Correctional Officer

DOC/Prisons • Dover, DE

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Correctional Officer is an entry-level position responsible for the discipline and security of an assigned post inside and/or outside a secure facility. The officer develops a working knowledge of rules, regulations, procedures, techniques, and equipment through orientation and on-the-job training, and reports to a technical supervisor.

Before assignment to an institution, candidates must successfully complete all phases of an eleven-week Correctional Officer Basic Course administered by the Department of Correction at the Steven R. Floyd Sr. Training Academy. The course includes physical, classroom, and hands-on training in inmate supervision, defensive tactics, riot control, weapons, report writing, and emergency medical training.

The position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement. New cadets may be eligible for a $5,000 signing bonus, paid in installments; the program may be terminated by the Department of Correction at any time. The annual base starting salary is $55,421.21, increasing to $59,580.00 after successful completion of the Correctional Employee Initial Training course and assignment to a facility. A 5% shift differential may apply when working four or more hours between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.

Requirements

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Possess a valid driver's license that is not suspended, revoked, cancelled, or disqualified.
• Successfully complete all phases of the eleven-week Correctional Officer Basic Course before institutional assignment.
• Be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Upon a conditional offer, successfully complete a criminal background check, physical ability test, approved psychological examination, pre-employment drug test, and medical examination.
• Upon a conditional offer, undergo a pre-employment baseline two-step tuberculin skin test.

Responsibilities

• Maintain control of inmates while escorting individuals or groups within the prison.
• Keep accurate inmate head counts at the assigned security post.
• Conduct periodic shakedowns and search inmates, visitors, employees, cell blocks, and other structures for prohibited items such as tools, weapons, and contraband.
• Operate manual and electronic locking systems.
• Enforce rules, regulations, and procedures affecting inmate discipline, security, and safety.
• Observe inmate activities to detect unusual or prohibited behavior that may threaten facility security or the safety of inmates, employees, or visitors.
• Ensure inmates meet standards of care for living areas and personal hygiene.
• Maintain custody of inmates during transport to other institutions and in the community for court appearances or appointments.
• Prepare and maintain daily logs and routine reports of activities and incidents on the assigned shift using an automated information system.
• May train and care for K-9s, including feeding, grooming, and kennel maintenance.
• May provide backup inside the institution during riot control and shakedown activities.
• May participate in the pursuit of escapees.

Benefits

• $5,000 signing bonus for new cadets, paid in installments, subject to the Department of Correction's signing bonus program.
• 5% shift differential when working four or more hours between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
• Comprehensive benefit package.
• Potential retirement eligibility under HB363 after meeting the stated pension-creditable service requirements.

What This Job Offers

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