Job Description
SALARY: $47.55/hr - $105,085
OVERALL OBJECTIVE OF JOB:
This is responsible, professional, and supervisory work in the training and development of all staff at Dauphin County Prison. The Training Officer plans, organizes, delivers, and documents required training; trains new hires; and supports the vocational development of staff throughout the facility. The Training Officer also reinforces facility policies, procedures, and training, and holds employees accountable for following facility policies through the disciplinary process. This is a non-union position.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF JOB:
1. Plans, schedules, coordinates, and delivers required trainings to Prison staff on current training programs used or adopted by the facility in accordance with the yearly training plan.
2. Supervises new hires from orientation through the completion of their training period, including on-the-job and field training. Evaluates each new hire's progress and reports readiness, deficiencies, and recommendations to the Director of Training & Personnel Development.
3. Assists in the development of staff throughout the facility by observing staff performance on all shifts, identifying training needs, and providing coaching, mentoring, and refresher training.
4. Issues discipline to staff acting outside of facility policy, procedure, post orders, or training standards, in accordance with the Dauphin County Employee Handbook, the DCP Code of Ethics, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and facility disciplinary procedures.
5. Assigns, and conducts, remedial training as a non-disciplinary corrective measure, including after a use-of-force review, a failed qualification or recertification, or a supervisor referral, and documents its completion.
6. Directs staff participating training sessions. Removes from class any staff member who is disruptive, unprepared, or unfit to participate, and records the training as incomplete; issuing discipline when appropriate.
7. Maintains accurate, audit-ready records of all staff training, attendance, certifications, and expiration dates, including records required under 37 Pa. Code (Title 37), the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), and the facility's accreditation and policy management system. Prepares training records for inspections and audits.
8. Tracks certification and recertification due dates for all staff and schedules training before certifications lapse.
9. Develops, updates, and delivers lesson plans, PowerPoint presentations, lectures, and practical exercises, and ensures training content matches current facility policy, post orders, and law.
10. Schedules and coordinates training with outside agencies, vendors, instructors, and facilities.
11. Works overtime, and flexible and changing hours, as needed to meet training and facility needs.
12. Manages the employee ID badge system, activating and deactivating employee ID badges and taking employee and approved volunteer pictures for their employee ID badge.
OTHER DUTIES OF JOB:
1. Manages the training budget, purchases training supplies and equipment, and coordinates with vendors.
2. Assists in researching, preparing, and administering grants that support training, equipment, and staff development.
3. Maintains and inventories Prison, security, and training equipment and materials.
4. Assists in the development of evaluation and assessment instruments for training and staff performance.
5. Assists with policy review to ensure facility policy and training remain consistent.
6. Prepares and submits regular and special reports, as directed by proper authority.
7. Attends appropriate professional meetings, conferences, and instructor development courses.
8. May be assigned to respond to facility emergencies and to perform security duties when needed.
9. Performs related tasks, as necessary or as directed.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Works under the general direction of the Director of Training & Personnel Development, who reviews work through reports, records, and results. Must be able to operate independently without direct supervisor oversight. Exercises considerable independent judgment in planning and carrying out the training program and in setting the Training Officer's own work schedule to meet the training needs of the facility as approved by the Director of Training and Personnel Development. Receives direction from the Warden, Deputy Wardens, and Directors as appropriate.
SUPERVISION GIVEN:
Supervises County employees at the Dauphin County Prison, to include the newly hired and current staff. Specifically, new hires during their training period, Field Training Officers, Adjunct Instructors, and staff attending training. Responsible for supervising and correcting all staff in the Prison who act outside of facility policy, procedures, and Directives. The Training Officer has the authority to issue on-the-spot corrections and written discipline to staff as well as assigning remedial training as necessary, in accordance with County and facility disciplinary processes and procedures.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is performed in a county correctional facility, in classrooms and training areas, on inmate housing units, and at off-site training locations, with direct and indirect contact with inmates. The environment is inherently stressful, with potential exposure to hostile or assaultive behavior, communicable disease, and exposure to Oleoresin Capsicum. The schedule is flexible: the Training Officer sets their own work hours and days as required, and as approved by the Director of Training and Personnel Development, to meet the needs of the training program. This schedule may include evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, so that staff on all shifts can be reached. Works overtime hours as required. May require travel to off-site training.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL CONDITIONS:
Must be able to demonstrate and take part in defensive tactics and use-of-force techniques, including physical contact with training participants; withstand exposure to Oleoresin Capsicum during training; lift, carry, and move training and emergency equipment up to sixty (60) pounds; and stand, walk, kneel, and climb stairs for extended periods. Must be able to remain composed and make sound decisions under stress, handle confidential information, and manage multiple projects and deadlines at the same time.
QUALIFICATIONS
A.EDUCATION/TRAINING:
Graduation from high school or equivalent. Must obtain all required certifications, including instructor certification in any current training programs used or adopted by the facility, within six (6) months of signing this job description, and must maintain them for the duration of employment in this position.
B.WORK EXPERIENCE:
A minimum of five (5) years of experience in a Correctional Facility to include at least two (2) years of supervisory experience. Experience as an instructor or field training officer is preferred.
C. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
1. Valid Pennsylvania Driver's License
2. Favorable criminal history background check
3. Pennsylvania Child Abuse and FBI Child Abuse Clearances
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
1. Must be educated in facility policy, procedures, and post orders; 37 Pa. Code (Title 37); PREA standards; and pertinent federal, state, and local laws, including inmates' constitutional rights and due process.
2. Knowledge of the Dauphin County Employee Handbook, the DCP Code of Ethics, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the disciplinary process.
3. Knowledge of the principles of adult education, curriculum development, and worksite training practice.
4. Knowledge of Prison organization, configuration, and spaces.
5. Ability to produce a PowerPoint presentation or lecture on a given topic and deliver it effectively.
6. Skill in the use of instructional technology, Microsoft Office, and training records systems.
7. Skill in instructing people of varying cultures and educational attainment.
8. Approachable and understanding; ability to mentor staff, serve as a resource for staff at all levels, and establish effective working relationships with superiors, peers, subordinates, and outside agencies.
9. Ability to evaluate staff performance objectively and to apply discipline fairly and consistently.
10. Ability to manage a budget and assist in preparing grant materials.
11. Ability to communicate clearly, orally and in writing.
12. Ability to plan, organize, and manage own schedule and multiple projects with minimal supervision.
13. Ability to work efficiently in an inherently stressful environment, with irregular work hours.
