Correction Officer

State of Connecticut • Bridgeport, CT

16h • Onsite

About The Position

A career as a Correction Officer with the State of Connecticut, Department of Correction (DOC), offers meaningful public service work with opportunities for advancement, specialized assignments, leadership development, and long-term career growth. The DOC is one of Connecticut's largest state agencies. No prior correctional experience is required, as new Correction Officers receive comprehensive, paid training through the Connecticut Dept. of Correction Training Academy. This training combines classroom instruction with hands-on, practical preparation for working in a correctional environment, developing skills in communication, decision making, safety, security, teamwork, and working effectively with diverse populations. Correction Officers have multiple pathways for advancement, including roles in specialized units (K9, Tactical, Counselor roles, Training, Policy Development), as well as promotional tracks leading to Lieutenant, Captain, Deputy Warden, and Warden.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or certification of having passed the General Educational Development (GED) certification examination.
• Must have reached their 21st birthday.
• Must successfully complete a formal training course in correctional work.
• May be required to possess and retain either a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license, a Commercial Driver’s license or both.
• May be required to travel.
• Considerable interpersonal skills.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Considerable ability to understand departmental and institutional policies and regulations and apply them fairly and consistently.
• Ability to analyze situations quickly and accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to utilize computer software.

Nice To Haves

• Experience communicating effectively with diverse groups, including persons of various ethnic, racial groups, religions and socio-economic levels.
• Related education or work experience.
• A stable work history and reliable attendance.
• Ability to follow directions.
• Military experience.
• Experience working rotating shifts.

Responsibilities

• Performs periodic head count.
• Conducts periodic search of all areas available to inmates.
• Checks all incoming visitors and/or packages and/or mail for contraband.
• Performs pat or strip searches of inmates as needed.
• Secures access points to assigned area.
• Checks area for fire safety and emergency evacuation procedures.
• Monitors all movement through assigned area.
• Transports inmates to and from courts, hospitals, half way houses, other institutions and directed destinations.
• Maintains log of inmate movement into and out of unit and verifies and/or authorizes movement through written (pass) or phone communication with sending and/or receiving staff for such activities as work assignments, counseling sessions, visitors, clinic and dental appointments, court appointments, meals, etc.
• Directs inmate access to rooms, recreation areas, dining areas, shower and telephone facilities, special group meetings and ensures transition is orderly and timely.
• Monitors inmates in above activities and ensures discipline and security are maintained.
• Evaluates and reports on inmate performance.
• Participates in directed treatment activities as required.
• May be required to physically restrain inmates.
• Sets up and/or maintains records relating to admissions, court appearances, property, financial assets, medication, disciplinary actions, living assignments, work assignments, key control, use of force and/or restraint, punitive segregation, etc. in accordance with regulations.
• Ensures admissions, transfers and discharges are accompanied by appropriate paperwork.
• Prepares reports and documentation relative to assigned activities.
• Orders and dispenses supplies for assigned area.
• Dispenses and collects commissary slips and orders.
• Screens visitors to ascertain if authorized and grants or denies admission on judgment of perceived security risk.
• Responds to emergency requirements in event of fire, escape or call for assistance.
• Handles incidents and crisis situations involving inmates through use of effective oral communication skills.
• Interfaces with related law enforcement personnel.
• May schedule inmate appointments with counselors, clinics, clergy and school.

Benefits

• Paid training
• Opportunities for advancement
• Specialized assignments
• Leadership development
• Long-term career growth
• Overtime compensation
• Shift differentials
• Meal stipends
• Paid time off with holidays, vacation, personal leave, and sick leave
• Professional training and development opportunities
• Retirement savings plans, including: hazardous duty benefits, 401(k) and a 457(b) deferred compensation plan options
• Professional uniforms provided annually
• Free on-site parking
• Platinum Healthcare Plan
• Student Loan Forgiveness (eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Opportunities for continued education

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED