Correctional Technician

Top reasons to work for SMA Healthcare:

  • Career growth and advancement potential
  • Great benefits such as: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, & Disability Insurance
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Paid Personal Leave (up to 25 days after 3 years of service)
  • 403b Retirement Plan (matches one to one of employee contribution for the first 3%, then a 50% match on the next 6% of employee contribution)

Essential Job Functions: 

  • Assists with employment development to include job checks and other related services for inmates according to program and client need.
  • Conducts daily and random searches of clients and living areas; removes and documents dangerous items; performs and/or assists with restraints.
  • Conducts security/safety checks; monitors visitors/clients for contraband as well as approved dining times.
  • Ensures compliance with all contractual standards and assist in audit preparations.
  • Must be able to work effectively on all positions, locations and all levels of care.
  • Proficient in all required program documentation. Completes accurate daily, weekly, monthly reports as required. Reviews and documents shift report logs, shift logs, contact cards and inventories client's belongings.
  • Provides supervision, counseling, custody, and control in a fair and consistent manner.
  • Responsible for monitoring client behavior and their activities.
  • Serves as a role model who utilizes positive reinforcement and support to clients through approved behavior modification techniques to help clients learn desirable behaviors.
  • Supervises self-administered medications and inventories according to program and client need.
  • Transports clients to other agencies, hospitals, work, community activities, AA/NA meetings etc.
  • Utilizes specialized Department of Corrections software for entering data that pertains to tracking daily activities of clients and their location.
  • Assists with new client orientation.
  • Works cooperatively in a group/team setting by working at different program locations.
  • Assists in the planning and implementation of individual treatment plans;supports client goals; encourages and assists clients in achieving their goals.
  • Controls verbally and/or physically abusive and aggressive clients and performs aggression control techniques.
  • Communicates effectively with suicidal, mentally, emotionally, and/or psychologically disturbed clients in person and over the telephone to diffuse potentially life-threatening situations.
  • Orients the client to the facility; explains rules, policies and procedures.
  • Participates in meetings as required; converses with staff on client's progress or lack of progress.
  • Performs general office duties; answers telephones; communicates with the public or other agencies as required; links clients to needed services; makes doctor appointments; files, types, copies; receives food shipments; order supplies etc.
  • Participates in process/performance improvement activities.
  • Processes admissions and discharges for voluntary and/or involuntary clients.
  • Reports any concerns regarding the health, safety, or well-being of a client to the appropriate authority.
  • Performs related work as required.

Qualification Requirements: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Education and/or Experience: Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent and  6 months of related human services experience preferred or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Knowledge/Skills/and Abilities: 

  • Some knowledge of the criminal justice human services field according to program need, and the application of basic client care skills.
  • Some knowledge of communicable diseases.
  • Ability to defuse potentially dangerous situations, and remain calm in an emergency.
  • Ability to type and enter clear and concise reports and data into specialized Department of Corrections software.
  • Ability to utilize behavior management techniques and serve as a role model.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in person and in writing with the public, clinical professionals, and outside agencies.
  • Ability to prepare and maintain written documentation.
  • Ability to operate a motor vehicle to transport clients.
  • Ability to perform light housekeeping responsibilities.
  • Ability to operate standard office equipment and standard household appliances.
  • Ability to handle verbally and/or physically abusive and aggressive clients and utilize aggression control techniques to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the client, other clients, and employees in the unit.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with suicidal, mentally, emotionally, and/or psychologically disturbed clients in person and over the telephone.
  • Ability to perform pat downs and strip searches according to program and client need.

Necessary Special Requirements: Possession of a valid Florida driver's license, acceptable driving record, and proof of personal automobile insurance if required to drive an SMA vehicle and/or use a personal vehicle for SMA business. Complete State of Florida mandatory background screening prior to start of employment.  Complete SMA required training during the first six (6) months of employment and updated if required.

Physical: Mobility and ability to bend and reach during an 8 hour day. Able to lift minimum 10 pounds. Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to evaluate, intervene, treat, and record client health care needs. Fine motor skills for legible and accurate charting, daily correspondence and presentation, either manually or orally. Work endurance ability to work 8 hour shifts with a meal break, as possible. Routine 8 hour shifts. Hours and days off may vary and are subject to change with advance notification to fit the needs of the program.

Application: This class specification is intended to identify the class and illustrate the kinds of duties that may be assigned to its incumbents.  It should not be interpreted as describing all of the duties whose performance may ever be required of such an employee or be used to limit the nature and extent of assignments such individuals may be given.