Corrections Officer Trainee - SCI Mercer

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Corrections is seeking a Corrections Officer Trainee to start a career that makes a real difference. You will receive hands-on training and guided support to learn safety and order within a state facility.

You will build practical skills, gain confidence, and contribute to inmate and staff well-being. The role is full-time with a 40‑hour week, no telework, and a robust benefits package including retirement options.

Qualifications

• PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
• Successful completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA is required.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Responsibilities

• Interact with inmates and visitors in direct and indirect situations.
• Monitor inmate movement and activities to maintain security.
• Make rounds, head counts, security checks, and report unusual situations.
• Work a 40-hour week with shifts including weekends and holidays.
• Provide guidance to inmates adjusting to correctional processes.
• Prepare detailed reports and respond to emergencies.

Job description

THE POSITION

Join the Department of Corrections as a Corrections Officer Trainee and begin a career that makes a real difference. This role offers hands‑on training and steady support as you learn how to maintain safety and order within a state correctional facility. You will build strong skills, gain confidence, and help support the well‑being of inmates and staff.

THE POSITION

Join the Department of Corrections as a Corrections Officer Trainee and begin a career that makes a real difference. This role offers hands‑on training and steady support as you learn how to maintain safety and order within a state correctional facility. You will build strong skills, gain confidence, and help support the well‑being of inmates and staff. If you have a strong dedication to public service and want to help keep the public safe, we encourage you to submit an application for the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Mercer.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position provides training and guided experience in the custody, supervision, and support of inmates in a state correctional facility. The role involves direct interaction with inmates and structured learning in essential security and counseling practices.

• Inmate Contact: Interact with inmates and visitors in both direct and indirect situations
• Maintain Security: Monitor inmate movement and activities in cellblocks, housing units, work areas, dining spaces, and recreation areas to maintain security
• Observation: Make periodic and unannounced rounds, conduct head counts, complete security checks, and report unusual situations to a Corrections Officer
• Work Schedule: Full-time employment where you will work a 40-hour work week with shifts to be determined, work any shift and work in all areas of the institution as assigned, work overtime as required by operation necessities and emergencies, work on weekends and holidays which occur during your normal work schedule, and report to work under adverse weather conditions
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position
• Training Participation: Participate in formalized instruction in the areas of sociology, psychology, court procedures, self-defense, leadership, custodial responsibilities, and the facility’s organizational structure
• Provide Guidance: Offer advice and guidance to inmates adjusting and participating in correctional processes and agency rules/regulations
• Prepare Reports: Write and complete detailed reports
• Respond to Emergencies: Act quickly and safely during emergency situations
• Uniforms: Wear employer-provided uniforms
• Union Membership: Follow promotion provisions of a collective bargaining agreement or memorandum
• Salary: Starting hourly rate is $23.49; Shift differential is up to $1.25 per hour
• Retirement: Eligible for full retirement benefits at age 50 or 55
• Benefits Package: Comprehensive benefits package, including health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs

INTERVIEW PROCESS

Interviews for these vacancies are scheduled for October 7, 2026 and if needed October 8, 2026. Please check your inbox and spam mail regularly as additional information regarding the interview process will be sent to the email address you utilized when applying for this vacancy. You must follow all instructions provided in notices to be considered for a vacancy.

Required Experience, Training & Eligibility

QUALIFICATIONS

Other Requirements

• PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
• Successful completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA is required.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements

• You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.
• Candidates must successfully complete a medical examination, psychological evaluation, and urinalysis screening for drugs.

Veterans

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. 7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS)

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.