation, managing the inmate discipline system, responding to emergencies, and providing guidance and direction to Correctional Officers. The Sergeant – Corrections must demonstrate independence, accuracy, sound judgment, effective decision-making, and strong communication skills with diverse populations while fostering a culture of accountability, professionalism, and safety.

Position Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Leads and develops a high-performing team by fostering a positive, inclusive, and accountable work environment. Provides clear direction, sets performance expectations, and supports employees through ongoing feedback, coaching, and opportunities. Exercises independent judgment in operational and personnel decisions, proactively resolving issues and promoting effective problem-solving. Oversees daily operations by assigning work, managing schedules, approving timecards, and ensuring adequate staffing to meet service needs. Participates in staffing decisions and takes primary responsibility for guiding employee performance and conduct, including addressing concerns and implementing appropriate corrective actions. Promotes open communication and transparency as part of employee engagement. Ensures compliance with the Employee Handbook and procedures and interprets labor agreements. Builds and maintains effective working relationships with internal and external partners, including other departments, community members, professional organizations, and regulatory agencies, to achieve organizational goals. Models a customer-focused, safety-conscious, and results-oriented approach to high-quality service delivery.
2. Directs and monitors inmate activities, behavior, and well-being. Implements classification plans, authorizes privileges, manages inmate work details, facilitates transports, and ensures compliance with court orders. Evaluates medical situations, oversees after-hours care, and ensures Correctional Officers follow proper medical protocols.
3. Plans and executes emergency drills. Responds to and directs resources during emergent and non-emergent incidents including fights, suicide attempts, threats, fires, escape attempts, contraband recovery, and medical emergencies.
4. Enforces compliance with the U.S. Constitution, Minnesota Statutes, Department of Corrections standards, court orders, and Sheriff’s Office policies. Reviews and recommends policy or procedural improvements to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.
5. Reviews, approves, and maintains reports, classifications, daily logs, and files. Utilizes jail management systems to maintain accurate documentation and prepare reports for administration.
6. Conducts or reviews inmate disciplinary hearings and responds to grievances. Ensures searches of inmates, cells, living areas, and visitors are performed in accordance with policies.
7. May serve as PREA Coordinator, Accessible Communications Coordinator, or program evaluator. Coordinates training, grant applications, and interdepartmental collaboration. Monitors program effectiveness and maintains required documentation. Coordinate and facilitate the Field Training Officer (FTO) program, including onboarding, training, and evaluating new Correctional Officers. May oversee inventory, maintenance, and deployment of security equipment, technology, and supplies.
8. Promotes a diverse, culturally competent, and respectful workplace.
9. Engages positively with both internal and external customers. Communicates and interacts effectively and respectfully with colleagues, supervisors, representatives from other organizations, and the public.
10. Performs the physical and mental demands of the position.
11. Attendance during regularly scheduled work hours and outside regular hours as necessary. Works the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available to communicate with subordinates, supervisors, and any other person or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals.

1. Participates in recruitment and hiring process.
2. Trains and mentors new staff as requested.
3. Provides credible testimony in court. Attends and testifies in criminal and civil court proceedings. Represents the interests of the county, state, and federal government. Makes a verbal account for observations, actions, and findings while performing official duties.
4. Participates in professional staff development. Participates in training and education opportunities to maintain and improve proficiency. Attends and participates in professional organizations. Associates with employees and departments from other counties and states for collaboration. 
5. Performs other related functions as apparent or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree and three (3) years of progressively responsible leadership, supervisory, and/or administration experience in a jail or detention facility: OR Equivalent combination of education and experience necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.

• At least five (5) years of experience as a Correctional or Detention Officer. 
• Completion of the Institute for Credible Leadership Development (ICLD) training program.
• Proficient in understanding and speaking languages other than English, such as Spanish, Somali, Chinese, Sudanese, and Arabic, among others.

• Must successfully pass a background check and psychological evaluation.
• Must submit to fingerprinting through the FBI and MN BCA.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to drive in the State of Minnesota. 
• Must comply with all federal, state, and departmental laws, policies, and regulations.
• Must comply with data practices policies and standards relative to not public data.  Any access to not public data should be strictly limited to accessing the data that are necessary to fulfill employment responsibility. While data are being accessed, incumbent should take reasonable measures to ensure the not public data are not accessed by individuals without a work reason. Once the work reason to access the data is reasonably finished the not public data must be properly stored according to county policy and the Minnesota Statutes.

Other Qualifications

Operations: Operates in a 24/7 environment. Normal schedule is 80 hours per two weeks, typically 12-hour shifts (day 0500-1700, night 1700-0500) with one 8-hour shift. Includes weekends, holidays, and potential overtime for staffing shortages, training, or emergency needs.
Administrative: Typical work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with flexibility as needed. Includes weekends, holidays, and potential overtime for staffing shortages, training, or emergency needs.