Correctional Officer Trainee

Job Description

Introduction

The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office is seeking highly motivated individuals who will play a critical role in the daily function and operations of the Custody Division. The Correctional Officer Trainee is responsible for learning to follow clearly established procedures in receiving prisoners, maintaining discipline and preventing escapes.

Work is initially performed under close supervision in a training capacity and as experience, knowledge and skill are gained, supervision becomes more general. The ideal candidate must be able to supervise inmates, interpret rules and regulations, remain alert at all times and react quickly and calmly in emergency situations.

• Effective July 12, 2027, all employees shall receive a three percent (3%) cost of living adjustment to the base salary. Additionally, in the same pay period, all employees will receive a two percent (2%) equity adjustment.
• Effective July 10, 2028, all employees shall receive a three percent (3%) cost of living adjustment to the base salary.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I nterested in learning more about the Sheriff’s Office hiring process? Applicants are encouraged to review the Sheriff’s Office Frequently Asked Questions for helpful information about testing, preparation, the hiring process, and what to expect as a candidate.

Candidates must pass the physical agility test and written exam to move forward in the recruitment process for this position. Click the link to view a video demonstration of the physical agility test: PAT Video .

Candidates may provide a California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) Selection Examination T-Score for entry level Adult Corrections or Juvenile Corrections Officer from other agencies in lieu of taking the written examination.

A T-Score of 45 or higher is qualifying with San Joaquin County. Scores from the following examinations cannot be accepted as substitutes:

• California POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLET-B)
• California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) written examination

T-Scores must be on official agency letterhead in PDF format and have been within the last 12 months. You may attach your T-score letters to your application or e-mail them to dgau@sjgov.org . Please note, San Joaquin County WILL NOT waive the physical agility exam in lieu of another physical agility exam from another law enforcement agencies and/or basic training academies.

If you retest within 30 days either with the same or a different department/agency, your test results will be invalidated. you must wait at least 30 calendar days prior to retaking the test (e.g., you will be eligible to retest on the 31st day after you have taken your last BSCC exam.)

If you have failed either the Physical Agility Test or the Written Exam and are still interested in participating in the process, please reach out to dgau@sjgov.org so you can continue to receive notices for upcoming exam dates.

Study guide/material may be found at the CA BSCC website: Candidate Orientation Guide



UPCOMING TESTING SCHEDULE (future dates to be added)

Apply by : Thursday, December 3, 2026, by 11:59 p.m.
PAT/Written Exam : Friday, December 11, 2026

(Please note, only candidates that successfully complete the agility test will be invited to the written exam)

Apply by : Thursday, February 4, 2027, by 11:59 p.m.
PAT/Written Exam : Friday, February 12, 2027

(Please note, only candidates that successfully complete the agility test will be invited to the written exam)

Apply by : Thursday, March 11, 2027, by 11:59 p.m.
PAT/Written Exam : Friday, March 19, 2027

(Please note, only candidates that successfully complete the agility test will be invited to the written exam)

Apply by : Thursday, April 15, 2027, by 11:59 p.m.
PAT/Written Exam : Friday, April 23, 2027

(Please note, only candidates that successfully complete the agility test will be invited to the written exam)

Apply by : Thursday, June 3, 2027, by 11:59 p.m.
PAT/Written Exam : Friday, June 11, 2027

(Please note, only candidates that successfully complete the agility test will be invited to the written exam)

Apply by : Thursday, July 8, 2027, by 11:59 p.m.
PAT/Written Exam : Friday, July 16, 2027

(Please note, only candidates that successfully complete the agility test will be invited to the written exam)

Apply by : Thursday, August 12, 2027, by 11:59 p.m.
PAT/Written Exam : Friday, August 20, 2027

(Please note, only candidates that successfully complete the agility test will be invited to the written exam)

Apply by : Thursday, October 7, 2027, by 11:59 p.m.
PAT/Written Exam : Friday, October 15, 2027

(Please note, only candidates that successfully complete the agility test will be invited to the written exam)


Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application. A completed application must be postmarked or received online by the final filing deadline.

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NOTE: All correspondences relating to this recruitment will be delivered via e-mail. The e-mail account used will be the one provided on your employment application during time of submittal. Please be sure to check your e-mail often for updates. If you do not have an e-mail account on file, Human Resources will send you correspondences via US Mail.

TYPICAL DUTIES

Under immediate supervision performs general prisoner custody for inmates of County detention facilities; and does related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.

This is the training level class for the Correctional Officer series. Employees of this class are responsible for learning to follow clearly established procedures in receiving prisoners, maintaining discipline and preventing escapes. Work is initially performed under close supervision in a training capacity and as experience, knowledge and skill are gained, supervision becomes more general. Incumbents must successfully complete all components of the training program before moving into the Correctional Officer classification. Employees of the Correctional Officer Trainee class are considered public officers, as described in California Penal Code 831. This class differs from that of sworn officer classes in that an incumbent of this class is not a Peace Officer and is not assigned duties within the scope of active law enforcement.

• Receives prisoners from law enforcement officers for detention in County jail and honor farm; obtains information from prisoners; receives and records prisoners’ personal property; searches, photographs and fingerprints prisoners and assigns them to cells.
• Supervises work and personal activities of inmates including eating, bathing, recreation, and other daily activities; supervises prisoner counseling, work rehabilitation and therapy programs; transports low security inmates.
• Releases prisoners from jail on proper authorization; returns prisoner’s clothing and other personal property.
• Collects and dispenses prisoner clothing, maintains clothing, linen, and cleaning supplies inventories.
• Examines packages, letters, and other articles coming into the jail for the prisoners; insures that all items conform to established policy; removes contraband.
• Provides first responder care and treatment during medical incidents; arranges for advanced medical treatment.
• Maintains records and reports of prisoner activities and conduct; utilizes data terminals for reporting, keeping records and obtaining information.
• May lead other workers as assigned and provide security for personnel providing services.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education : Graduation from high school or satisfactory completion of a G.E.D. test (scores must meet level established by Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission).

Licenses and Certificates : Possession of a valid California Driver's License.

Special Requirements : (1) Be at least 18 years of age upon appointment; (2) Meet minimum standards required for Peace Officers as set forth in Section 1029 and 1031 of the Government Code and Section 831 (c) of the California Penal Code; (3) Pass background investigation conducted by Sheriff’s Office; (4) Meet physical standards established for safety members; (5) Must successfully complete a basic training course approved by the California’s Board of State and Community Corrections within the first 12 months of employment.

KNOWLEDGE

Basic human behavior; deviant behavior; basic mathematics; general computer skills; language use and mechanics; first aid.

ABILITY

Supervise inmates engaged in a variety of activities; store, issue and account for recreation equipment, clothing, cleaning supplies and other items; understand and interpret rules and regulations; keep records and prepare reports; remain alert at all times and react quickly and calmly in emergency situations; follow oral and written instructions; effectively communicate; maintain confidence and emotional control; multi-task; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; learn to utilize data terminals as required.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Mobility-Constant standing, walking, running, stooping, bending, climbing stairs; occasional driving and lifting of individuals, which require strength, coordination, endurance and agility; operation of a computer; Visual-Constant overall vision; constant color perception, constant eye-hand coordination; constant depth perception; frequent reading/close-up work; constant field of vision/peripheral; Dexterity-Frequent repetitive motion and reaching; Hearing/Talking-Constant requirement to hear normal speech; constant hearing on telephone and radio; ability to hear faint sounds; constant talking on telephone/radio; Emotional/Psychological-Constant contact with hostile individuals; frequent exposure to emergency situations; occasional exposure to trauma, grief and death; frequent public contact; frequent decision-making; frequent concentration; Special Requirements- assignments require working weekends, nights, and/or overtime; Environmental-Occasional exposure to varied weather conditions. San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

San Joaquin County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer and is committed to providing equal employment to all without regard to age, ancestry, color, creed, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation or belief, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. For more information go to Equal Employment Opportunity Division (sjgov.org).

Accommodations for those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):

San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

BENEFITS

Employees hired into this classification are members of a bargaining unit which is represented by SEIU Local 1021 .

Health Insurance : San Joaquin County provides employees with a choice of three health plans: a Kaiser Plan, a Select Plan, and a Premier Plan. Employees pay a portion of the cost of the premium. Dependent coverage is also available.

Dental Insurance : The County provides employees with a choice of two dental plans: Delta Dental and United Health Care-Select Managed Care Direct Compensation Plan. There is no cost for employee only coverage in either plan; dependent coverage is available at the employee’s expense.

Vision Insurance : The County provides vision coverage through Vision Service Plan (VSP). There is no cost for employee only coverage; dependent coverage is available at the employee’s expense.

For more detailed information on the County’s benefits program, visit our website at www.sjgov.org u nder Human Resources/Employee Benefits.

Life Insurance : The County provides eligible employees with life insurance coverage as follows:

1 but less than 3 years of continuous service: $1,000
3 but less than 5 years of continuous service: $3,000
5 but less than 10 years of continuous service: $5,000
10 years of continuous service or more: $10,000

Employee may purchase additional term life insurance at the group rate.

125 Flexible Benefits Plan : This is a voluntary program that allows employees to use pre-tax dollars to pay for health-related expenses that are not paid by a medical, dental or vision plan (Health Flexible Spending Account $2550 annual limit with a $500 carry over); and dependent care costs (Dependent Care Assistance Plan $5000 annual limit).

Retirement Plan : Employees of the County are covered by the County Retirement Law of 1937. Please visit the San Joaquin County Employees’ Retirement Association (SJCERA) at www.sjcera.org for more information. NOTE: If you are receiving a retirement allowance from another California county covered by the County Employees’ Retirement Act of 1937 or from any governmental agency covered by the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS), you are advised to contact the Retirement Officer of the Retirement Plan from which you retired to determine what effect employment in San Joaquin County would have on your retirement allowance.

Deferred Compensation : The County maintains a deferred compensation plan under Section 457 of the IRS code. You may annually contribute $22,500 or 100% of your includible compensation, whichever is less. Individuals age 50 or older may contribute to their plan, up to $30,000. The Roth IRA (after tax) is also now available.

Vacation : Maximum earned vacation is 10 days each year up to 3 years; 15 days after 3 years; 20 days after 10 years; and 23 days after 20 years.

Holidays : Effective July 1, 2017, all civil service status employees earn 14 paid holidays each year. Please see the appopriate MOU for details regarding holidays, accruals, use, and cashability of accrued time.

Sick Leave : 12 working days of sick leave annually with unlimited accumulation. Sick leave incentive : An employee is eligible to receive eight hours administrative leave if the leave balance equals at least one- half of the cumulative amount that the employee is eligible to accrue. The employee must also be on payroll during the entire calendar year.

Bereavement Leave : 3 days of paid leave for the death of qualifying family member, 2 additional days of accrued leave for death of employee’s spouse, domestic partner, parent or child.

Merit Salary Increase : New employees will receive the starting salary, which is the first step of the salary range. After employees serve 52 weeks (2080 hours) on each step of the range, they are eligible for a merit increase to the next step.

Educational Reimbursement Program : Eligible employees may be reimbursed for career-related course work up to a maximum of $850 per fiscal year. Eligible employees enrolled in an approved four (4) year College or University academic program may be reimbursed up to $800 per semester for a maximum of $1600 per fiscal year.

Parking Supplemental Downtown Stockton: The County contributes up to $20 per pay period for employees who pay for parking and are assigned to work in the Downtown Core Area.

School Activities : Employees may take up to 40 hours per year, but not more than eight (8) hours per month, to participate in their children’s school activities.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply Online:

www.sjgov.org/department/hr

By mail or in person:

San Joaquin County Human Resources

44 N. San Joaquin Street Suite 330

Stockton, CA 95202

Office hours:
Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm; excluding holidays.

Phone: (209) 468-3370

Job Line:

For current employment opportunities please call our 24-hour job line at (209) 468-3377.

When a final filing date is indicated, applications must be filed with the Human Resources Division before 5:00 p.m. or postmarked by the final filing date. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application. Applications sent through county inter-office mail, which are not received by the final filing date, will not be accepted. (The County assumes no responsibility for mailed applications which are not received by the Human Resources Division).

San Joaquin County Substance Abuse Policy: San Joaquin County has adopted a Substance Abuse Policy in compliance with the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988. This policy is enforced by all San Joaquin County Departments and applies to all San Joaquin County employees.

Equal Opportunity Employer : San Joaquin County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer and is committed to providing equal employment to all without regard to age, ancestry, color, creed, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation or belief, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. For more information go to www.sjgov.org/department/hr/eeo .


Click on a link below to apply for this position:
Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet. Apply Online View and print the Supplemental Questionnaire. This recruitment requires completion of a supplemental questionnaire. You may view and print the supplemental questionnaire here. View and print the official application form as an Acrobat pdf file. A San Joaquin County application form is required for this recruitment. You may print this Acrobat PDF document and then fill it in. Contact us via conventional means. You may contact us by phone at (209) 468-3370, or by email, or apply for a job in person at the San Joaquin County Human Resources Division.

Closing Date/Time: Continuous