Correctional Officer

State of Indiana•Pendleton, IN

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Correctional Officer works as part of a team at the medium-security Correctional Industrial Facility in Pendleton, Indiana, a facility for adult males. The officer maintains unit security and the safety of staff and incarcerated individuals while ensuring that daily activities and programs stay 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 involves supervising incarcerated individuals and requires sound judgment and care. Work is physically, emotionally, and mentally demanding, with extended periods of vigilance and a potentially stressful environment where errors in judgment may cause harm. Officers respond to emergencies, assess when force may be needed, recognize suicidal behavior, and make decisions when managing unruly or irate individuals. Depending on assignment, officers may carry weapons. Duties generally follow departmental and institutional policies, and other responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

Requirements

At least 18 years of age.
Valid driver’s license.
Willingness 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, including up to 16 consecutive hours per day.
Ability to understand and properly use chemical agents.
Effective communication skills, including giving clear directions and completing incarcerated individual and conduct reports.
Strong critical-thinking skills and ability to apply them as needed.
Ability to successfully complete personal protection training to continue employment.
High school diploma or High School Equivalent (HSE); a degree is not required.
Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ability to maintain vigilance for periods of up to 16 hours and respond to emergency situations.
Depending on assignment, ability to carry and use firearms with discretion, and to meet minimum physical standards through fitness training and/or assessment.
Physical ability to perform frequent walking, standing, stair or ladder climbing, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, and similar movements as duties require.
Above-average strength to restrain incarcerated individuals as required by policy and procedure.
Ability to run short distances to provide immediate care, protection, or attention.
Keen observational and hearing skills to remain alert to potentially dangerous situations.

Nice To Haves

Veteran or law-enforcement background; candidates with this experience 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 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).
Provide supervision for incarcerated individuals.
Respond to emergency situations and determine when use of force may be necessary, consistent with policy and procedure.

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 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.