SHERIFF’S CORRECTIONS OFFICER

Job Information

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
5200 SOQUEL AVE
SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA 95062
831-454-7695
https://www.scsheriff.com/Home/RecruitmentandHiring.aspx

Updated: March 19, 2024

Position Title: SHERIFF’S CORRECTIONS OFFICER

Salary: $6,543 – 8,751 / Month
*Hiring Incentive:  $10,000 Bonus upon completion of probationary period, which is 2080 County service hours 1

Bilingual (English/Spanish) Candidates Encouraged to Apply

This is a continuous recruitment. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. This recruitment may close once sufficient qualifying applications have been received.

Sheriff’s Corrections Officers are assigned to a shift in a maximum, medium, or minimum correctional facility to admit, release, guard, and supervise inmates in County Corrections Facilities. Incumbents are assigned duties involving continuous and direct contact with inmates, are subject to an element of personal danger in controlling violent inmates, and are expected to deal with emergencies. Corrections Officers are rotated among correctional facilities. Incumbents work twelve-hour shifts, alternating four days and three days per two-week period.

Job Requirements:

Graduation from a high school by an association recognized by the US Department of Education, a satisfactory score on a GED test, or a California High School Proficiency Examination certificate. A two- or four-year college degree accredited by an association recognized by the US Department of Education may be substituted for the high school requirements.

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License at the time of appointment.

Ability to pass an extensive background investigation, including a polygraph examination, drug screen, and Personal History Statement, which includes work, legal, driving, financial, and drug possession histories, will be conducted.

Must be eighteen years of age by the time of appointment; available to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, nights, holidays, and on an as-needed basis.

Special Working Requirements: Exposure to heights, such as 40-foot perimeter walls; microwaves; bees; pollen; loud noises; chemical irritants, such as strong offensive odors; infections which may cause chronic disease or death; and hostile and aggressive persons

Other Special Requirements: Must be eighteen years of age by the time of appointment; available to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, nights, holidays, and on an as-needed basis.

Special Working Requirements: Exposure to heights, such as 40-foot perimeter walls; microwaves; bees; pollen; loud noises; chemical irritants, such as strong offensive odors; infections which may cause chronic disease or death; and hostile and aggressive persons

Benefit Information

VACATION – Employees on a 5/8 schedule accrue at 14 days per year, rising to 29 days per year after 15 years of service. Employees on the 7/12 schedule accrue at ten days per year, rising to 25 days per year after 15 years of service. Employees on a 4/10 schedule accrue at 12 days and rise to 27 days per year after 15 years of service. Vacation is available after one year of service.

HOLIDAYS – 13 days for employees on a 5/8 schedule. Employees on the 7/12 schedule receive 7.07% of their base pay as a holiday differential in lieu of and for holidays. Employees on a 4/10 schedule shall receive one 10-hour day off per month in lieu of the prescribed holidays.

SICK LEAVE – 96 hours per year

BEREAVEMENT LEAVE – 3 days paid in California, five days paid out-of-state

MEDICAL PLAN – The County contracts with CalPERS for a variety of medical plans. For most plans, County contributions pay a majority of the premiums for employees and eligible dependents.

DENTAL PLAN – The county pays for employee and eligible dependent coverage.

VISION PLAN – The County pays for employee coverage. Employees may purchase eligible dependent coverage.

RETIREMENT – 1959 Survivor’s Benefit plus pension formula 2% at age 50 or 2.7% at age 57 as determined based on provisions of the CA Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act of 2013(PEPRA). Pension benefits are determined by the final average compensation of three years. The county pays a portion of the retirement contribution.

LIFE INSURANCE – The county paid a $50,000 term policy. Employees may purchase additional life insurance.

DEPENDENT-CARE PLAN – Employees who pay for qualifying child or dependent care expenses may elect this pre-tax program.

H-CARE PLAN – Employees who pay a County medical premium may elect this pre-tax program.

HEALTH CARE FLEXIBLE SPENDING ALLOWANCE (HCFSA) – Employees may elect this pre-tax program to cover qualifying health care expenses.

LONG TERM DISABILITY PLAN – Employee paid. Provides up to 70% of the first $14,286 of pre-disability earnings up to $10,000 per month maximum.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION – A deferred compensation plan is available to employees.

Some positions may be designated for bilingual pay (Spanish-speaking). Candidates may qualify for bilingual pay by successfully completing a pass/fail language proficiency examination.

SELECTION PROCESS

Candidates must submit an application through the County of Santa Cruz website found here: www.santacruzcountyjobs.com

Candidates who meet minimum qualifications and possess a valid T-Score of 42 or higher -OR- Completed the National Testing Network (NTN) Corrections REACT Written Examination (Passing scores accepted for this exam are Video Judgement Test 65% or higher; Reading 75% or higher; and Count 70% or higher) will be invited to participate in a physical ability test.   If unable to provide T-Score or NTN Scores, candidates will be invited to an in-person written examination.

Physical Ability Test

• Part 1: Run 220 yards in 1 minute or less
• Part 2: Drag a 165-pound dummy 60 feet in 1 minute or less.
• Candidates will be allowed two one-minute attempts to pass each part of the physical ability test.
• MUST PASS ALL components of the examination to be placed on the eligible list.

Background Investigation: An extensive background investigation, including a polygraph examination, drug screen, and Personal History Statement, which includes work, legal, driving, financial, and drug possession histories, will be conducted.

Failure of the background investigation will include but is not limited to one of the following:

Unlawful use or possession of any unlawful drug within three years of application for employment.

Unlawful sales, distribution, manufacture, or transportation of an unlawful drug.
Use of any unlawful drug during work hours while employed in a job related to public safety or security.

Termination from employment or discharge from the military because of a drug test.

Conviction or commission of a felony.

Conviction or commission of a misdemeanor within the last three years involving conduct that would adversely impact the candidate’s ability to perform as a law enforcement officer.

The conviction or specified misdemeanor within the last ten years per California Penal Code 29805(c).

Classification as a negligent operator under the Department of Motor Vehicles:

• Four or more points in twelve (12) months.
• Six points in twenty-four (24) months.
• Eight points in thirty-six (36) months.
• A peace officer applicant who is the subject of a protective order or a temporary restraining order related to domestic violence or stalking (California Penal Code section 12021(g)(1) and US Code, Title 18, part 1, Chapter 44, Section 922).
• Conviction of a misdemeanor containing the elements of domestic violence (US Code, Title 18, Part 1, Chapter 44, Section 922(d)(9)).
  Discharge from the armed services of the United States of America under dishonorable conditions (US Code, Title 18, Part 1, Chapter 44, Section 911(d)(6)).
• Termination from a sworn position at a law enforcement agency.
• Termination from any employment in the past three years for reasons that would adversely impact the candidate’s ability to perform as a law enforcement officer.
• Any incorrect representation, verbal misrepresentation, or deletion of a material fact on an application, interview, or background investigation.

Any exceptions to the above may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

1Hiring Incentive of $10,000 upon completion of the probationary period, which is 2080 County service hours. Employees who separate prior to the completion of three years (6,240 hours) must reimburse the total amount of the incentive pay received.

Women, people of color, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. If you have a disability that requires test accommodation, please call 831-454-2600.

To comply with the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act, Santa Cruz County verifies that all new employees are either U.S. citizens or persons authorized to work in the U.S.