Correctional Officer

State of Indiana•Albion, IN

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Correctional Officer works as part of a team at the Chain O’Lakes Community Re-Entry Center, a minimum-security Indiana Department of Correction facility for adult males. During a typical 12-hour shift, the officer maintains unit security and the safety of staff and incarcerated individuals while ensuring that daily activities and programs proceed on schedule. Officers work 85.75 hours during each two-week pay period across seven shifts, including one weekend shift. The starting base pay is $22.00 per hour, or $1,886.50 biweekly and $49,049 annually; candidates with relevant experience may qualify for higher base pay. Overtime may also be earned. The facility is located in Albion, Indiana, within Chain O’Lakes State Park. It serves individuals in the final 12–36 months of their sentences, with educational and treatment programs intended to support re-entry, as well as work crews supporting park maintenance and community projects. The work is physically, emotionally, and mentally demanding. Officers must remain vigilant for extended periods, respond to emergencies, use judgment in potentially volatile situations, and may carry weapons when assigned to tower duty, transportation, escape, or special assignments. Work generally follows established policies and standardized tasks, but may require on-the-spot decision-making.

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 incarcerated-individual and conduct reports.
Have strong critical-thinking skills and be able to apply them as needed.
Successfully complete personal protection training to continue employment.
Have a high school diploma or High School Equivalent (HSE); a degree is not required.
Be able to perform the essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Be able to maintain vigilance for periods of up to 16 hours and respond to emergencies, including recognizing suicidal behavior and determining when force is needed.
Meet minimum physical standards if required through fitness training or assessment, and be able to perform the physical demands of the role.
Have keen observational and hearing skills and discretion in the appropriate use and maintenance of a firearm.

Nice To Haves

Veteran or law-enforcement experience; veteran and 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 intervals to maintain security, account for incarcerated individuals, and secure buildings and grounds.
Follow and ensure compliance with established security procedures.
Manage incarcerated individuals in work details, including 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 concerning incarcerated individuals’ movements, activities, and rule violations.
Search incarcerated individuals’ housing areas and visitors for unauthorized items.
Attend work at assigned worksite(s).
Supervise incarcerated individuals with a high level of judgment and care.

Benefits

Three medical plan options, including prescription coverage, plus vision and dental plans.
Wellness Rewards Program with gift card rewards for completing wellness activities.
Health savings account with a biweekly state contribution.
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 a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Free parking for most positions.
Free LinkedIn Learning access.