Correctional Officer

State of Indiana•Plainfield, IN

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Correctional Officer works as part of a team at Plainfield Correctional Facility, a medium-security Indiana Department of Correction facility for adult males. Officers maintain unit security and the safety of staff and incarcerated individuals while ensuring that daily activities and programs proceed on schedule. A typical shift is 12 hours; officers work 85.75 hours over each two-week pay period across seven shifts, including one weekend shift. The position begins at $22.00 per hour in base pay, plus $1.00 per hour in differential pay, equivalent to $1,972.25 biweekly or $51,278.50 annually. Candidates with relevant experience may qualify for higher base pay; overtime may also be earned. The work is physically, emotionally, and mentally demanding. Officers must remain vigilant for extended periods, respond to emergencies, use judgment in situations involving potential danger, and recognize suicidal behavior. Duties are generally standardized and follow departmental and institutional policy, but may also require on-the-spot decisions. Officers may carry weapons when assigned to tower duty, transportation, escape, or other special assignments. The role supervises incarcerated individuals and requires a high level of judgment and care.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old.
Must possess a valid driver’s license.
Must be willing to travel, with reasonable accommodation.
Must test negative on all drug screenings.
Must be able to work with and around incarcerated individuals in accordance with the DOC mission statement.
Must be able to work mandatory or voluntary overtime on any shift, up to 16 consecutive hours per day.
Must be able to understand and properly use chemical agents.
Must communicate effectively, including giving clear directions and completing incarcerated individual and conduct reports.
Must have strong critical-thinking skills and be able to apply them as needed.
Must successfully complete personal protection training to continue employment.
A high school diploma or High School Equivalent (HSE) is required; a degree is not required.
Must be able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Must be able to maintain vigilance for periods of up to 16 hours and respond to emergency situations.
Physical demands may include frequent walking, standing, climbing stairs or ladders, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, and similar movements.
Must have above-average strength to restrain one or more patients or incarcerated individuals according to policy and procedure.
Must be able to run short distances to provide immediate care, protection, or attention.
May be required to meet minimum physical standards through fitness training or assessment.
Must have keen observational and hearing skills.
Must exercise discretion in the appropriate use and maintenance of a firearm.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Maintain personal safety and the safety of staff and incarcerated individuals.
Monitor assigned areas at intervals to secure incarcerated individuals, buildings, and grounds, and to count incarcerated individuals.
Follow and ensure compliance with established security procedures.
Manage incarcerated individuals in work details, including cleaning institutional grounds and buildings.
Escort incarcerated individuals to and from locations for food, medicines, work assignments, and recreation.
Keep records and prepare reports about 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.
Respond to emergencies, including assessing the need to use force and recognizing suicidal behavior.
Carry weapons when assigned to tower duty, transportation, escape, or special assignments, as determined by the appointing authority or designee.

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 for eligible employees, up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers, up to 15 hours of paid community service leave, and 180 combined 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.
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Free parking for most positions.
Free LinkedIn Learning access.