Applicants qualifying will be subject to an extensive selection process which may include, but not be limited to: evaluation of training and experience, interview, performance test, employment record, fingerprint and background check and medical evaluation/examination. This process will assess the candidate in terms of their knowledge, skills, abilities, physical fitness, and personal attributes required for the successful performance of the job of an entry-level correctional officer in the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office. The entire selection and assessment process may be completed in 6 to 8 weeks.
It is important to note that failure to successfully complete any one of five (5) steps outlined below will eliminate the candidate from further participation in the selection process. The following is a summary of the selection process for the position of entry level Correctional Officer in the Bristol County Sheriff’s Department.
1. Oral Board Interview Candidates will participate in a formally structured oral board interview, which is administered and evaluated by a panel of Corrections Professionals. Appropriate business attire is required. Candidates are evaluated on knowledge, skills, and abilities important to the Correctional Officers position, such as, but not limited to, communication skills, stress tolerance and skill in assessing situations quickly and objectively. A candidate who is not successful may reapply six (6) months from the interview date. Oral board scores and applications are valid for one (1) year.
2. Background Investigation Background investigations are conducted on eligible candidates. Investigations will include verification of an applicant's qualifying credentials to include, at a minimum: educational requirements, employment history, job experience, residence and neighborhood check, age and citizenship, review of criminal history, driver's license history, at least three (3) personal references, moral character (includes controlled substance history) and military service, if any. If you fail the background investigation for other than truthfulness and integrity issues, you must wait three (3) years to retest. If you fail for issues of untruthfulness or integrity, you will be ineligible for future tests.
3. Qualifying Medical Evaluation Prior to taking the Qualifying Physical Evaluation, all candidates are required to successfully complete a job-related medical evaluation. This evaluation must be performed by a licensed physician. If you fail for temporary health or injury problems, you will be advised as to when you may re-apply. If the reason is for a permanent medical reason, you will be notified of the reason.
Vision: Entry level Correction Officers must have at least 20/20 corrected vision in each eye both near and far vision and at least 20/60 uncorrected in each eye both near and far vision.
Color Testing: Each applicant will also undergo Color testing. Applicants must have sufficient color vision to determine between the colors of the uniforms used at the facility.
Peripheral Vision: Entry level Correction Officers must have a peripheral vision that extends to 70 degrees.
Hearing: Entry level Correction Officers must have hearing within the normal limits. Hearing will be assessed by the medical provider through simple conversation. If hearing difficulties are noted, then a more sophisticated test will be performed through audiometry. Current pure tone testing levels cannot exceed 25dB in each ear between 500 and 400 Hz and not exceed 40dB form 6000 to 8000 Hz.
Prior Health Related Injuries or Issues: Any prior injury or health issue that has either occurred or has been treated for in the past five (5) years, must provide medical clearance from treating physician.
NOTE: Every person who takes the basic physical fitness test does so at his or her own risk. The Bristol County Sheriff’s Office assumes no responsibility for any injury or loss of any kind whatsoever sustained by any person while participating basic physical fitness testing. No person may enter the test course unless under the immediate supervision of the aforementioned members.
4. Qualifying Physical Evaluation Certified Correctional Officers can reasonably expect that it will be necessary to perform certain job-related tasks requiring physical dexterity. The six week Training Academy and the job of a correctional officer will require the ability to exert physical effort on occasions and some combination of climbing, stooping, kneeling, standing, sitting, running, or walking for long periods of time. This phase will be conducted by members of members of Southcoast Occupational Health for clearance into the academy and by Training Staff during the academy.
5. Final File Review The Final File Review is conducted by the sole appointing authority or his designee. An applicant's file is reviewed in totality, and in a competitive manner. Determination for acceptance of the best qualified candidates into the Correctional Academy is made from the pool of candidates who successfully complete the above Selection Process. Please note: You will be required to sign a statement waiving any right to review information obtained in steps 1, 2, and 5. We make no exceptions to this rule. This is necessary to protect sources that participate in our selection process. |
