Preference will be given to applicants with college degrees.

Basic Purpose

Positions within this job family are assigned responsibilities which involve serving as the administrator and supervisor of a multi-disciplinary team of staff members who are assigned to work within a specific offender unit; directs the operations of a semi-autonomous unit within a correctional institution.

Typical Functions

• Supervises and evaluates the performance of unit staff members; provides on-the-job training to staff members as required; monitors case management activities; maintains a clean, safe, humane and secure unit environment.
• Regularly coordinates unit operations with other institution programs and operations.
• Administers the operation of the budget work programs established for the unit; procures needed equipment and supplies; negotiates food service contracts.
• Provides for the maintenance, security and control of offender records assigned to the unit.
• Serves as chairperson of the Unit Disciplinary and Classification Committee; may serve as a member of the institutional Disciplinary Committee.
• Acts as a liaison with private and public agencies such as the courts, the Pardon and Parole Board, and elected officials.
• Submits reports as needed to the warden and/or deputy warden covering data such as incidents reported, food served, leisure time activities and other significant events.
• Consults with institutional administration, security personnel and inmates as necessary in their resolution of emergency or extraordinary correctional problems.
• Responsible for administration of unit programs as well as planning, developing and implementing group and individual programs tailored to the needs of the inmates; negotiates public works contracts.

Level Descriptor

The Unit Manager (DOC) job family consists of only one level and incumbents are responsible for performing all functions associated with the assigned position as the administrator and supervisor of a multi-disciplinary team of staff members who are assigned to work within a specific offender unit or in directing the operations of a semi-autonomous unit within a correctional institution.

Education and Experience

Education and Experience requirements consist of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and:

four years of experience in correctional records management or social casework which involved the classification and assignment, field supervision, apprehension or investigation of offenders

or in a professional administrative position with responsibilities for maintaining inmate records, establishing procedures or serving as an assistant to a warden

or in a position which involved responsibility for the activity of inmates or management of a food service or maintenance unit in a correctional facility;

or substitution of a master’s degree for one year only of the required experience;

or an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting one year of experience in correctional work for a government agency for each thirty semester hours of the required education.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required include knowledge of modern penological practices; of public administration; of principles and practices of effective supervision; of contract negotiation; of procurement procedures and requirements; and of human behavior. Ability is required to enforce rules and regulations with firmness, tact and impartiality; to exercise sound judgment in emergency situations; and to supervise and direct the work of others.