Correctional Officer I Jobs

If you are looking for an exciting career in corrections with competitive pay, great benefits, retirement, and opportunity for advancement and professional growth – Apply to become a Correctional Officer today!

The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) is seeking dedicated candidates for our Correctional Officer I – entry-level position. This recruitment is ongoing and continuous and is a great way to begin a career with DPSCS. The position of Correctional Officer I is the first level in a non-competitive promotion series (NCP), following successful completion of one year of service and an initial probationary period, employees are promoted to the position of Correctional Officer II with a 6% salary increase.

As a member of the DPSCS team, in addition to a competitive salary, you can enjoy a wide range of benefits such as medical and dental coverage, paid time off (i.e. vacation, sick leave) twenty-year retirement, supplemental retirement options (i.e. 401k, 457b etc.) and even become a member of a state employee credit union.

Hiring Incentive

Newly hired Correctional Officers will receive a $5,000 incentive – $2,000 after successfully completing their training at a Maryland Police and Correctional Training Academy and $3,000 after successfully completing their probationary period. A regional hiring bonus of $2,500 is available for applicants who select the Hagerstown, Cumberland or Eastern shore facilities.

Salary

$50,551 / Per Year

Finder’s Fee

Most active, non-temporary DPSCS State employees who refer a qualified correctional officer employee, who is hired by the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, may earn a one-time finder’s fee of $500. Applicants must identify the referring DPSCS employee by their first name and last name on the on-line application in JobAps.

Veterans

DPSCS will continually recognize and support our country’s veterans, service members, and their families. Our commitment applies to all employment practices including, but not limited to recruiting, hiring, promotions, training, benefits, retention, certification, and testing. We fully recognize, honor, and comply with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act.

Military Veterans with an honorable discharge are eligible to apply at the age of 18 for the position of Correctional Officer I.

Military Veterans may qualify for State Service credit up to but not to exceed 5 years early retirement.

Military Leave – A maximum of 15 days, annually, is granted to DPSCS employees without loss of pay or charge against any other leave who are a member of a reserve unit of the armed forces or in the organized militia for military training or active military duty.

Main Purpose of the Job

A Correctional Officer I is the entry-level position of custody, security, and supervision of adult inmates confined in a correctional facility. Employees in this classification receive close supervision and do not supervise other correctional officers. Correctional officers are assigned to morning, evening, night, or rotating shifts and are subject to call-in during emergencies and staffing shortages.

Position Duties
● Attends an entrance level training program certified by the Maryland Correctional Training Commission.
● Attends firearms training.
● Learns specific duties on various security posts through on-the-job training.
● Maintains control of inmates while escorting individuals or groups within the prison.
● Keeps accurate head counts of inmates in the assigned security post.
● Conducts inspections and searches of inmates and inmate access and work areas for drugs, weapons, and other unauthorized materials.
● Enforces rules of conduct among inmates and learns when to prepare reports of infractions.
● Operates manual and electronic locking systems.
● Subdues and restrains inmates during fights, riots and escape attempts.
● When standing an armed post, learns how to determine the need for the use of firearms and uses them when necessary.
● Assists in the search for escapees, their capture and return to the institution.
● Assists in maintaining the custody of inmates during transport to other institutions or court appearances.
● Drives motor vehicles when transporting inmates, making outside security rounds, searching for escapees and related activities.
● May search visitors for contraband.
● May place inmates in handcuffs, restraining belts, and leg irons.
● Performs other related duties.

Career Opportunities and Possibilities
● Canine Unit (K9)
● Special Operations Group (SOG)
● Tactical unit
● Intelligence Unit
● Home Detention Unit
● CO Environmental Officer
● Commitment Unit
● Academy Instructor
● In-Service Instructor
● Range Instructor
● Transportation Instructor
● Contraband Interdiction Team (CIT)
● Additional career opportunities throughout DPSCS (Finance, HR, IT, Parole & Probation, Case Management etc.)

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,551.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Parental leave
• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• 401(k)
• Life insurance
• Vision insurance
• Referral program
• Flexible spending account
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Night shift
• Weekend availability
• Day shift

Supplemental pay types:

• Signing bonus

Work Location: In person