Johnson County Department of Corrections is looking for qualified applicants to fill the position of Transportation Officer at the Adult Residential Center in New Century, Kansas. Posting will remain open until filled. Qualified applicants will remain as an active candidate for a period of up to 90 days. Job duties include:

The mission of the Department of Corrections is leading by example, we support and protect our community by encouraging responsibility and positive lasting change for a better future. The Adult Residential Center (ARC) is a minimum security correctional facility serving adult offenders on an open campus. We strive to cultivate an environment of responsibility and accountability through the use of evidence-based behavior change practices.

Transportation Officers (TO’s) interact with clients from various backgrounds with criminal records ranging from misdemeanor to felony convictions. Our population consists of high-risk offenders in need of substance abuse treatment, mental health services, employment/technical skills, education, and basic life skills. Our overriding objective is to establish a stable foundation for re-entry back into the community. The ARC consists of three components to meet the specific needs of the clients: Problem-Solving Bed, Work Release and Therapeutic Community. The Problem-Solving Bed component serves justice involved individuals who do not have steady housing and/or employment; the Work Release component serves county and state inmates transitioning back into the community from jail or prison; and the Therapeutic Community provides intensive substance abuse treatment for clients with extreme substance abuse issues. ARC has an open campus environment that is different than traditional correctional facilities because clients work in the community and reside at the ARC until their release.

TO’s do not carry lethal or less-than-lethal weapons and do not physically engage clients/inmates unless it is for the purposes of self-defense or the defense of others. The ARC is a 24-hour operation and shift work, and overtime is required. As a TO, you will have the opportunity and responsibility to help shape behaviors and create lasting change in each client you interact with.

Working directly with clients is expected in order to:

• Build healthy relationships, serve as a role-model for appropriate prosocial behavior and attitudes;
• Teach and model basic expectations and provide frequent positive reinforcement;
• Seek opportunities to teach new behaviors, coping skills, de-escalation techniques and emotion regulation; and

It takes a special and unique person to work in this environment. We are looking for:

• Individuals that can be highly adaptable to change, exemplify teamwork, and support each function within the ARC;
• Individuals that are able to manage their emotions and maintain temperament under stressful conditions; and,
• Individuals that possess integrity, professionalism, humility, humor, and respect.

The job is demanding and challenging at times, but it is also incredibly rewarding.

JOB DUTIES

• Timely transportation and supervision of clients to and from employment, scheduled appointments, court appearances, and other approved locations; completes dispatching duties; communicates with staff regarding coordinating transportation runs, requests, changes in the schedule, and special assignments; prioritizes transportation needs or requests; follows all traffic laws and applicable safety guidelines; maintains a safe, secure, and contraband free environment by documenting searches of resident property, vehicles, and pat searches.
• Exercises good interpersonal communications skills by enforcing rules in a firm and fair manner; displays a working knowledge of disciplinary process; advises and documents resident behaviors; produces accurate, detailed, and timely documentation.
• Ensures Departmental travel logs are accurately completed; conducts and documents daily, and monthly vehicle inspections reporting any vehicle problems; advises transportation manager regarding routine service needs.
• Teaches client orientation class; assists in training staff about Transportation Officer duties.

For a look at our awesome benefits package, click here! JohnsonCounty2022BenefitsOverview (dcatalog.com)

Minimum Job Requirements:

High school diploma or its equivalent is required. Applicant must submit to and pass a pre-employment, post-offer drug screen prior to employment. A valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record is also required. The starting wage for this position without experience will start at the minimum of the grade.

Preferred Qualifications:

One (1) year of relevant experience is preferred.

For a look at our awesome benefits package, click here! 2021_benefits_overview.pdf (jocogov.org)