Correctional Officer I (Northern State Correctional Facility)

State of Vermont•Newport, VT

2d•Onsite

About The Position

A career with the Vermont Department of Corrections offers more than a job—it provides an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others while serving your community. Correctional Officers play a critical role in maintaining safety and security while supporting rehabilitation, accountability, and positive change. This profession combines elements of security, human services, communication, problem-solving, and leadership. Through extensive training and ongoing professional development, Correctional Officers gain skills that can lead to advancement opportunities throughout the Department of Corrections. Many permanent positions are filled through internal promotion, making this an excellent opportunity to begin a long-term career with the State of Vermont. Your career begins with a structured training process designed to prepare you for success. New hires complete a minimum of 40 hours observing correctional operations and the daily responsibilities of a Correctional Officer. Recruits attend a six-week paid training academy focused on the core skills and knowledge required for the profession. Upon graduation, recruits return to their assigned facility and complete two weeks of supervised training with a Facility Training Officer. Following successful completion of training, employees enter a six-month probationary period. Start dates are based on facility needs and candidate availability. Corrections professionals in Vermont work in a system that believes in the basics of human change. Intensive training prepares entry level Correctional Officers for a career that blends security work, human services and leadership opportunities. This work is rewarding on many levels and draws on a wide range of skills. Many of our permanent positions are filled by promoting temporary employees, so external candidates are encouraged to apply to both temporary and permanent job openings.

Requirements

High school graduation or equivalent AND two (2) years or more full-time work experience.
OR One (1) year or more of college level course work AND one (1) year or more of full-time work experience.
OR Two (2) years or more of college level course work.
Adequate physical condition to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ability to don a self-contained breathing apparatus and perform evacuation procedures, potentially including search and rescue functions.
Valid motor vehicle operator's license is necessary.
Must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position.
Must provide relevant information regarding substantiated incidences of sexual abuse or resignation during a pending investigation of an allegation of sexual abuse.
Candidates who have any felony conviction record or who, within the past five (5) years, have been placed under supervision or sanctioned for a misdemeanor conviction must receive a waiver from the Commissioner of Corrections in order to be considered for employment.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a correctional setting
Military experience

Responsibilities

Maintain safety and security within the correctional facility.
Support rehabilitation, accountability, and positive change for inmates.
Perform essential duties of a Correctional Officer in a secure correctional environment.
Work overtime as required to maintain safe staffing levels.
Work weekends and holidays when scheduled.
Complete annual mandatory training requirements.
Don a self-contained breathing apparatus and perform evacuation procedures, potentially including search and rescue functions.
Transport and supervise inmates outside of the correctional facility may be required.