McKean County is accepting applications for full-time shift
supervisor positions at the prison.
The positions entail supervising correctional officers in
maintaining security and overseeing daily operations of the prison.
Applications are due to outgoing Warden Dennis Luther by March
31.
Legal Affairs and Human Resources Director Michele Alfieri said
Monday the positions were created last year.
“Originally, they were filled from within (the prison),” Alfieri
said. “This time around, nobody from within wanted to take the
positions.”
Alfieri said the supervisor jobs fall under the auspices of the
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
(AFSCME). The individuals are responsible for the night shifts when
the warden and deputy warden are not available.
“They manage the guards and are the person in charge,” Alfieri
said. “If something were to flare up they would also call the
warden to notify him about it. Under the union contract, the jobs
had to be made available in house.”
Alfieri said there were initially four supervisor positions
available. According to a legal advertisement appearing in The Era
Monday, starting pay for the jobs is $14.20 an hour with
benefits.
In addition to maintaining security and overseeing daily
operations, the ad indicates the supervisors will be responsible
for the enforcement of rules and regulations relative to security,
safety and sanitation. The individuals will also direct inmate work
details, the serving of meals, recreation, visiting and the
delivery of other services and programs.
Also, the individuals will be responsible for investigating
inmate misconduct, resolve complaints and respond to emergency
situations, according to the ad.
News of the county accepting applications for the posts comes on
the heels of the McKean County Prison Board naming Tim Woodruff as
the new warden at the prison, effective April 1.
Woodruff, who currently serves as deputy warden, will take over
the reins of the prison from Luther, who is stepping down to pursue
other interests.
The board will now turn its attention to filling Woodruff’s
deputy warden spot. Officials said that position will likely be
discussed during the next regular meeting of the prison board,
April 7.
In the past few years, the prison has struggled to meet state
standards and has been dealing with overcrowding issues. County
officials, however, said improvements have been made under Luther’s
watch.
