Correction Officer

JobAps; Bridgeport (CT); On-site; USD 51,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid training

Paid time off

Retirement plans

Uniforms provided

Free on-site parking

Job summary

The State of Connecticut Department of Correction (DOC) is seeking Corrections Officers to maintain confinement, safety, and security within facilities. No prior correctional experience is required; new officers receive comprehensive, paid training.

Officers work a rotating schedule (36.25 hours/week) with second or third shifts; overtime and shift differentials are possible. Benefits include holidays, vacation, personal and sick leave, and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or GED.
• Experience communicating effectively with diverse groups (preferred).
• Stable work history and reliable attendance (preferred).

Responsibilities

• SECURITY: Performs periodic head count; conducts searches for contraband; checks visitors and mail; performs searches as needed; monitors movement.
• INMATE CONTROL: Maintains log of inmate movement; directs access to rooms and facilities; ensures discipline and security; evaluates inmate performance.
• ADMINISTRATION: Maintains admissions records; prepares reports; orders and dispenses supplies; performs related duties.
• COMMUNICATION: Screens visitors, responds to emergencies, handles incidents with inmates; interfaces with law enforcement; conducts orderly transitions.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Oral and written communication

Work under pressure

Computer literacy

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Introduction

Build a Career That Can Take You Places A career as a Correction Officer�with the State of Connecticut, Department of Correction (DOC), can be the beginning of something bigger. As one of Connecticut's largest state agencies, DOC offers meaningful public service work paired with opportunities for advancement, specialized assignments, leadership development, and long-term career growth. We'll Prepare You for the Job No prior correctional experience is required. New Correction Officers receive comprehensive, paid training through the Connecticut Dept. of Correction Training Academy. Training combines classroom instruction with hands-on, practical preparation for working in a correctional environment. You will develop skills in communication, decision making, safety, security, teamwork, and working effectively with people from a wide variety of backgrounds.

Career Advancment

Start with us, stay with us, and grow with us. Correction Officers have multiple pathways for advancement, including roles in specialized units (K9, Tactical, Counselor roles, Training, Policy Development), as well as promotional tracks leading to Lieutenant, Captain, Deputy Warden and Warden.

Salary:

• Starting pay: $26.83 per hour ($1,944.83 biweekly, annualized to $50,760)
• After completion of initial training (10 weeks): $29.81 per hour ($2,160.92 biweekly, annualized to $56,400);
• Additional compensation opportunities are available through overtime, shift differentials, and meal stipends.

Position Highlights:

• Schedule: Correction Officers work a base schedule of 36.25 hours per week on a rotating basis (5 days on, 3 days off rotating shift). May be required to work additional mandatory overtime hours. In order to apply to this position, you must be able to work second or third shift and be willing to be held over for additional hours based on facility need;
• Facility Assignments: Candidates will not be able to select which facility they would like to work at: assignments are solely at the discretion and based on the needs of the agency;
• Hazardous duty position;
• Paid time off with holidays, vacation, personal leave, and sick leave;
• Professional training and development opportunities;
• Retirement savings plans, including: hazardous duty benefits, 401(k) and a 457(b) deferred compensation plan options;
• Professional uniforms provided annually;
• Free on-site parking at each facility.

What We Can Offer You:

A Platinum Healthcare Plan, the nation’s best for state employees and dependents, according to a report by Georgetown’s Center on Health Insurance Reform and article by Ellen Andrews, Ph.D., along with comprehensive benefit offerings.

Student Loan Forgiveness - the State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student loans forgiven after 10 years of service.

Tuition reimbursement and opportunities for continued education and training.

A healthy work/life balance to all employees.

Our state has a lot to offer - from fun activities for all ages, to great food and shopping, to beautiful state parks and forests, to our diverse cultures and rich history. Connecticut is a great place to live!

Our Guiding Mission and Principals:

The State of Connecticut, Department of Correction (DOC) shall strive to be a global leader in progressive correctional practices and partnered re-entry initiatives to support adaptive evidence-based practices aligned to law‑abiding and accountable behaviors. Safety and security shall be a priority component of this responsibility as it pertains to staff, victims, citizens and offenders. This includes:

• Appropriate and accurate assessment of every incoming offender;
• Individual programming, education and job training for offenders;
• Shared economic, community, social and collaborative partnerships through research and best practices.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In a Department of Correction facility this class is accountable for the confinement, safety, control and monitoring of sentenced and/or un-sentenced inmates and security of the facility.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• SECURITY:
  • Performs periodic head count;
  • Conducts periodic search of all areas available to inmates;
  • Checks all incoming visitors and/or packages and/or mail for contraband;
  • Performs pat or strip searches of inmates as needed;
  • Secures access points to assigned area;
  • Checks area for fire safety and emergency evacuation procedures;
  • Monitors all movement through assigned area;
  • Transports inmates to and from courts, hospitals, half way houses, other institutions and directed destinations;
  • Performs related duties as required.
• INMATE CONTROL:
  • Maintains log of inmate movement into and out of unit and verifies and/or authorizes movement through written (pass) or phone communication with sending and/or receiving staff for such activities as work assignments, counseling sessions, visitors, clinic and dental appointments, court appointments, meals, etc.;
  • Directs inmate access to rooms, recreation areas, dining areas, shower and telephone facilities, special group meetings and ensures transition is orderly and timely;
  • Monitors inmates in above activities and ensures discipline and security are maintained;
  • Evaluates and reports on inmate performance;
  • Participates in directed treatment activities as required;
  • May be required to physically restrain inmates;
  • Performs related duties as required.
• ADMINISTRATION:
  • Sets up and/or maintains records relating to admissions, court appearances, property, financial assets, medication, disciplinary actions, living assignments, work assignments, key control, use of force and/or restraint, punitive segregation, etc. in accordance with regulations;
  • Ensures admissions, transfers and discharges are accompanied by appropriate paperwork;
  • Prepares reports and documentation relative to assigned activities;
  • Orders and dispenses supplies for assigned area;
  • Performs related duties as required.
• COMMUNICATION:
  • Dispenses and collects commissary slips and orders;
  • Screens visitors to ascertain if authorized and grants or denies admission on judgment of perceived security risk;
  • Responds to emergency requirements in event of fire, escape or call for assistance;
  • Handles incidents and crisis situations involving inmates through use of effective oral communication skills;
  • Interfaces with related law enforcement personnel;
  • May schedule inmate appointments with counselors, clinics, clergy and school;
  • Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

• Considerable
• interpersonal skills;
• oral and written communication skills;
• Considerable ability to
• understand departmental and institutional policies and regulations and apply them fairly and consistently;
• analyze situations quickly and accurately and adopt an effective course of action;
• work under pressure;
• Ability to utilize computer software.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from high school or certification of having passed the General Educational Development (GED) certification examination.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience communicating effectively with diverse groups, including persons of various ethnic, racial groups, religions and socio-economic levels;
• Related education or work experience;
• A stable work history and reliable attendance;
• Ability to follow directions;
• Military experience;
• Experience working rotating shifts.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Incumbents in this class must have reached their 21st birthday.
• Incumbents in this class are required to successfully complete a formal training course in correctional work to develop the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the class.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain either a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license, a Commercial Driver’s license or both.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

CHARACTER REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the checking of references and of facts stated in the application, a thorough background investigation of each candidate may be made before persons are certified for appointment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Incumbents in this class must have general good health, be free from any disease or injury which would impair health or usefulness and possess and retain sufficient physical strength, stamina, agility, endurance and visual and auditory acuity required to perform all the duties of the class.
• A physical fitness assessment will be required of all applicants.
• A comprehensive medical examination, including a controlled substance screening, will be required of all applicants upon a conditional offer of employment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to significant stress of confinement within a dangerous and volatile prison population and to considerable danger of injury from assaultive and/or abusive inmates and disagreeable conditions.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.