Correctional Officer

State of Indiana • La Porte, IN

8d • Onsite

About The Position

As a Correctional Officer at LaPorte Juvenile Correctional Facility, you work as part of a team in a multi-level security Indiana Department of Correction facility for juvenile females. During typical 12-hour shifts, you maintain unit security and the safety of staff and incarcerated individuals while helping ensure daily activities and programs proceed on schedule. Over each two-week pay period, officers work 85.75 hours across seven shifts, including one weekend shift.

LaPorte Juvenile Correctional Facility is located in LaPorte, Indiana, and houses up to 62 incarcerated juvenile females. It is the state's only female juvenile facility and serves as the intake site for female youth entering the Indiana Department of Correction. Its programming emphasizes education, treatment, and individualized services to support rehabilitation.

The work is physically, emotionally, and mentally demanding. Officers must remain vigilant for extended periods, respond to emergencies, and make decisions that may involve the use of force or recognizing suicidal behavior. Duties are generally standardized and governed by departmental and institutional policy, but may require immediate judgment in challenging situations. Officers may carry weapons when assigned to tower, transportation, escape, or other special duties.

The role supervises incarcerated individuals and requires judgment and care. A degree is not required, but a high school diploma or equivalent is required. Successful completion of personal protection training is required to continue employment. The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees.

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, for 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 emergencies and challenging situations.
• Must be able to perform physical tasks that may include walking, standing, climbing, bending, stooping, pushing, and pulling.
• Must have above-average strength to restrain one or more incarcerated individuals in accordance with 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

• Veteran and law-enforcement candidates are encouraged to apply.
• Candidates with relevant experience may qualify for a higher base pay.

Responsibilities

• Maintain personal safety and the safety of staff and incarcerated individuals.
• Monitor assigned areas at intervals to ensure 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, medicine, work assignments, and recreation.
• Maintain records and prepare reports regarding incarcerated individuals’ movements, activities, and rule violations.
• Search incarcerated individuals’ housing areas and visitors for unauthorized items.
• Attend work at assigned worksites.
• Supervise incarcerated individuals with a high level of judgment and care.
• Respond to emergency situations, including assessing the need to use force and recognizing suicidal behavior.

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.

What This Job Offers

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