Correctional Officer

  • Full-Time
  • Westville, IN
  • State Of Indiana
  • Posted 3 years ago – Accepting applications
Job Description
Work for Indiana

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.


At the State of Indiana, we don’t just talk about diversity and inclusion – Our goal is to create a welcoming, accessible, and equitable workplace, with a workforce that is representative of the State of Indiana population. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.


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 starts at a rate of $19.00 per hour.

About the Job:

As a Correctional Officer, you will work on an assigned shift in a specific unit/or post under general supervision of a Correctional Sergeant. You will maintain the security of the unit as well as the safety of staff and offenders while ensuring daily activities and programs proceed on schedule.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

  • Remain alert for signs of disorder or tension.
  • Patrol assigned areas at various intervals for security of offenders, count of offenders, and security of buildings and grounds.
  • Follow or ensure compliance with established security procedures.
  • Tower duty which includes the possession and possible use of firearms.
  • Maintain lock control at specific posts.
  • Supervise offenders in various work details including general clean-up of institutional grounds and buildings.
  • Supervise offenders during shower and bath periods.
  • Escort offenders to and from the visiting room and dining room and on various trips away from the institution.
  • Counsel with offenders when necessary, discussing offender’s problems in an informal and unofficial capacity.
  • Keep records and make reports on such matters as inmate movements and progress and offender’s violation of rules.
  • Work in shake-downs of cell-blocks and/or dormitories, searching for possible contraband.
  • Search vehicles entering and leaving the gates for contraband and trafficking offenses.
  • Search visitors and all packages for contraband.
  • Encourage 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.

What We're Looking For:
  • Candidates must have a High School Diploma OR High School Equivalent (HSE) OR one (1) year of work experience.
  • Must test negative on all drug screenings.
What You'll Need for Success:
  • 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.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:This role provides supervision for offenders and requires a high level of judgment and care.

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.

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