Correctional Officer

Grow your career with the State of Indiana! With more than 50 executive branch agencies, the State of Indiana is a diverse workforce offering employees stimulating and challenging projects across a broad scope of career opportunities. As a State of Indiana employee, you impact the well-being of Indiana’s communities every day.

About the Indiana Department of Correction:

We promote public safety by providing meaningful, effective opportunities for successful re-entry. As the model of best correctional practices, we strive to return productive citizens to our communities and inspire a culture of accountability, integrity and professionalism.

Salary Information:

This role traditionally starts at a rate of $19.00 per hour.

A Correctional Officer works on an assigned shift in a specific unit/or post under general supervision of a Correctional Sergeant. This individual maintains the security of the unit as well as the safety of staff and offenders while ensuring daily activities and programs proceed on schedule.

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Remains alert for signs of disorder or tension
• Patrols assigned areas at various intervals for security of offenders, count of offenders and security of buildings and grounds
• Follows or ensures compliance with established security procedures
• Tower duty which includes the possession and possible use of firearms
• Maintains lock control at specific posts
• Supervises offenders in various work details including general clean-up of institutional grounds and buildings
• Supervises offenders during shower and bath periods
• Escorts offenders to and from the visiting room and dining room and on various trips away from the institution
• Counsels with offenders when necessary, discussing offender’s problems in an informal and unofficial capacity
• Keeps records and makes reports on such matters as inmate movements and progress and offender’s violation of rules
• Works in shake-downs of cell-blocks and/or dormitories, searching for possible contraband
• Searches vehicles entering and leaving the gates for contraband and trafficking offenses
• Searches visitors and all packages for contraband
• Encourages offenders to accept professional assistance from staff

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

• Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age
• Possession of a high school diploma or possession of a High School Equivalent (HSE).
• Willingness to undergo a background investigation.
• Possession of a valid driver's license from state of residence.

• Working knowledge of, and familiarization with, appropriate agency rules and regulations;
• Ability to supervise effectively and obtain results from offenders who may not be work motivated;
• Some knowledge of psychology, sociology, alcoholism, drug addiction and criminology;
• Ability to defend oneself physically;
• Ability to operate cell house range and/or dormitory controls;
• Ability to prepare reports of unusual happenings, accidents or violations of rules;
• Alertness and ability to act quickly and effectively in an emergency;
• Ability to keep abreast of progress and study in the field of corrections;
• Ability to understand and utilize firearms properly;
• Willingness to participate in training programs as required by the Department of Correction;
• Willingness to undergo a background investigation.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) and vision/dental coverages
• Wellness program (offers premiums discount for the medical plan)
• Health savings account (includes bi-weekly state contribution)
• Deferred compensation account (similar to 401k plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• Group life insurance
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Paid vacation, personal and sick time off
• Competitive leave policies covering a variety of employee needs
• 12 company paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• New Parent Leave
• Free Parking
• Free LinkedIn Learning

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer