Correctional Officer

State of Indiana•Westville, IN

8d•Onsite

About The Position

As a Correctional Officer at Westville Correctional Facility, you will work as part of a team in a multi-level 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, consisting of seven shifts, including one weekend shift. The position starts at $22.00 per hour in base pay plus $1 per hour of differential pay, or $1,972.25 biweekly and $51,278.50 annually. Candidates with relevant experience may qualify for a higher base pay; overtime is not included in these figures. Westville Correctional Facility is located in Westville, Indiana, and has capacity for more than 3,400 incarcerated adult males. The facility provides education, re-entry, and community-service programs, including vocational and academic opportunities. Staff maintain an environment focused on safety, structure, and rehabilitation. Employees will be part of the workforce that is expected to move into the new Westville State Prison when it opens in early to mid-2027. The work is physically, emotionally, and mentally demanding. Officers must remain vigilant for extended periods, respond to emergencies, make decisions about the use of force, and recognize suicidal behavior. The environment may involve a threat of harm or injury. Officers may carry weapons when assigned to tower duty, transportation, escape, or other special assignments. The role includes supervision of incarcerated individuals and requires sound 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.
Ability to work with and around incarcerated individuals in accordance with the DOC mission statement.
Ability to work mandatory or voluntary overtime on any shift, up to 16 consecutive hours per day.
Ability to understand and properly use chemical agents.
Ability to communicate effectively, including giving clear directions and completing conduct reports.
Strong critical-thinking skills and the ability to apply them as needed.
Must successfully complete personal protection training to continue employment.
High school diploma or High School Equivalent (HSE) required; a degree is not required.
Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ability to maintain constant vigilance for periods of up to 16 hours and react to emergency situations.
Physical ability to perform duties that may involve frequent walking, standing, climbing, bending, stooping, pushing, and pulling.
Above-average strength to restrain one or more incarcerated individuals in accordance with policy and procedure.
Ability to run short distances to provide immediate care, protection, or attention.
May be required to meet minimum physical standards through fitness training or assessment.
Keen observation and hearing skills to stay alert to potential danger.
Strong discretion in the appropriate use and maintenance of a firearm.

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, conduct counts, and secure buildings and grounds.
Follow and ensure compliance with established security procedures.
Manage incarcerated individuals in work details, including general cleanup of institutional grounds and buildings.
Escort incarcerated individuals to and from locations for meals, medicine, 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, plus vision and dental plans.
Wellness Rewards Program with gift card rewards for completing wellness activities.
Health savings account with biweekly state contributions.
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.
Eligibility as an employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Free parking for most positions.
Free LinkedIn Learning access.