CORRECTIONS OFFICER

State of Arkansas; Malvern (AL); On-site; USD 51,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Arkansas is seeking a Corrections Officer at Ouachita River Unit in Malvern to maintain security and supervise inmate behavior in a correctional facility. This safety-sensitive role requires vigilance, adherence to policy, and strong communication under pressure.

The incumbent will monitor inmate activities, perform building and grounds checks, and document incidents; participate in shift briefings and respond to emergencies as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or educational equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the security and conduct of inmates in cells, during group meetings, meals, recreation, visitations, and work assignments.
• Maintain perimeter security by monitoring the facility for escapees and disturbances.
• Perform security checks of buildings and grounds, including shakedowns and searches of inmates.
• Maintain logs for work release inmates and write incident reports.
• Escort inmates to visitations, court, and work assignments.
• Attend shift briefings to discuss incidents, problems, and weak points in security.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

De-escalation

Monitoring

Inmate reports

Physical fitness

Decision-making

Self-defense

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Position Number: 22086046
County: Hot Spring
Posting End Date: 12/31/2026
Anticipated Starting Salary: $50,845.00
Location: Ouachita River Unit - Malvern

The mission of the Department of Corrections is to be a public safety resource for Arkansas families by providing professional management solutions and evidence-based rehabilitative initiatives for offenders.

All DOC positions are designated as Safety Sensitive Positions and are subject to random drug testing pursuant to the Secretarial Directive governing Personnel Drug Testing. Medical marijuana usage, as defined in Amendment 93 of the Arkansas Constitution, prohibits Personnel in a Safety-Sensitive Position from the use of medical marijuana even if they are qualifying patient under the amendment and/or hold a registry identification card. Department Personnel are prohibited from the use or possession of a medicinal marijuana card pursuant to this policy and state law.

Position Information

Job Series: Corrections Officers - Career-path

Classification: Corrections Officer

Class Code: SCO05P

Pay Grade: LES02

Salary Range: $50,845 - $75,251

Job Summary

The Corrections Officer is responsible for maintaining security and overseeing the work and behavior of inmates in a correctional facility. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.

Primary Responsibilities

• Supervise the security and conduct of inmates in cells, during group meetings, meals, recreation, visitations, and work assignments.
• Maintain perimeter security by monitoring the facility for escapees and/or disturbances.
• Perform security checks of buildings and grounds, including shakedowns and searches of inmates.
• Maintain logs for work release inmates and write incident reports.
• Escort inmates to visitations, court, and work assignments.
• Attend shift briefings to discuss incidents, problems, and weak points in security.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to manage and de-escalate high-tension situations calmly and effectively.
• Proficient in monitoring behaviors and identifying potential security risks.
• Monitor inmate activities and write detailed reports.
• Capability to perform physically demanding tasks, including emergency responses.
• Quick and sound decision-making in high-stress or emergency’s.
• Exercise self-defense tactics when necessary.

Minimum Qualifications

The formal education equivalent of a high school diploma.

Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee’s demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.

Licensure/Certifications

N/AOTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.