CORRECTIONAL OFFICER I

State of Maryland; Maryland; On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity awaits those looking to start a career in corrections! Join a dedicated team as a Correctional Officer I, where you'll play a crucial role in maintaining custody and security within correctional facilities. This entry-level position offers competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and a clear path for advancement. With a supportive environment that values professional growth, you'll receive training and a generous hiring incentive. If you're physically fit, possess strong communication skills, and are ready to make a difference, this position is perfect for you. Embrace the challenge and become part of a vital public service team.

Benefits

Medical and Dental Coverage

Paid Time Off

Twenty-Year Retirement

Supplemental Retirement Options

State Employee Credit Union Membership

Hiring Incentive of $5,000

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; no prior experience needed.
• Must complete training prescribed by the Maryland Correctional Training Commission.

Responsibilities

• Provide care, custody, and control of inmates on assigned shifts.
• Direct inmate activities and maintain security in facilities.
• Administer emergency medical assistance when necessary.

Skills

Communication Skills

Physical Fitness

Problem Solving

Emergency Medical Assistance

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

Motor Vehicle

Class B Commercial Driver's License

Job description

Introduction

If you are looking for an exciting career in corrections with competitive pay, great benefits, retirement, and opportunity for advancement and professional growth – Apply to become a Correctional Officer today! The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) is seeking dedicated candidates for our Correctional Officer I entry-level position. This recruitment is ongoing and continuous and is a great way to begin a career with DPSCS. The position of Correctional Officer I is the first level in a non-competitive promotion series (NCP). Following a successful completion of one year of service and an initial probationary period, employees are promoted to the position of Correctional Officer II with a 6% salary increase. This promotional increase is in addition to any COLA or step increments approved by the MD General Assembly.

Benefits

As a member of the DPSCS team, in addition to a competitive salary, you can enjoy a wide range of benefits such as medical and dental coverage, paid time off (i.e. vacation, sick leave), twenty-year retirement, supplemental retirement options (i.e. 401k, 457b etc.), and even become a member of a state employee credit union.

Hiring Incentive

Newly hired Correctional Officers will receive a $5,000 incentive – $2,000 after successfully completing their training at a Maryland Police and Correctional Training Academy and $3,000 after successfully completing their probationary period. A regional hiring bonus of $2,500 is available for applicants who select the Hagerstown, Cumberland, or Eastern shore facilities.

Veterans

DPSCS will continually recognize and support our country’s veterans, service members, and their families. Our commitment applies to all employment practices including, but not limited to recruiting, hiring, promotions, training, benefits, retention, certification, and testing.

GRADE

CORR 0003

LOCATION OF POSITION

Multiple positions are located throughout the State of Maryland.

Main Purpose of Job

A Correctional Officer I is the entry-level position of custody, security, and supervision of adult inmates confined in a correctional facility. Employees in this classification receive close supervision and do not supervise other correctional officers. Correctional officers are assigned to morning, evening, night, or rotating shifts.

POSITION DUTIES

1. Provides care, custody, and control of inmates at a correctional institution on an assigned shift.
2. Directs inmate activities and maintains security in cell blocks, dining, and work areas.
3. Observes inmates from towers, in corridors, or in visiting areas.
4. Provides advice and guidance in assisting inmates in their adjustment to institutional rules and regulations.

Essential job functions

1. Attend an entrance level training program certified by the Maryland Corrections Training Commission.
2. Exercise care, custody, and control over inmates.
3. Administer emergency medical assistance to both inmates and staff.
4. Perform physically demanding tasks e.g. running, physical control of inmates, lifting.
5. Supervise inmates participating in work, leisure activities, formal programs, etc.
6. Work overtime as required by operational necessities and emergencies.
7. Effectively communicate verbally and in writing with inmates and staff.
8. Analyze situations and problems and provide appropriate solutions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: High School diploma or high school equivalency certificate acceptable to the Maryland State Board of Education as described in the Correctional Training Commission regulation.

Experience: None

Note: The above educational requirement is set by the Correctional Training Commission in accordance with Correctional Services Article, Section 8-209.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. A driver license is recommended but not required. Employees in this classification may be required to operate buses for the transportation of inmates. Employees assigned such duties will be required to obtain a Class B Commercial Driver's License with passenger and air brakes endorsements valid in the State of Maryland.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Employees who have not already done so must meet the selection standards required and have successfully completed the training prescribed by the Maryland Correctional Training Commission for a correctional officer during their probationary period. Selection standards for correctional officer training are listed in detail in the Code of Maryland Regulations Title 12, Subtitle 10, Chapter 01.

SELECTION PROCESS

The interview and written assessment process is now virtual. Candidates who successfully apply, submit their application, and meet the minimum qualifications will be contacted and scheduled for a virtual interview and written assessment.

Common Disqualifiers

1. Prior Drug Use
2. Arrest Records
3. Driving Records
4. Academy - Must meet the guidelines for certification by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission.
5. Military records - No separations less than honorable.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application and supplemental questionnaire may be emailed to [e-mail] or faxed to 410-484-5928.