Best Way to Apply for A Federal Job Vacancy

This is an actual  current job posting on USAJOBS

Job Title:Correctional Officer

Department:Department Of Justice
Agency:Justice, Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System
Sub Agency:Federal Bureau of Prisons

Job Announcement Number:BOP-N-0007-002-2012

SALARY RANGE:	$38,619.00 to $51,193.00 / Per Year
OPEN PERIOD:	Friday, March 02, 2012 to Saturday, March 02, 2013
SERIES & GRADE:	GL-0007-05/06
POSITION INFORMATION:	Full Time - Permanent
PROMOTION POTENTIAL: 07
DUTY LOCATIONS:	MANY vacancy(s) - Prisons-Nationwide

JOB SUMMARY:

Why is it Great to Work for the Federal Bureau of Prisons? Do your Career Justice and consider a career with the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP)...

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• U. S. Citizenship is Required.
• See Special Conditions of Employment Section.
• Males born afer 12/31/59 must be registered for, or exempt from, the
• Selective Service. Click Here

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DUTIES:

What are the Major Duties of this Position? Provides supervision, care and correctional treatment of inmates. Incumbent is concerned with maintenance of institution security contributing to the health and welfare of the inmates and the promotion of good public relations. Enforces rules and regulations governing facility security, inmate accountability and inmate conduct to ensure judicial sanctions are carried out and inmates remain in custody. From time to time, may be authorized to carry firearms and to use physical force, including deadly force, to maintain control of inmates. During institution emergencies or other periods of heavy workload or limited staff, may be required to work long and irregular hours, unusual shifts, Sundays, holidays and unexpected overtime. Information as to operations and procedures is provided by post orders, BOP program statements, local supplements, custodial manual, internal correspondence and staff meetings. Incumbent must be flexible and have a broad knowledge base to use own initiative in the resolution of problem situations.

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QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

The qualifications required for correctional work, and, in addition, demonstrate the possession of personal attributes important to the effectiveness of correctional officers, such as:

• Ability to meet and deal with people of differing backgrounds and behavioral patterns
• Ability to be persuasive in selling and influencing ideas
• Ability to lead, supervise, and instruct others
• Sympathetic attitude towards the welfare of others
• Ability to reason soundly and to think out practical solutions to problems
• Ability to make decisions and act quickly, particularly under stress
• Poise and self-confidence, and ability to remain calm during emergency situations

[End of Job Posting]

DREAMFEDJOB tips:

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE APPLYING:

You need to know as much as you can about what Correctional Officers do?

Correctional Officers work in prisons according to established rules, policies, and procedures to prevent disturbance and escapes. They guard inmates, inspect inmates' mail for forbidden items, administer first aid, or assist police authorities by investigating crimes committed within the institution and by searching for escaped inmates. They may also do informal counseling to help inmates adjust to institutional life, prepare for civilian life, and avoid future criminal activity. Corrections Officers must always be on the lookout for inmates who might try to injure themselves or others who have other problems that are best referred to doctors, psychiatrists, or psychologists.  

Generally, only Officers on tower duty or outside patrol or who are searching for escaped prisoners carry guns. Corrections Officers may be known by the type of institution they work in such as Corrections Officer, city or county jail or Corrections Officer, prison.

Correctional officers perform functions requiring the application of technical treatment and/or counseling skills and techniques, acquired through formal and supervised practical training, which are normally associated with services provided by professionals in social work or the behavioral sciences.
Under the guidance of professional workers, assignments are typically in direct support of structured treatment or rehabilitation programs. Working within the framework of program goals and methodology established by professional workers, the correctional officer applies these techniques and his extensive correctional experience to establish effective communication with the offender and help them recognize and resolve problems relating to themselves, their family, and the community environment.

The correctional officer aids the inmate to appraise their problems realistically and to understand and accept their limitations and capabilities. In some situations, the correctional officer also deals with individuals outside the correctional system, such as teachers, supervisors, family, etc., to identify further problems and enlist their aid in resolving them.

They also:

• Observe inmates to ensure that they are orderly and that they obey rules  
• Check locks, window bars, grills, doors, and gates for tampering  
• Search inmates and cells for weapons, drugs, or other prohibited items  
• Supervise inmates during work assignments  
• Settle disputes between inmates and enforce discipline  
• Prepare reports of problems and unusual occurrences  
  Serve as guards on towers and at gates  
• Escort inmates to and from cells and other areas, and escort lawyers, doctors, or other outsiders to see inmates  
• Make fire, safety, and sanitation inspections  
• Issue clothing, tools, and other authorized items to inmates  

Tools and equipment used may include:  

• Detecting devices  
• Alarms
• Flashlights
• Whistles
• Report forms
• First-aid equipment
• Motor vehicles, when transporting inmates
• Communications equipment, such as intercoms and two-way radios

HOW TO ANSWER TO THE SKILLS AND ABILITIES LISTED IN THE VACANCY:

Let's say you have experience as a correctional counselor in a specialized treatment program for inmates addicted to narcotics.  Then you would write:

As a full member of the treatment team, I make recommendations and participate in decisions concerning the operation of the treatment program. I conduct group therapy sessions, community meetings, self-help sessions, or other formal activities, and work with an assigned caseload of inmates to provide services including counseling on problems; writing correspondence; arranging for special visits; and approving visitor lists.

I serve as liaison between treatment program staff and other institutional staff members to provide detailed information on individual inmates. I use the skills and techniques learned from my schooling at [name of school] and supervised practical training by professionals in such areas as group counseling techniques, sensitivity training and personal interviewing.

I am assigned a full case load of inmates who typically are substance abusers. I provide both individual and group counseling. I serve as liaison between treatment program staff and other institutional staff members to provide detailed information on individual inmates.

I  exercise independent judgment in performing the day-to-day counseling and treatment assignments. I have considerable latitude for judgment within the framework of the basic program policy because of the individualized attention given each offender. Much of the counseling and direct involvement with offenders is subject to review only in terms of overall results. Social workers, psychologists, etc., are normally available for guidance in unusual or complex situations that require professional knowledges to determine the best approach for further action.

Other duties include monitoring the movement and activities of inmates; making periodic and unannounced rounds, head counts, and security checks of assigned areas; observing the conduct and behavior of inmates; preparing written reports; responding to emergency situations; and communicating with staff and inmates to prevent or resolve problems.

Supervised the work and daily activities of inmates. Communicated and documented daily events that could effect the care of the inmates or the security of other personnel. Assisted Deputies during meal hours, verifying meal and inmate counts, passing out meal trays. Conducted inventory on utensils and equipment used by inmates. Performed laundry exchange, supervised inmates while they performed this task. Answered phones and responded to the caller by either resolving the matter at hand, or refer caller to the appropriate section or supervisor.

Coordinated and assisted in the required inmate movement to and from designated areas. Supervised the work and daily activities of inmates. Communicated and documented daily events that could effect the care of the inmates or the security of other personnel. Assisted Deputies during meal hours, verifying meal and inmate counts, passing out meal trays. Conducted inventory on utensils and equipment used by inmates. Performed laundry exchange, supervised inmates while they performed this task. Answered phones and responded to the caller by either resolving the matter at hand, or refer caller to the appropriate section or supervisor.

ADD THE WORKING CONDITIONS WITH YOUR DESCRIPTIONS

Did you work indoors or outdoors, depending on their assignment. Were indoor areas well lighted, heated, and ventilated, overcrowded, hot, and noisy. Did you spend most of your shift standing and walking. Did you take any steps to prevent violent outbreaks?  

Was your normal workweek 5 days, 40 hours? What shift did you work? Did your schedule include weekends and holidays? Worked overtime?

Did you join professional associations, such as the International Association of Correctional Officers of the American Correctional Association?

Did you receive training? e.g. Received hand to hand combat, night stick, and rifle training in case of emergency riots and out bursts ...

Did you have more than one post? e.g. Yard Officer, Tower Watch Guard Officer, Segregation Officer, Pod Officer, Perimeter Officer, Work Crew Officer, or Medical Officer

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