Correctional Officer Job Description
What Does a Correctional Officer Do?
A correctional officer is a law enforcement professional who is responsible for the supervision, safety, and security of individuals who are incarcerated in prisons or jails. Their duties include monitoring inmates, enforcing rules and regulations, conducting searches and investigations, and providing support services to both inmates and staff.
Correctional Officer Job Description Example
Hartford Correctional Solutions is looking for a motivated and experienced Correctional Officer to join our team. We are seeking professional and reliable individuals who will keep our facilities and the people within them safe and secure.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Ensure all security measures and procedures are adhered to
- Conduct regular checks of inmates and living areas
- Monitor and control inmate activities
- Respond to emergency situations such as disturbances or breaches of security
- Oversee the movement of inmates within the facility
- Maintain accurate records of inmate behavior
- Administer basic first-aid when appropriate
- Ensure the safety of officers and inmates
- Prepare and submit written reports
Work Hours and Benefits:
This position is a full-time opportunity and the schedule is based on a rotating shift pattern. Benefits include health insurance and paid time off.
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or GED
- At least 21 years of age
- Ability to pass an extensive background check
- Valid driver’s license and proof of auto insurance
- Ability to work with computers and utilize technology
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
- Ability to remain observant in stressful and potentially hostile situations
- Previous correctional experience is preferred
Training and Education:
All applicants must complete a state-approved training course before being eligible to be hired. This training includes orientation, safety and security procedures, prisoner rights and responsibilities, first-aid, and communication and conflict resolution.
We are looking for individuals who are serious about a career in corrections. If this sounds like you, please apply today!
What to Include on a Correctional Officer Resume or Job Posting
Common correctional officer responsibilities
- Maintaining order and security in the correctional facility.
- Supervising inmates and enforcing rules and regulations.
- Conducting searches of inmates and their living areas.
- Monitoring inmate activities and behavior.
- Responding to emergency situations.
- Investigating incidents and preparing reports.
- Escorting inmates to and from court appearances.
- Transporting inmates to other facilities.
- Administering drug tests and other tests.
- Providing counseling and guidance to inmates.
Qualities & traits
- Professionalism: Correctional officers must be professional in their conduct and attitude at all times.
- Integrity: Correctional officers must be honest and have strong moral principles.
- Respectful: Correctional officers must show respect to inmates, colleagues, and supervisors.
- Empathy: Correctional officers must be able to understand and relate to the inmates in their care.
- Self-discipline: Correctional officers must have the ability to remain calm and composed in difficult situations.
- Adaptability: Correctional officers must be able to adjust to changing situations and environments.
- Communication Skills: Correctional officers must be able to communicate effectively with inmates and other staff.
- Physical Fitness: Correctional officers must be physically fit and able to respond quickly to emergency situations.
- Decision-Making Skills: Correctional officers must be able to make sound decisions in difficult situations.
- Conflict Resolution: Correctional officers must be able to resolve conflicts in a professional and effective manner.
What a typical day looks like for a correctional officer
A Correctional Officer is responsible for the care, custody, and control of inmates in a prison or jail. On a daily basis, this typically encompasses patrolling prison grounds and cell blocks to maintain order, ensuring inmates are following prison regulations, handling searches, and monitoring prisoners’ activities. Correctional Officers are also responsible for providing security during movement of inmates, such as transport to court hearings, medical appointments, and other locations. Additionally, they may have to provide counseling and other forms of support to inmates and their families. It is also important for Correctional Officers to be sympathetic towards prisoners, in order to understand each case and situation accurately and adequately.
Compatible jobs and work history
Correctional officers are responsible for overseeing and managing the safety and security of individuals in prisons and correctional institutions. They ensure the safety of inmates by regulating the movement of inmates within the prison, conducting searches, and enforcing prison regulations. Though correctional officer experience is a desirable qualification for the job, there are several other experiences and backgrounds that can be beneficial for individuals looking to pursue a career in corrections. These may include experience in law enforcement, the armed forces, security, social services, or the legal system.
Compatible Job Titles:
- Security Officer
- Police Officer
- Military Police
- Probation Officer
- Paralegal
- Correctional Counselor
- Social Worker
- Crisis Intervention Worker
- Victim Advocate
- Court Bailiff
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