Correctional Officer

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Now offering $3,000 Signing Bonus!

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The Delaware Department of Correction (DOC) recognizes its employees are a highly valued resource. For that reason we are now providing  monetary recruitment incentives to new DOC employees in accordance to the DOC Employee Signing Bonus Program.

The program provides recruitment incentives as follows:

• Sign-On Bonus - $3,000 to new Cadets paid in three (3) installments; $500 paid at completing 10^th week of academy; $1,000 paid upon graduation; and $1,500 paid upon 18-month anniversary from initial date of hire.
• Out of State Correctional Officer Pay: Upon successful completion of the Correctional Employee Initial Training (CEIT) course, employees who have equivalent work experience from another Department of Correction agency may be placed on the salary step table with up to 10 qualified years of experience.

NOTE: You may get more information during the hiring process. This program is administered by the Department of Correction Bureau of Administrative Services.  The program may be terminated by the Department of Correction at any time with or without notice.

This is the entry level responsible for the discipline and security of an assigned post inside and/or outside a secure facility.  Work includes acquiring a working knowledge of rules, regulations, procedures, techniques and equipment by completing orientation and on-the-job training.  Positions report to a technical supervisor. 

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class.  Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here. 

• Maintains control of inmates while escorting individuals or groups within the prison.
   
• Keeps accurate head counts of inmates in the assigned security post.
   
• Conducts periodic shakedowns of inmates and searches inmates, visitors, employees, cell blocks and/or other structures for such prohibited items as tools, weapons or other contraband.
   
• Operates manual and electronic locking systems.
   
• Enforces all rules, regulations and procedures affecting inmate discipline, security and safety.
   
• Observes inmate activities to detect unusual or prohibited behavior which may be a threat to the security of the facility or the safety of the inmate, other inmates, employees or visitors.
   
• Ensures inmates conform to proper standards of care as required for the living areas and personal hygiene.
   
• Maintains the custody of inmates during transport to other institutions and in the community for court appearances or a variety of appointments. 
   
• Prepares and maintains a daily log and routine reports of activities and incidents on the assigned shift using an automated information system to enter, update, retrieve and report on data.  
   
• May be required to train and care for K-9 including feeding, grooming and kennel maintenance.
   
• May enter institution as backup in riot control and shakedown activities.  May participate in the pursuit of escapees.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Correctional Officer
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. At least 19 and 1/2 years of age.
2. Possession of a High School Diploma or equivalent.
3. Possession of a valid Driver’s License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

Writing Exercise: A writing exercise will be given at the time of interview.

Selected incumbent’s annual base starting salary is $39,380. Upon successful completion of the Correctional Employee Initial Training (CEIT) course, and after being assigned to a facility, the salary will increase to $44,000.  Additionally the incumbent will be eligible for a 5% shift differential if he/she works four or more hours between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.

The Correctional Employee Initial Training (CEIT) program is approved by the Veterans Administration of Delaware State Approving Authority for the training of Veterans.

DOC Special Requirement: Prior to institutional assignment, candidates must successfully complete all phases of an eleven-week Correctional Officer Basic Course.  This course is administered by the Department of Correction at the Employee Development Center.  Coursework includes physical, classroom and hands-on training.  Instruction is provided in the areas of inmate supervision, defensive tactics, riot control, weapons, report writing and emergency medical training.

Employees in a Correctional Officer (CO) series position will be eligible to retire under the provisions of HB363 if, at the time of retirement, they have completed twenty-five (25) years of pension creditable State service, and with at least twenty (20) of those years of pension creditable service as a CO series classified position.

Upon a conditional offer, the applicant must undergo a pre-employment base line two step tuberculin skin test (TST) as part of the hiring process.

DOC: For admission to the State of Delaware Department of Correction Academy applicants who are made a conditional offer of employment shall be required to successfully complete a criminal background check, physical ability test to demonstrate fitness for duty, an approved psychological examination,  pre-employment drug test and medical examination.  The recruiting agency requires the applicant to pay for the medical examination as part of the conditional offer of hire.

This position is a classification organized under an exclusive bargaining representative (labor organization).  The candidate selected for this position shall be asked to join and pay dues to the labor organization or may, decline joining the labor organization and not pay dues or a fee.  The labor organization has been elected by employees as their representative for collective bargaining and other work related purposes. 

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hires Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our job seeker resources.

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position.  It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties.  For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content.   Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email.  Please keep your contact information current.  You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at statejobs.delaware.gov.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.  The State of Delaware – An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.