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Join a forward-thinking agency committed to enhancing public safety through effective correctional practices. As a Correctional Officer, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and security of inmates while promoting rehabilitation and successful reentry into society. This position offers a competitive salary, a $5,000 hiring bonus, and opportunities for professional development through the Correctional Officer Training Academy. With a strong emphasis on ethics, communication, and physical fitness, this role is perfect for individuals passionate about making a meaningful impact in their communities.
Join us in our mission to enhance public safety across Arizona through modern, effective correctional practices and meaningful engagements. We are embarking on a vision of reimagining corrections, guided by four overarching and mission-centered goals:
- Foster a meaningful organizational culture that promotes team development
- Implement optimal population management and progression strategies
- Deliver high-quality services and continuity of care in complexes and communities
- Modernize and sustain our practices and resources
Applicants who successfully complete our selection process will have the opportunity to attend and complete the seven-week Correctional Officer Training Academy (COTA) in Tucson, Arizona. Graduates of COTA will receive a Certificate of Completion in Correctional Technology, equivalent to 21 college credit hours. Following COTA, you will begin serving a required 12-month probationary period, making a meaningful impact on the communities we serve.
By joining our team of dedicated Correctional Officers, you will make a significant impact in ensuring the safety and security of Arizona Department of Corrections (AZDOC) prison facilities statewide. You will promote rehabilitation, and assist in the successful reentry of inmates into society.
Specifically, your duties will include:
- Ensuring the security of the inmate population within the facility's perimeter
- Providing supervision and guidance to inmates
- Conducting thorough pat and strip searches to maintain safety
- Effectively de-escalate situations
- Initiating and completing reports accurately and in a timely manner
- Fulfilling all assigned post duties diligently
- Responding promptly to emergency situations as required
As a Correctional Officer, you will need to possess a unique set of knowledge and skills to effectively carry out your responsibilities. Some of the key requirements for this role include:
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Strong communication skills are vital when dealing with a diverse inmate population and working alongside colleagues. The ability to effectively communicate instructions, de-escalate conflicts, and build respectful relationships is essential.
- Ethical Conduct and Professionalism: Correctional Officers must uphold high standards of ethics, integrity, and professionalism. Adhering to the code of conduct, maintaining confidentiality, and demonstrating impartiality in decision-making are critical aspects of the role.
- Physical Fitness and Stamina: Working within a correctional facility requires physical fitness and stamina. This role may involve standing for extended periods, performing searches, restraining individuals, and responding to emergency situations.
Not Applicable
The applicant selection process will involve the following steps:
- Submitting an employment application
- Successfully completing written exam
- Undergoing a fit-pro examination
- Completing a medical/physical exam
- Undertaking a psychological examination
- Passing a thorough background check
- Successfully passing a pre-employment drug test
By ensuring that applicants successfully complete the selection process, we strive to secure committed individuals into the role.
All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
We offer an excellent and affordable comprehensive benefits package to meet the needs of our employees:
- Vacation and sick days with 10 paid holidays per year
- Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
- Robust and affordable insurance plan to include medical, dental, life, short-term and long-term disability options
- Exceptional retirement program
- Optional employee benefits such as deferred compensation plans, credit union membership, and a wellness program
- An incentivized commuter club and public transportation subsidy program
Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit ourbenefits page
Positions in this classification participate in the Corp Retirement Plan.
Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting 602-542-7572 option 1.
Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. Arizona State Government is an AA/EOE/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer.