
Venango County Warden
Venango County Warden
Full-Time, Exempt
Venango County Jail
Franklin, PA
EXEMPT PAY GRADE FOUR
$54,585.86-79,213.37/yr
OVERALL PURPOSE OF JOB
The Warden is the chief officer of the Venango County Prison whose responsibility is to develop and implement policies and procedures for the efficient and orderly operation of the prison. In addition, the Warden is responsible for the dissemination of work assignments through the administrative staff.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF JOB
- Supervises the overall operation of the prison.
- Supervises the staff of the County prison, handles all personnel-related matters including evaluations and recommends disciplinary actions in conjunction with the Prison Board.
- Interviews potential employees and selects and recommends interviewee(s) to the Prison Board for approval for hire.
- Develops policies and procedures for the efficient operation of the overall prison.
- Prepares the fiscal year’s budget and submits it for review and approval; oversees the entire budget and approved expenditures to maintain cost efficiency; works within the county’s MUNIS System and is involved in contract issues with the county.
- Maintains the appropriate training for the administrative staff and Prison staff to ensure training in the Standard Operations Procedure Manual, State Training Academy, and other related trainings that may be necessary or required.
- Attends the monthly Prison Board meeting and any other special meetings required by the Board; makes recommendations and provides reports as required by the Prison Board.
- Interacts daily with administrative staff, prison staff, police agencies, courts, parole/probation, attorneys, county personnel, general public and Prison Board in regard to essential job duties.
- Maintains knowledge of the applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, regulations and rules as they pertain to the jail.
- Operates the prison in compliance with federal, state and local laws, codes, regulations and rules.
- Oversees quarterly inspections of the prison and recommends corrective action when needed; reports the results of the inspections to the Prison Board and corrective action if required; works with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Corrections during the inspection process and reports any corrective measures back to the Bureau and disseminates the same to the Prison Board.
- Reviews the contracts of service providers and where warranted recommends changes to the Prison Board (i.e. telephone and computer, food service, medical, building repair/improvements, etc.)
- Facilitates programs for potential rehabilitation of inmates.
- Meets daily with Administrative Staff and front line supervisors to coordinate operations.
- Ensures facility compliance with labor contracts and labor laws; conducts labor/management meetings; reviews and evaluates union grievances in conjunction with the Human Resources Department.
OTHER DUTIES OF JOB
1. Attends meetings, seminars and training as necessary.
2. Performs other job-related duties as required in relation to corrections.
3. Works daily at the prison and attends other job-required meetings.
4. Frequents on a prearranged schedule visits at the prison to meet with prison staff and holds meetings of discussion at irregular hours
5. Notifies the Prison Board of upcoming leaves of absence or when attending training seminars.
6. Serves on boards in relation to operations of the prison, i.e. Pre-Release Advisory Board and Criminal Justice Advisory Board.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Receives limited instruction and/or supervision from the County Commissioners in regard to the daily operations of the prison.
SUPERVISION GIVEN
Supervises entire prison staff and is the principle contact for all matters concerning the prison.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Works indoors in adequate work space, lighting, ventilation and temperatures.
Works indoors with average exposure to noise but with frequent disruptions and stress.
Normal indoor exposure to dust/dirt.
Works “on call” or on an as-needed basis (“on call” 24 hours/7 days).
Works daily with potentially volatile, hostile or aggressive inmates.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL CONDITIONS
- Must possess ability to record, convey and present information, explain procedures and follow instructions.
- Must be able to stand and sit for long periods throughout the workday with frequent walking and occasional twisting, reaching, climbing, pulling and pushing required for obtaining files, performing inspections or other job-related duties.
- Dexterity requirements range from simple to coordinated movements of fingers/hands; feet/legs; torso necessary to carry out job duties.
- Sedentary work with occasional lifting/carrying of objects with weight of ten pounds.
- Must be able to cope with the physical and mental stress of the position.
- Must be able to react quickly, both physically and mentally, in the event of a disturbance or physical outbreak.
- Must be able to pay close attention to details and concentrate on work.
QUALIFICATIONS
A. EDUCATION/TRAINING
Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in Administration of Justice or related field preferred. Certification in the corrections field by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Corrections, First Aid and CPR required. Certification in “less than lethal” devices. Must be proficient in Computer Science.
B. WORK EXPERIENCE
Five to ten years working in the field of corrections in a supervisory capacity or an equivalent combination of experience and education. Must be able to prove a progressive advancement in rank position.
C. CLEARANCE
Must work in conjunction with employer to apply for Act 34 PA State Police Criminal History, Act 151 PA Child Abuse and FBI clearances prior to employment. All clearances must reflect acceptable results. Clearances must be renewed every five years.
Must not appear on Preclusion Lists as defined by “Pennsylvania’s Medical Assistance Bulletin 99-11-05 Provider Screening of Employees and Contractors for Exclusion from Participating in Federal Healthcare Programs.”
D. DRUG SCREEN
Must successfully pass pre-employment drug screening.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
- Must be able to speak in an understandable manner and comprehend the English
language in order to carry out essential job duties.
- Must possess initiative and problem-solving skills.
- Must possess effective communication and interpersonal skills.
- Must possess ability to function independently, have flexibility and the ability to work
effectively with members of administration, staff, and others.
- Must possess ability to maintain confidentiality concerning inmate and county
information and records.
- Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances
warrant such action.
- Must possess a thorough knowledge in the operations of the prison concerning the
federal, state and local laws, regulations and rules.
- Must possess a technical knowledge of the legal standards and regulations
governing the security and operation at a correctional institution. In addition, a
thorough understanding of the county’s personnel manual and present union
contract.
- Must possess advanced knowledge of principles and practices of effective
supervision.
- Must possess the ability to assign and review work of subordinates.
- Must possess the ability to make appropriate recommendations concerning
revisions to policies and procedures and make said recommendations to Prison
Board.
- Must possess the knowledge of behavior patterns of inmates and ability to respond
in an appropriate and effective manner in relation to the classification to prisoners
as prescribed by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Corrections.
- Must possess excellent analytical ability and be able to develop and implement
policies and procedures for maximum prison efficiency and safety.
- Must possess excellent time management and organizational skills.
15. Must have an open unbiased attitude in all responsibilities of this position.
ATTENTION APPLICANTS:
All applicants are required to submit a County Application for Employment in order to be considered for this position.
Veterans claiming veterans’ hiring preference must provide a valid DD214 form that clearly displays an honorable or general discharge and dates of service completed.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Employer will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the Employer.
EOE M/F/D/V **THE COUNTY OF VENANGO IS A DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE.**