Correction Officer - OSP

State of Ohio • Youngstown, OH

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Correction Officer maintains control of the Ohio State Penitentiary to support the safety and security of the facility, inmates, staff, and the public. The role enforces applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; supervises inmate activity; and helps maintain assigned areas in a clean, safe, and secure condition. Officers monitor and operate security controls, equipment, and computers, conduct counts, rounds, and searches, and complete required reports. Duties may include operating vehicles for perimeter security and inmate transportation and serving on committees. When necessary, officers may use physical force, unarmed self-defense, firearms, or other force to detain or secure inmates and prevent escapes or security incidents.

This is a permanent, full-time classified position at the Ohio State Penitentiary in Youngstown, Ohio. The starting rate is $24.88 per hour at step 1, increasing to $25.61 per hour at step 2 after six months of employment. Employees working second or third shift earn an additional $0.60 per hour; work hours vary. The position has a 365-day probationary period.

Applicants must pass the correction officer assessment, unless they completed it within the past 24 months or are current Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction employees previously certified as correction officers. A high school diploma or GED is required. A valid driver’s license is required for positions assigned to the transportation section, and a commercial driver’s license is required to drive vehicles qualifying as commercial. Final applicants are subject to pre-employment drug testing and a criminal background investigation. The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace, and this position is subject to specified restrictions related to firearms and marijuana use.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Successfully pass the correction officer assessment, or have completed it within the past 24 months, or be a current Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction employee previously certified as a correction officer.
• Valid driver's license for positions assigned to the transportation section.
• Commercial driver's license when driving vehicles that qualify as commercial.
• Final applicants must undergo pre-employment urinalysis drug testing and a criminal background investigation.
• Must not fall within the stated prohibited hiring categories, including certain weapons disabilities, specified sexual-abuse or terrorism-related offenses, and felony convictions with a direct correlation to the position.

Responsibilities

• Maintain institutional control and enforce rules, regulations, policies, and procedures to protect the safety and security of the facility, inmates, staff, and public.
• Supervise and direct inmate activity in assigned areas.
• Ensure assigned areas are clean, safe, and secure.
• Monitor and operate security controls, equipment, and computers.
• Operate vehicles for perimeter security and inmate transportation.
• Conduct inmate counts, security rounds, and searches.
• Complete required reports and serve on committees.
• Prevent escapes and incidents that threaten security.
• When necessary, use physical force, unarmed self-defense, firearms, or other force to detain or secure inmates.

Benefits

• Medical coverage
• Free dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums after the eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal leave, sick leave, and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, adoption, and foster care leave
• Education and development opportunities, including employee development funds and Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Public retirement systems, including OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS
• Optional deferred compensation through Ohio Deferred Compensation

What This Job Offers

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