Behavior Officer Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

JOB OVERVIEW   EXPECTED START DATE: October 19, 2026 Sarpy County Department of Corrections is a place where you can pave your career. Correctional Officers are responsible for supervising inmates and maintaining the safety and security of the facility. The work of a Correctional Officer is engaging, challenging and personally rewarding.

At Sarpy County, you will find opportunities for training, teamwork and professional growth. The work schedule for our Correctional Officers promotes a work-life balance. Officers work 12 hour, rotating shifts which averages out to 14 working days a month and every other Friday, Saturday and Sunday off.

Sarpy County offers a competitive salary and benefits package that includes affordable health, dental & vision care, paid vacation and sick leave, 12 paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, deferred comp match, retirement and much more. At the Sarpy County Department of Corrections, the Strategic Inmate Management (SIM) model serves as the philosophical foundation for operation. The primary goal of every correctional facility is to ensure a safe and secure environment for staff, inmates, and visitors.

Properly managing inmate behavior is key to achieving this. SIM focuses on maintaining safety and security by using the most effective practices for direct supervision and inmate behavior management. A Corrections Officer's role in SIM involves a range of responsibilities, with a primary focus on establishing and maintaining positive supervisory relationships with inmates.

This includes providing timely and courteous responses to inmate concerns and questions, as well as actively engaging with inmates throughout their housing unit during their shift. Officers must become familiar with all inmates under their supervision, identifying and addressing potential issues early on. Additionally, they are responsible for offering direction and coaching to inmates, encouraging participation in programming activities, and organizing events within the housing unit.

SELECTION GUIDELINES Formal application, rating of education and experience, interview, reference checks, drug screen, physical, polygraph, psychological exam and background investigation ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ESSENTIAL DUTIES Maintain custody, control, and supervision of assigned inmates to ensure a safe, secure, and orderly environment. Enforce facility policies, procedures, and inmate rules consistently, fairly, and professionally. Monitor inmate behavior to identify security, medical, or behavioral concerns, taking appropriate action and notifying supervisors as needed.

Supervise inmates during housing, recreation, meals, visitation, work assignments, court appearances, medical appointments, and other authorized activities. Respond to emergencies, disturbances, alarms, and security incidents by securing the facility, restraining disruptive inmates when necessary, and requesting or providing assistance. Conduct routine security inspections, inmate counts, searches, and facility inspections to identify contraband, safety hazards, sanitation concerns, or security risks.

Complete intake and release procedures, including admissions screening, searches, property inventory, issuance of clothing and hygiene items, and housing assignments. Monitor facility safety and security systems, including fire alarms, surveillance equipment, and related security devices, reporting malfunctions or hazards promptly. Observe inmates for medical concerns, coordinate appropriate medical notifications, monitor medication distribution, and provide emergency first aid, CPR, or AED use when required.

Maintain accurate reports, logs, incident documentation, inmate records, and other required documentation. Assist with maintaining facility cleanliness, equipment, and living areas in accordance with established standards. Escort inmates, visitors, attorneys, contractors, and authorized personnel throughout the facility as required.

Transport inmates to courts, medical appointments, other detention facilities, or approved locations when assigned. Participate in shift briefings, training, committees, and other departmental assignments. Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS High School Diploma or G.E.D. Must be 19 years or older at the time of employment. Must be able to obtain and maintain the certification as a Correctional Officer within 1 year of employment

Must maintain all required certifications including Defensive Tactics, CPR, OC Spray, and Taser. Have and maintain a valid Driver's License, as well as meet eligibility requirements of "acceptable driving standards" as defined by the County. This position is subject to random drug testing throughout employment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES Effective communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with diverse individuals. Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and manage time effectively. Proficiency in using the Microsoft Office Suite and other software related to data management, communication, and other common business processes.

Ability to follow established policies and procedures for confidentiality while adapting to evolving privacy standards and technologies. Ability to build and maintain positive relationships within a team. Knowledge of correctional operations, inmate supervision, security procedures, and infection control practices.

Skill in observing inmate behavior and identifying potential safety or security concerns. Skill in responding quickly and effectively during emergencies. Ability to supervise inmates professionally, fairly, and effectively while maintaining safety and security.

Ability to prepare reports and maintain confidential records. Ability to understand, interpret, and apply department policies, jail standards, and applicable federal, state, and local laws. Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions during stressful or emergency situations.

Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain emotional stability, and demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and discretion. Ability to adapt to changing priorities, schedules, and operational needs in a 24-hour facility. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT Work is performed primarily within a secure correctional facility on an assigned shift supporting a 24 hour, 7 day a week operation and requires continuous interaction with incarcerated individuals, coworkers, law enforcement personnel, attorneys, medical staff, and members of the public.

The position operates in a structured, security-focused environment where strict adherence to policies, procedures, and safety protocols is essential. Corrections Officers are required to physically engage inmates in order to protect the inmate, themselves, other officers, and other inmates. This may involve subduing and restraining one or more inmates who may have weapons.

While calling for backup is advised, there are instances where the Officer is required to take action before assistance arrives. Incidents requiring physical intervention may arise as frequently as several times a day. Incidents may not last long but require Officers to become and remain physically fit and not have medical conditions that pose a threat to themselves or others should the need for physical confrontation arise.

An incumbent must also have the strength, endurance, agility and coordination to perform the essential functions of the job including self-defense and inmate restraint. Incumbents must be willing and able to work any shift, including weekends, holidays, and overtime. Work involves the potential for contact with or exposure to blood borne pathogens or other body fluids and infectious materials.

Work requires close interaction with detainees and may be difficult or emotionally challenging when dealing with those who are irate or verbally abusive, their family members, or when dealing with critical situations. An incumbent must possess the hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate computers, control panels, radios, locking/unlocking doors, alarms, and other equipment used to perform the essential functions of this job. Communication abilities include the ability to communicate with co-workers, detainees, and their family members, superiors, etc.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks.