Job Description

Position Description

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The Transport Officer serves multiple stations throughout the work week to include security at the Pennington County Courthouse, prisoner transport to and from court and outside appointments, prisoner transport to and from Sioux Falls, South Dakota for inmate movement between detention facilities.



This position works a varying schedule dependent upon assignment. Those may include Monday through Friday between 7am and 5pm or Monday through Friday with an overnight trip to Sioux Falls.



The Transport Officer may be required to provide security while an inmate is hospitalized or to transport a client to various facilities in South Dakota. This would result in occasional weekend and overnight hours.

Position Functions

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Transporting multiple inmates simultaneously to and from the Pennington County Jail and Juvenile Services Center to court appearances. Relaying pertinent court information to the appropriate detention facility. Transporting inmates to and from the Pennington County Jail and Juvenile Services Center to outside medical appointments. Driving the prisoner transport bus or van to transport inmates and clients across the State of South Dakota. Performing transport bus and van inspections. Loading and unloading inmate property. Providing armed security to inmates while hospitalized. Assisting the public with inquires while assigned to the Courthouse and Administration Building. Providing complex security at the Courthouse to include the enforcement of policy regarding restricted behaviors and weapons. Attending to the needs of inmates while being transported Ensuring Courthouse security by checking building daily (internally and externally), operating x-ray equipment and handheld metal detection devices, monitoring security cameras and other tasks related to keeping weapons or destructive devices from entering the facility. Being alert and prepared to respond with force, in an emergent situation, and to aid others as outlined in policy. Attending meetings and trainings as required. Following policy and procedure. Performing other tasks as assigned.
This job specification should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive duties of the position. Incumbents may be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other related duties, as may be required.

Qualifications

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HS Diploma or GED required. One year experience with prisoners in custody and firearms training preferred. Preference given to those with prior armed security and/or law enforcement experience. Eligible for completion of a CDL with Passenger endorsement. Possession of a valid South Dakota Driver's License within 90 days of moving to South Dakota.

Additional Information

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Working Environment:

Work is performed in office and field environments, to include being stationed for several hours on the prisoner transport bus and/or van, within secure detention facilities, the Pennington County Courthouse and the Pennington County Administration Buildings. This position will require occasional weekend, or overnight travel as assigned. This position includes close contact with inmates.

Physical Requirements:Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and quantitative productivity standards. Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state and local standards. Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds unassisted. Ability to talk, listen and speak clearly on telephone, over the radio, and in person. Ability to drive, walk, stand and sit for extended periods of time. Must not be prone to motion sickness. Must be able to climb stairs, sometimes multiple flights per day. Must be able to physically restrain unruly subjects and respond using appropriate force. This position will be exposed to varying smells, temperature changes and aggressive physical and verbal responses. Must be able to bend, stoop and twist.

Pennington County Benefit Summary

The following is a summary of benefits available to full-time and part-time benefited employees of Pennington County.

Heath Care Program

Health - Pennington County has a self-funded health care program for employees and their dependents. Health Insurance and Prescription Drug is covered through Wellmark (Blue Cross Blue Shield). Two plans are offered: a traditional PPO plan with co-pay structure and a high deductible plan with higher deductible/out-of-pocket maximums. Dental - Dental coverage is provided through Delta Dental of South Dakota. 100% of usual and customary charges for preventive and diagnostic procedures are covered, after a $50 deductible per individual / $150 per family. Routine and restorative procedures, endodontics, periodontics, and major services are covered at 50%. There is an annual maximum of $1000 per individual. Orthodontics are not covered under this plan. Prescription - The Health care program includes retail and mail order (90-day supply) prescription coverage, both requiring an affordable co-pay. Co-pays do not accumulate toward satisfaction of the deductible or co-insurance limit. Note: Health care program coverage is effective on the 1st of the month following one complete month of employment. The program is available for employees and their dependents.

Life Insurance

Pennington County provides a $20,000 basic life insurance policy for every benefited employee. Optional supplemental life insurance can be purchased for employee, spouse, and dependent children.

Employee Assistance Program

Pennington County employees and family members may receive counseling services for issues relating to financial difficulties, marital and family distress, emotional problems, and alcohol or drug abuse. Generally speaking, as many as three visits annually are provided at no charge. Services are confidential.

Retirement Plan

Pennington County is a member of the South Dakota Retirement System (SDRS). The employee contributes 6% (8% for public safety) of gross wages. The contribution is matched by the County. Upon separation from employment with Pennington County, individuals who are fully vested in SDRS (three years of contributory service) have the right to receive a monthly lifetime retirement benefit at retirement age. Employees may choose to save additional funds toward retirement on a pre-tax basis through the SDRS supplemental retirement program. Other SDRS benefits include long term disability, family, and spouse benefits.

Supplemental Insurance

AFLAC offers various supplemental insurance policies for employees and family members. These policies are portable and guaranteed renewable. Premiums are deducted from payroll.

Paid Time Off

Vacation - Vacation time accrues per pay period at the rate of 3.077 hours for new employees with incremental increases based on years of service. Maximum hours of accumulation apply. Sick Leave - Sick leave accrues at the rate of 3.077 hours per pay period. Employees may use up to 80 hours of available sick leave annually for other designated reasons. Sick leave separation benefits are available after 10 years of employment. Holidays - Employees are eligible for up to 11 paid holidays per year. All Paid Time Off benefits are prorated based on the number of hours worked or benefit time taken in a pay period for all benefited employees. This summary is for general information only. Employees have access to complete and detailed policies, procedures, or summary plan descriptions for all benefits cited.