Correctional Officer

State of Indiana • Carlisle, IN

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Correctional Officer works as part of a team at Wabash Valley Correctional Facility, a multi-level security Indiana Department of Correction facility for adult males. The role maintains unit security and the safety of staff and incarcerated individuals while ensuring 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 position starts at $22.00 per hour base pay plus $2.00 per hour differential, equivalent to $2,058.00 biweekly or $53,508.00 annually. Candidates with relevant experience may qualify for a higher base pay. Overtime is not included in these figures.

The work is physically, emotionally, and mentally demanding, requiring vigilance for periods of up to 16 hours and judgment in stressful situations that may involve a threat of harm or injury. Officers must respond to emergencies, assess whether force is needed, recognize suicidal behavior, and make decisions when dealing with unruly or irate incarcerated individuals. Weapons may be carried when assigned to tower duty, transportation, escape, or 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 maintain vigilance, respond to emergencies, and make sound decisions in stressful situations.
• Must be able to meet minimum physical standards where required by the duties, as demonstrated through fitness training and/or assessment.
• Must have keen observational and hearing skills and use and maintain firearms with discretion.

Nice To Haves

• 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 institutional grounds and building cleanup.
• Escort incarcerated individuals to and from locations for food, medicines, work assignments, and recreation.
• Maintain 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 determining when force may be needed and recognizing suicidal behavior.
• Carry weapons when assigned to tower duty, transportation, escape, or special assignments.

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.
• 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
• Education Level: High school or GED