Correctional Associate Warden - Gaston Correctional Center

State of North Carolina•Gaston County, NC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is located at Gaston Correctional Center in Dallas, N.C. (Gaston County), a 242-bed minimum custody facility with approximately 57 staff. The Correctional Assistant Superintendent for Program I is a key member of the facility’s leadership team, overseeing all program services within a small correctional facility housing fewer than 300 minimum custody offenders. This role provides comprehensive direction and coordination in planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating corrective, rehabilitative, and therapeutic programs that support offender growth and positive behavior. The position ensures staff development, policy compliance, program integrity, and alignment with departmental standards, while also assisting with overall facility management, administrative processes, communication, and strategic planning. The position additionally serves as the Associate Warden during the Warden’s absence and rotates as Officer in Charge and Duty Officer. Established working hours are Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, with 24/7 availability to meet facility needs. This position reports directly to the Facility Warden.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited institution and one year of supervisory or management level experience in correctional programs; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Must be eligible for certification by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education & Training Standards Commission.
Meet Criminal Justice Standards requirements (12 NCAC 09G .0302).
Pass a criminal background check.
Produce a negative drug screening result.
Successfully complete medical and psychological evaluations.
Possess a valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience applying departmental policies and procedures, with working knowledge of correctional programs and offender rehabilitation strategies.
Demonstrated experience in interpreting assessment results and psychological factors related to offender behavior, classification, and program needs.
Demonstrated experience in synthesizing data and applying knowledge of complex correctional operations to make accurate, defensible offender classification and program decisions.

Responsibilities

Provides leadership and oversight for a wide range of facility programs including classification, chaplaincy, recreation, transitional services, work assignments, prison life initiatives, healthcare, mental health services, evidence-based interventions, and educational opportunities.
Supervises both direct and indirect staff, manages recruitment and performance processes, coordinates resources, ensures compliance with all departmental manuals and policies, and evaluates program effectiveness.
Maintains structured offender schedules, oversees daily and special activities, ensures proper implementation of programming and evidence-based practices, and conducts audits and inspections to maintain operational standards.
Directs offender classification processes, ensuring timely, accurate, and policy compliant decisions related to custody levels, transfers, restrictions, and special reviews.
Supports facility operations by preparing reports, responding to inquiries from offenders, families, attorneys, agencies, and the public, coordinating communication among staff, resolving program related concerns, and contributing to budget planning.
Serves as a resource to internal and external stakeholders and consistently maintains professionalism, sound judgment, and effective communication to support safe, compliant, and productive facility operations.
Serves as the Associate Warden during the Warden’s absence and rotates as Officer in Charge and Duty Officer.