Correctional Officers

Correctional Officer

The Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office, located in historic downtown Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is now accepting applications for Correctional Officers to maintain safety and security within one of the most respected correctional facilities!

Join a dedicated public safety team as we expand our facility to better serve our community! We will be adding staff as new areas open to support our growing operations.

Our next new hire class will start October 5, 2026, with additional hiring planned in early 2027 - so whether you're ready to start soon or planning ahead, we encourage you to apply today !

What does this career offer you?

• GREAT WAGES!
• JUST ADDED! Classroom training has been extended by one full week with the addition of Crisis Intervention Training (CIT). This specialized, 40-hour law-enforcement training equips COs with effective de-escalation techniques to safely and professionally managing individuals experiencing mental health crises.
• CERTIFICATIONS! Upon successful completion of the training program, Officers earn certifications in: Crisis Intervention Training, CPR & First Aid, National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Terminal Operator, National Incident Management System (NIMS), Pepper Spray, Criminal Justice Information Service (CJIS), and Defensive Tactics - Law Enforcement Krav Maga. Possible certifications COs may earn in the future include PepperBall, Pistol, and Taser 10.
• Emphasis on mental and physical well-being! Annual mental health visits are provided to officers to confidentially discuss concerns or issues with a professional. Additional sessions are offered by the County for officers and family members along with access to financial resources, legal advisors, work and lifestyle support, and educational resources. The Jail has an onsite workout facility, and the County also offers gym reimbursement, wellness challenges, and health and fitness education throughout the year.

How is this job going to help you personally grow and develop? A career as a Correctional Officer offers meaningful personal and professional growth. You will strengthen your communication skills, develop strong problem-solving abilities, and build confidence in managing conflict. Our experienced instructors will teach you the techniques you need to handle the real-world situations you will encounter in our Jail. You will learn how to effectively interpret body language, quickly assess evolving conditions and circumstances, and make sound decisions to resolve conflict in complex environments. Training includes fundamental communication strategies and defensive tactics focused on de-escalation and maintaining safety. After completing our academy, you will immediately begin reinforcing your training on the job with the support of experienced staff. Beyond technical skills, being a Correctional Officer also builds patience, empathy, and a deeper understanding of people from all walks of life.

How you will make an impact:

• Keeping the facility safe, secure, and running smoothly by conducting inmate head counts, wellness checks, cell inspections, and regular security rounds throughout the jail and perimeter.
• Being the steady presence during high-pressure moments by responding to emergencies, applying crisis-intervention techniques, and de-escalating mental-health situations with skill and compassion.
• Guiding inmates through the justice system with professionalism, overseeing intake and release processes, fingerprinting and photographing, property management, and ensuring all documentation is accurate and secure.
• Maintaining order and structure every day by supervising recreation, meals, medication distribution, visitations, and inmate movement, helping keep operations safe and secure.
• Serving as a trusted link between agencies, courts, and the jail, conducting NCIC checks, managing warrants and protection orders, and supporting inmates as they access programs and services.
• Ensuring smooth operations behind the scenes by handling communications equipment, logging movement and activity, distributing mail and supplies, and keeping detailed records that maintain accountability across shifts.
• Contributing to a secure, respectful environment where inmates, staff, and the public feel protected, heard, and supported thereby strengthening trust in the local justice system every day.

What you need to succeed in this role:

• High school diploma or GED and one year of relevant work experience. Comparable combination of education and work experience may be considered.
• Possession of a valid driver's license and must maintain a safe driving record with Minnehaha County.
• Must successfully complete pre-employment background process.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Must maintain ability to be a credible witness in court.
• Ability to make appropriate decisions quickly and with tact and impartiality.
• Ability to learn and apply the policies and procedures of law enforcement operations.
• Ability to perform all functions of physical restraint techniques, as instructed, for inmate safety and the safety of others.
• Ability to build and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with colleagues, other agencies, and the public.
• Present a professional appearance and communicate with others in a respectful and approachable way.
• Preferred qualifications include an associate or bachelor's degree in criminal justice, experience working in corrections, and knowledge of legal terminology.

EEO Statement:

Minnehaha County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, sex or gender including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity, marital status, age, disability, veteran's status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by contacting Human Resources at .

Insurance: Coverage effective 1st of the month following 30 days of employment. Available for employees and dependents. Health/Prescription - Minnehaha County's health benefit plan offers low deductibles with two network options for coverage: Avera or Sanford. The county pays for 75% of the premium rates. Pharmacy benefits included. Dental - Minnehaha County offers dental insurance through Delta Dental which covers 100% of diagnostic and preventative services. Life Insurance - Minnehaha County provides a $15,000 basic life insurance policy for every full-time employee along with and additional $15,000 accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) benefit. Additional term life insurance and AD&D may be purchased by employees for themselves and dependents through payroll deduction.

Retirement: Retirement Plan - Minnehaha County participates in the South Dakota Retirement System. Employees receive a 6% match (8% for certified law enforcement). Other SDRS benefits include long term disability. Employees are vested after 3 years of continuous employment. Deferred Compensation Plan - Employees may choose to save additional funds toward retirement on a pre-tax or after-tax (Roth IRA) basis through our supplemental retirement program.

Paid Time Off: Earn approximately 130 hours annually, with increasing accruals with each year of service. PTO available beginning on day one. Holiday Leave - 12 days per calendar year Extended Sick Leave - approximately 65 hours per year

Flexible Spending Plan: Flexible Spending Reimbursement Accounts (FSA) - Minnehaha County offers FSA for Health Care and Dependent Care. This is a great way to put money aside for health and dependent care costs on a pre-tax basis.

Eye Med Vision Policy: Eye Med Insight Network - Minnehaha County offers a vision plan for employees and dependents! The plan offers low premiums with a frame or lens allowance of up to $130 per year and an annual eye exam. Choose from participating retailers such as Pearle Vision, Target Optical, LensCrafters and many others!