Correctional Officer

State of Indiana • Pendleton, IN

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Correctional Officer works as part of a team at Pendleton Correctional Facility, an Indiana Department of Correction maximum-security facility for adult males. The officer maintains unit security and the safety of staff and incarcerated individuals while ensuring that daily activities and programs proceed on schedule. Typical shifts are 12 hours. Officers work 85.75 hours during each two-week pay period across seven shifts, including one weekend shift.

The work is physically, emotionally, and mentally demanding. It requires constant vigilance, sound judgment, and the ability to respond to emergencies, including assessing when force may be needed and recognizing suicidal behavior. Officers may carry weapons when assigned to tower, transportation, escape, or special duties. Work normally follows established departmental and institutional policies, but may require immediate decisions when managing unruly or irate incarcerated individuals. Workday attendance at assigned worksites is an essential function.

Requirements

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Possess a valid driver’s license.
• Be willing to travel, with reasonable accommodation.
• Test negative on all drug screenings.
• Be able to work with and around incarcerated individuals in accordance with the DOC mission statement.
• Be able to work mandatory or voluntary overtime on any shift, up to 16 consecutive hours per day.
• Be able to understand and properly use chemical agents.
• Communicate effectively, including giving clear directions and completing conduct reports.
• Have strong critical-thinking skills and be able to apply them as needed.
• Successfully complete personal protection training as a condition of continued employment.
• Have a high school diploma or high school equivalent (HSE); a degree is not required.
• Be able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Maintain vigilance for periods of up to 16 hours and respond to emergencies.
• Meet any applicable minimum physical standards demonstrated through fitness training or assessment.
• Use appropriate discretion in handling and maintaining a firearm when assigned.
• Perform physical activities that may include frequent walking, standing, climbing stairs or ladders, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, restraining individuals, and running short distances.

Nice To Haves

• Veteran or law-enforcement candidates are encouraged to apply.
• Relevant experience may qualify candidates for a higher base pay.

Responsibilities

• Maintain personal safety and the safety of staff and incarcerated individuals.
• Monitor assigned areas at various intervals to ensure the security and count of incarcerated individuals and the security of buildings and grounds.
• Follow and ensure compliance with established security procedures.
• Manage incarcerated individuals in work details, including general cleanup of institutional grounds and buildings.
• Escort incarcerated individuals to and from locations for meals, medicines, work assignments, and recreation.
• Keep records and prepare reports regarding incarcerated individuals’ movements, activities, and rule violations.
• Search incarcerated individuals’ housing areas and visitors for unauthorized items.
• Supervise incarcerated individuals with a high level of judgment and care.

Benefits

• Three medical plan options, including prescription drug coverage, plus vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program with gift card rewards for completing wellness activities
• Health savings account with biweekly state contributions
• Deferred compensation 457B account with employer match
• Two fully funded pension plan options
• Leave policies including 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
• Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays, or 14 in election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program with covered behavioral health visits
• Eligibility as an employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

What This Job Offers

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