State of Connecticut Executive Branch

Correctional Commissary Operator (2311CO)

$28.37-$37.38 Hourly / $2,056.75-$2,709.43 BiWeekly /
$53,681.00-$70,716.00 Yearly


PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In a Department of Correction facility or district this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks in the commissary operation.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of a Correctional Services Manager (Commissary), Correctional Lead Commissary Operator or other employee of higher grade.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May lead Correctional Commissary Operator Trainees, inmates or other lower level employees as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Oversees staff and inmates in coordinating commissary operations as follows:

INVENTORY CONTROL: 

  • Performs continuous inventory as well as periodic full inventory of all stock items; 
  • Identifies depleted stock as well as slow moving items and initiates purchase orders to maintain needed inventory levels, meet increased demands, phase out items in low demand and add new items to stock; 
  • Keeps up with changes in stock prices from contract vendors and adjusts order slips and price controls; 
  • Receives shipments of goods from vendors; 
  • Inspects goods for damage and compliance with order; 
  • Signs for items received; 
  • Directs rotation of stock and maintenance of stock room; 
  • Maintains records and prepares reports.
  • Performs related duties as required.

SCANNING/SALES: 

  • Arranges for and/or distributes order slips to inmates; 
  • Upon receipt of orders verifies inmate account balance; 
  • Scans orders into commissary data system; 
  • Supervises inmate employees in filling orders; 
  • Supervises totaling of bill and deduction of total from inmate balance or relays data to accounting personnel; 
  • Arranges for and/or delivers orders directly to inmates; 
  • Provides feedback to management on commissary product evaluation by inmates; 
  • Verifies acceptance of delivery.
  • Performs related duties as required.

SECURITY: 

  • Develops security precautions and routines for protecting stock and limiting access to commissary area; 
  • Monitors actions of inmate workers to prevent pilferage; 
  • May shakedown or strip search inmates for contraband prior to leaving premises; 
  • May physically restrain inmates, quell disturbances and otherwise assist custodial forces in emergencies.
  • Performs related duties as required.

SUPERVISION: 

  • Trains and develops job skills in assigned inmates; supervises inmates assigned to commissary; 
  • Maintains appropriate discipline; 
  • Submits necessary reports on inmate behavior, training, progress, disciplinary measures, recommendations for accrual of good time, adjustments in pay, etc.; 
  • Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

  • Considerable knowledge of
    • principles and methods of retail purchasing techniques; 
    • stock and inventory control methods; 
  • Knowledge of
    • prison security procedures; 
    • bookkeeping techniques; 
  • Skills
    • interpersonal skills; 
    • oral and written communication skills; 
  • Ability to utilize computer software.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Four (4) years of experience in commissary or retail merchandising, wholesale sales, warehouse sales or warehouse operations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

One (1) year of the General Experience must have been at the level of a Correctional Commissary Operator Trainee.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

  • College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equaling one-half (1/2) year to a maximum of two (2) years.
  • Experience as a Correction Officer may be substituted for the General Experience to a maximum of two (2) years on a year for year basis.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Incumbents in this class must have reached their 21st birthday.
  • Incumbents in this class are required to possess a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certification at the time of appointment.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to successfully complete a formal training course in correctional work to develop the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the class.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain either a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license, a Commercial Driver’s license or both.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

CHARACTER REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the checking of references and of facts stated in the application, a thorough background investigation of each candidate may be made before persons are certified for appointment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Incumbents in this class must have general good health, be free from any disease or injury which would impair health or usefulness and possess and retain sufficient physical strength, stamina, agility, endurance and visual and auditory acuity required to perform all the duties of the class.
  • A comprehensive medical examination, including a controlled substance screening, will be required of all applicants upon a conditional offer of employment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to significant stress of confinement within a dangerous and volatile prison population and to considerable danger of injury from assaultive and/or abusive inmates and disagreeable conditions.

JOB CLASS DESIGNATION

Classified/Competitive

OCCUPATIONAL GROUP

(04)-Business Management

BARGAINING UNIT

(08)-CORR OFFICERS (NP-4)

EEO

(4)-Protective Service

SALARY INFORMATION

CO 07

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes.  As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.

CANCELLATION CLAUSE

This replaces the existing specification for the title of Correctional Commissary Operator in Salary Group CO 07 approved effective August 7, 2015. (Revised to modernize format and add Acknowledgement Section) Final No. 23-171

EFFECTIVE DATE

07/12/2023

CLASS: 2311CO; EST: 8/25/1978; REV: 7/13/2023;