Correctional Officer- Corrections

Howard County Government; Jessup (MD); On-site; USD 53,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible benefits plan

Group life insurance

Paid annual leave

Job summary

Howard County Government is seeking a Corrections Officer to perform full-time jail security at the Howard County Detention Center in Maryland. You will maintain security, custody, and order for inmates under supervision.

Starting salary at hire is $58,535 annually, with a 12-month probationary period during which you will receive correctional classroom and field training. Requirements include a High School Diploma or GED, U.S. citizenship, and Maryland certification eligibility.

Qualifications

• Minimum education: High School Diploma or GED.
• Minimum age 21 years.
• U.S. Citizenship or Resident Alien status.
• Eligibility for certification by the Maryland Correctional Training Commission and possession within one year of appointment.
• Valid Class C driver's license or equivalent.
• Successful qualification with handgun/shotgun or other long rifle.

Responsibilities

• Maintains security, care, and custody of inmates at the Howard County Detention Center.
• Conducts inmate supervision, searches, and disciplinary actions.
• Conducts security rounds, counts, and inspections.
• Processes inmate intake and discharge; handles clothing, property, and funds.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with staff, volunteers, and inmates.
• Transporting inmates as required.
• No supervisory responsibilities in this role.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Security awareness

Public safety experience

Computer skills

Word processing

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Howard County:

Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.

Howard County Government

Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2025, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 83 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the highest number of annual NACo awards achieved in the history of the State of Maryland, and the highest number of awards out of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 136 awards. NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking.

Position Summary/Class Description

Howard County:

Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.

Howard County Government

Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2025, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 83 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the highest number of annual NACo awards achieved in the history of the State of Maryland, and the highest number of awards out of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 136 awards. NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.

What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government:

• We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.


• We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!


• We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs.


• As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.

Position Summary

Performs correctional work at the full performance level as a certified Correctional Officer under supervision from a technical superior and is responsible for maintaining security, care and custody of incarcerated persons in the Howard County Detention Center.

STARTING SALARY AT HIRE IS $58,535 ANNUALLY/$28.14 HOURLY

Class Description

Performs technical level corrections operations work under regular supervision from a technical superior. Work includes maintaining security and discipline of inmates both on and off the property of the Howard County Detention Center on an assigned shift. Work also includes guarding inmates at an assigned location and in cell blocks; and participating in counseling and rehabilitation programs as assigned. An individual in this class will serve a 12-month probationary period during which time they must attend and satisfactorily complete correctional classroom and field training.

• This is a Classified position, meaning that it is a part of the Howard County Classified Service upon completion of a probationary period of at least six (6) months*

Collaboration

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Works and cooperates with co-workers and supervisors at all levels.


• Inmate Supervision & Security: Maintains security over inmates; observes behavior; supervises work assignments, recreational and housing activities; searches inmates and living/work/program areas for cleanliness, safety, and contraband.


• Security Rounds & Inspections: Conducts and records security rounds, formal and informal counts, and inspections.


• Intake & Release Processing: May process inmate intake and discharge; reviews legal, court, and official documents; issues and receives clothing, property, and funds under supervision.


• Professional Relationships: Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with staff, volunteers, and inmates.


• Inmate Transport: May transport inmates and provide security outside the detention center.


• SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Minimum Required Education/Experience

• High School Diploma or GED


• Minimum age of 21 years


• U.S. Citizenship or Resident Alien status


• Eligibility for certification by the Maryland Correctional Training Commission and possession of such certificate within one (1) year of appointment.


• Valid Class C driver's license or equivalent issued by State of residence.


• Successful qualification with Department issued handgun and shotgun or other long rifle.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Computer and word processing skills.


• Prior military, security, counseling, or public safety experience.


• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, with diverse populations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and outside weather conditions. May have contact with approved departmental chemical agents. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. There is a risk of physical injury or possible exposure to communicable diseases, use of physical force required upon occasion.

Language Skills, Mathematical Skills, And Reasoning Abilities

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Additional Information

Howard County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The County prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources directly at [e-mail]. Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application.

The following is a summary of the benefits available to Howard County employees who hold full-time benefit-eligible positions. Employees in positions covered by a bargaining agreement should consult their union contract for other specific benefits. Additional details are also available in the Employee Manual and in summary plan descriptions which are available in the Office of Human Resources or at https://www.howardcountymd.gov/human-resources/benefit-plans.

• FLEXIBLE BENEFITS PLAN: Under the County's flexible benefits plan called CountyFlex, employees may elect to enroll in medical insurance plans, dental insurance plans, optional life insurance, dependent life insurance, and healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts. Employee contributions to these benefits are made on a pre-tax basis. Information concerning enrollment options, plan rates and a benefits comparison chart are available in the Office of Human Resources.


• GROUP TERM LIFE INSURANCE: Employees receive a group term life insurance benefit equal to 2 times their annual salary at no cost. Accidental death and dismemberment coverage is included. The County pays the entire cost for this benefit. Employees may purchase additional coverage under the CountyFlex benefits plan.


• PAID LEAVE BENEFITS: Annual and Disability Leaves are accrued over 24 pay periods each year. Personal leave is credited on January 1st each year. Use of Annual, Disability and/or Personal Leave requires supervisory approval.


• ANNUAL LEAVE: During the first 5 years of employment, employees accrue the equivalent of 13 days per year. From years 6 through 10, the accrual is the equivalent of 16 days per year. From years 11 through 20, the accrual is the equivalent of 19 days per year. From year 21 on, the accrual is the equivalent of 21 days per year. Annual leave may not be used during the first 6 months of employment. A maximum of 40 days may be carried over from one fiscal year to the next.


• DISABILITY LEAVE: Employees accrue the equivalent of 1 day per month (12 days per year). There is no maximum accrual. This leave may be used for the disabling illness/injury of the employee, spouse or minor child or for a serious medical condition approved under F.M.L.A. Absences of over 3 days must be substantiated by a physician's certificate.


• PERSONAL LEAVE: Employees receive 6 personal leave days each calendar year to be taken during the calendar year. Employees hired after April 30th receive 4 days of personal leave that year; those hired after August 31st receive 2 days; and those hired after November 30th receive no personal leave for that year. Personal leave may not be carried over.


• HOLIDAYS: Employees are paid for the following holidays: New Year's Day; Martin Luther King Day; President's Day; Good Friday; Memorial Day; Juneteenth; Independence Day; Labor Day; Columbus Day; Veteran's Day; Thanksgiving Day; Friday after Thanksgiving Day; Christmas Day.


• OTHER PAID LEAVE: Other paid leave will be granted for approved jury duty, military leave, bereavement leave and official leave. Unpaid leave will be granted in accordance with the Family and Medical Leave Act.


• RETIREMENT: Howard County sponsors a defined benefit plan for its employees. participation in the plan is mandatory. Employees are required to make contributions to the plan, which are taken on a pre-tax basis. Contribution rates are dependent upon the plan in which the employee participates (general plan, or police and fire plan). The County contributes an additional percentage sufficient to ensure that each plan is adequately funded. Complete details are available in the summary plan descriptions which are available in the Office of Human Resources.Howard County Retirement Plan: Employees contribute 3% of salary to the plan. Sheriff Deputies hired after 7/1/2021 contribute 8.5% of salary to the plan. All eligible Corrections Employees must enroll in the Corrections Employees Enhanced Benefit and must contribute 8.5% of salary to the plan.Howard County Police and Fire Employees' Retirement Plan: Sworn police officers and career firefighters must participate in this plan. Police employees contribute 11.6% of salary and Fire employees contribute 7.7% of salary to the plan.


• SOCIAL SECURITY: Participation is mandatory. Employees contribute at the current established rate.


• 457(b) DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN: Employees are eligible to participate in an IRS 457(b) deferred compensation program. This plan allows employees to defer a portion of their income on a pre-tax basis. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction on a tax deferred basis.


• EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Employees experiencing problems that affect their personal lives and job performance may take advantage of confidential assessment and referral services.


• EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE: Employees may apply for reimbursement for tuition costs after completion of 6 months of employment. Prior course approval is required. The maximum annual reimbursement is $2500 contingent upon County funding.


• PAID PARENTAL LEAVE: Employees who have worked for the county for at least twelve (12) months are eligible for twelve (12) weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the qualifying birth of a child, or the placement of a child with an employee for adoption or foster care. Leave must be used within the 12 months following the birth or placement.


• LONG TERM DISABILITY BENEFITS: Employees who have completed 6 months of service are enrolled in the LTD plan. After 6 months of disability, plan may pay 60% of base monthly pay up to $2500 per month. The County pays the entire cost of this benefit.


• DISABILITY LEAVE BANK: Employees have established a Disability Leave Bank to which employees may donate disability leave in order to be eligible to receive salary and benefit protection when they are absent due to a serious disabling illness or injury and have exhausted all accrued leave. Employees are eligible to join the Bank after having completed 1 year of employment. Administration of the Bank, including the review and approval of claims for grants of time, is handled in accordance with the Bank's Rules and Regulations which are available in the Office of Human Resources.


• VOLUNTARY BENEFIT OPTIONS: Employees may elect to enroll in long term care insurance, critical illness insurance, short term disability income protection, and universal life insurance.


• CREDIT UNION: Employees may participate in the Tower Federal Credit Union through payroll deductions. Loans are also available to qualified applicants.