Correctional Officer

State of Indiana•Michigan City, IN

8d•Onsite

About The Position

As a Correctional Officer at Indiana State Prison, you will work as part of a team in a maximum-security Indiana Department of Correction facility for adult males. During a typical 12-hour shift, you will maintain unit security and the safety of staff and incarcerated individuals while ensuring 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 position starts at $22.00 per hour base pay plus $2 per hour differential pay, equivalent to $1,800 biweekly or $46,800 annually; candidates with relevant experience may qualify for higher base pay. Overtime may also be earned. The work is physically, emotionally, and mentally demanding and requires constant vigilance, sound judgment, and the ability to respond to emergencies. Officers supervise incarcerated individuals and may carry weapons when assigned to tower duty, transportation, escape, or special assignments. Work generally follows departmental and institutional policies, but may require on-the-spot decisions when dealing with unruly or irate individuals.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
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 apply them as needed.
Must successfully complete personal protection training to continue employment.
Must have a high school diploma or High School Equivalent (HSE); a degree is not required.
Must be able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Must maintain vigilance for periods of up to 16 hours and respond to stressful situations involving potential physical harm or injury.
Must be able to perform frequent walking, standing, stair or ladder climbing, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, or similar movements, depending on duties and setting.
Must have above-average strength to restrain one or more incarcerated individuals as required by 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 and discretion in the appropriate use and maintenance of a firearm.

Nice To Haves

Veteran or law-enforcement experience is encouraged.

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 conduct counts.
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).
Respond to emergency situations, including assessing the need to use force and recognizing suicidal behavior.
Supervise incarcerated individuals with a high level of judgment and care.

Benefits

Three medical plan options, including prescription coverage, as well as 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.