Lateral Corrections Officer

Lake County; Waukegan (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking dedicated Corrections Officers to ensure the safety and security of inmates in a county jail environment. This role involves enforcing rules, maintaining order, and supervising inmate transportation. Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma, be physically fit, and possess strong conflict resolution skills. With a competitive salary, a sign-on bonus, and opportunities for career growth, this position offers a rewarding path for those looking to make a difference in their community. Join a collaborative team committed to serving the residents of Lake County with pride and purpose.

Benefits

Sign-On Bonus

Excellent benefit package

Career growth opportunities

Qualifications

• Must be 21 years old and authorized to work in the U.S.
• No felony convictions; valid driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Secure inmates and enforce jail regulations.
• Transport and supervise inmates to court and hospital.

Skills

Enforcement of rules and regulations

Conflict resolution

Record keeping

Physical fitness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

30 college credit hours in psychology or criminology

Tools

Uniform

Job description

Are you looking for a challenging role within an organization that provides rewarding compensation, an excellent benefit package, and career growth opportunities? If so, Lake County Government is the place for you. Comprised of nearly 3,000 employees, it is our goal to positively serve the residents of Lake County while working with a purpose. We believe our employees should take pride in the work they accomplish while truly respecting a collaborative work environment.

The Corrections Officer is responsible for securing inmates in the County Jail. This work involves enforcing rules and regulations, preventing escapes, maintaining order and discipline among inmates, and escorting inmates to and from their cells. Work also involves transportation and supervision of inmates to and from court, hospital, and within the jail facility. Basic records are kept; officers are uniformed. Supervision is received from command staff on an assigned shift. This job title operates on three eight-hour fifteen-minute shifts. Corrections Officers are members of Police Benevolent Labor Committee, Corrections.

Requirements

Applicants must be 21 years of age at the time of application. You must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Applicants must have no felony convictions or pending cases. You must be willing to work any shift and possess a valid driver’s license. Education - applicants must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. We prefer candidates with at least 30 college credit hours in psychology, criminology, and related fields, who have at least two years of military service and/or prior experience in corrections, law enforcement, security, or any other management.

Successful applicants must take and pass a work-related medical/physical examination and pass a background investigation, including criminal history status. In addition to the first year of requirements, candidates must also successfully pass all aspects of the Correctional Field Training Program within the first year of employment. New employees must become State Certified Corrections Officers from the Illinois Training Board. The criteria for certification are two hundred (200) hours of academy training, fifteen (15) hours of more advanced training that includes the Law regarding Corrections, Human Growth and Development, and Prison Organizations. Must pass a one (1) week Direct Supervision class. Successful completion of the above qualifications does not guarantee employment.

The physical agility and written examination shall be waived for applicants who meet all the below requirements:

1. Are currently employed as a Correctional Officer in the state of Illinois, working in a County or State Correctional Facility. Federal Prison employees are not eligible for lateral transfers.
2. Are in good standing in their department, with no prior disciplinary suspensions issued.
3. Have two years of full-time continuous experience – this may be waived provided the applicant successfully completed a period of probation.
4. Have successfully completed Illinois Basic Correctional Officer Training, or successfully completed Basic Correctional Officer Training which can be transferred and accepted by the Illinois State Training Board.
5. Transfer applicants must complete an application, personal history statement, pass an oral interview with executive staff of the correctional division, and submit to a full background investigation.
6. Transfer applicant will undergo a polygraph and psychological examination.
7. Transfer applicant must pass a medical examination and drug test.
8. Applicants that successfully complete all the above requirements will be considered for employment by the Sheriff, and/or designee, to include the Sheriff’s sole discretion to give up to six (6) years wage placement credit as specified in the current labor agreement. In all other respects, lateral hires will be treated as new employees for purposes of benefits and seniority.
9. Any applicant that fails to complete or successfully pass all of the requirements, as set forth, will be provided administrative notice of such, and not eligible for employment.

Lake County government has a competitive salary and benefits package and is committed to being an employer of choice. Lake County’s FTO programs and New Hire procedures have been certified by the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs as Educational Programs. Additional information about a career in Corrections can be found here.

Sign-On Bonus: $5,000 ($2,000 after 6 months of employment, and $3,000 at the completion of year 2) (caps at 30 years)

ANY OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT IS CONDITIONAL ON THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF A MEDICAL EXAM, WHICH INCLUDES A DRUG AND ALCOHOL SCREEN.

Lake County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.