PRISON LAUNDRY WORKER

OVERALL OBJECTIVE OF JOB:

This position is responsible for the secure operation of the institutional laundry program while supervising inmate workers assigned to laundry, cleaning, and facility support functions. The employee combines correctional supervision responsibilities with laundry operations, inmate workforce management, custodial support, and minor maintenance assistance to ensure the safe, secure, and efficient operation of the facility. The employee reports to the Shift Commander and/or Maintenance Supervisor.

SALARY:  $54,080/annually ($26/hour)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF JOB:

1. Maintains custody, control, and supervision of inmate workers assigned to the laundry operation.

2. Conducts inmate counts, searches, and inspections as required. 

3. Enforces facility rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. 

4. Monitors inmate behavior and addresses violations through appropriate corrective action.

5. Maintains security of equipment, tools, chemicals, and supplies.

6. Oversees the collection, sorting, washing, drying, folding, and distribution of inmate clothing, staff uniforms, linens,       towels, blankets, and other institutional laundry.

7. Operates and monitors commercial laundry equipment.

8. Maintains inventory levels of linens, uniforms, laundry supplies, and related equipment.

9. Inspects laundry items for damage, wear, or replacement needs.

10. Maintains accurate records of laundry production, inventory, and distribution.

11. Escorts inmate workers assigned to cleaning, sanitation, and maintenance details throughout the facility.

12. Supervises inmate work crews engaged in housekeeping and janitorial functions.

13. Pushes and transports laundry carts, shower carts, supply carts, and related equipment throughout the institution.

14. Assists Maintenance Department staff with minor maintenance projects and facility repairs.

15. Performs basic maintenance tasks including painting, moving equipment, changing light bulbs, assembling furniture, and other non-skilled maintenance duties.

16. Assists with facility inspections and identifies maintenance concerns requiring repair.

17. Supports institutional moves, special projects, emergency operations, and facility events.

18. Ensures proper handling, storage, and use of cleaning chemicals and detergents.

19. Maintains a clean, organized, and safe work environment.

20. Completes required reports, logs, and documentation.

OTHER DUTIES OF JOB:

1. Attends meetings, training, and seminars as required.

2. May be required to respond to after-hours calls, emergency situations, or serve in an on-call capacity as operational needs dictate.

3. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

1. Receives instruction and supervision from the on duty Shift Commander, Maintenance Supervisor, Warden or the Warden’s designee.

SUPERVISION GIVEN:

1. Supervises inmate workers and inmate work crews assigned to laundry, cleaning, sanitation, maintenance, and facility support details.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. Work is performed within a secure correctional facility and includes direct inmate contact.

2. Works indoors and outdoors with exposure to weather related elements.

3. Normal indoor exposure to dust/dirt.

4. May be exposed to potentially hazardous situations, infectious materials, bodily fluids, cleaning chemicals, heat, humidity, noise, and stressful conditions.

5. Required to wear prescribed uniforms and safety equipment and adhere to all security protocols.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL CONDITIONS:

1. Must possess the ability to record, convey, and present information, explain procedures, communicate effectively, and follow instructions.

2. Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods and bend, stoop, reach, climb stairs, and perform physical tasks associated with laundry and maintenance operations.

3. Dexterity requirements range from simple to coordinated movements of fingers/hands; feet/legs; torso necessary to carry out job duties.

4. Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

5. Must be able to push, pull, and maneuver laundry carts, shower carts, supply carts, and related equipment.

6. Must be able to work in environments with heat, humidity, noise, and exposure to cleaning chemicals.

7. Must be able to respond to emergencies and maintain physical readiness.

8. Must be able to exercise sound judgment and cope with the physical and mental stress of the position.

QUALIFICATIONS

A.EDUCATION/TRAINING:

1. High school diploma or GED

2. It is expected that the successful candidate for this position will achieve and maintain certifications in First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, and the use of automatic external defibrillator (AED).

B.WORK EXPERIENCE:

1. Previous correctional, security, maintenance, custodial, warehouse, or industrial laundry experience preferred.

C.ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License.

2. Favorable criminal history background check.

3. Pennsylvania Child Abuse and FBI Child Abuse Clearances.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

1. Knowledge of correctional facility security practices and procedures. 

2. Ability to supervise inmate work crews effectively and professionally.

3. Ability to operate commercial laundry equipment safely.

4. Ability to maintain accurate records and inventories.

5. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

6. Ability to exercise sound judgment in stressful situations.

7. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and inmates.

Dauphin County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an inclusive workplace free of discrimination and harassment. Dauphin County prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.