State of Connecticut Executive Branch

Correction Officer (2259CO)

$27.68-$36.46 Hourly / $2,006.56-$2,643.34 BiWeekly /
$52,371.00-$68,991.00 Yearly

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In a Department of Correction facility this class is accountable for the confinement, safety, control and monitoring of sentenced and/or un-sentenced inmates and security of the facility.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of an officer of higher rank.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May supervise inmate workers in assigned area.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Performs either a concentration or combination of the following functions, depending upon whether duty is on fixed or rotating post assignment:

SECURITY:
  • Performs periodic head count;
  • Conducts periodic search of all areas available to inmates;
  • Checks all incoming visitors and/or packages and/or mail for contraband;
  • Performs pat or strip searches of inmates as needed;
  • Secures access points to assigned area;
  • Checks area for fire safety and emergency evacuation procedures;
  • Monitors all movement through assigned area;
  • Transports inmates to and from courts, hospitals, half way houses, other institutions and directed destinations;
  • Performs related duties as required.
INMATE CONTROL:
  • Maintains log of inmate movement into and out of unit and verifies and/or authorizes movement through written (pass) or phone communication with sending and/or receiving staff for such activities as work assignments, counseling sessions, visitors, clinic and dental appointments, court appointments, meals, etc.;
  • Directs inmate access to rooms, recreation areas, dining areas, shower and telephone facilities, special group meetings and ensures transition is orderly and timely;
  • Monitors inmates in above activities and ensures discipline and security are maintained;
  • Evaluates and reports on inmate performance;
  • Participates in directed treatment activities as required;
  • May be required to physically restrain inmates;
  • Performs related duties as required. 
ADMINISTRATION:
  • Sets up and/or maintains records relating to admissions, court appearances, property, financial assets, medication, disciplinary actions, living assignments, work assignments, key control, use of force and/or restraint, punitive segregation, etc. in accordance with regulations;
  • Ensures admissions, transfers and discharges are accompanied by appropriate paperwork;
  • Prepares reports and documentation relative to assigned activities;
  • Orders and dispenses supplies for assigned area;
  • Performs related duties as required. 
COMMUNICATION:
  • Dispenses and collects commissary slips and orders;
  • Screens visitors to ascertain if authorized and grants or denies admission on judgment of perceived security risk;
  • Responds to emergency requirements in event of fire, escape or call for assistance;
  • Handles incidents and crisis situations involving inmates through use of effective oral communication skills;
  • Interfaces with related law enforcement personnel;
  • May schedule inmate appointments with counselors, clinics, clergy and school;
  • Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

  • Considerable
    • interpersonal skills;
    • oral and written communication skills;
  • Considerable ability to
    • understand departmental and institutional policies and regulations and apply them fairly and consistently;
    • analyze situations quickly and accurately and adopt an effective course of action;
    • work under pressure;
  • Ability to utilize computer software.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from high school or certification of having passed the General Educational Development (GED) certification examination.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Incumbents in this class must have reached their 21st birthday.
  • Incumbents in this class are required to successfully complete a formal training course in correctional work to develop the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the class.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain either a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license, a Commercial Driver’s license or both.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

CHARACTER REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the checking of references and of facts stated in the application, a thorough background investigation of each candidate may be made before persons are certified for appointment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Incumbents in this class must have general good health, be free from any disease or injury which would impair health or usefulness and possess and retain sufficient physical strength, stamina, agility, endurance and visual and auditory acuity required to perform all the duties of the class.
  • A physical fitness assessment will be required of all applicants.
  • A comprehensive medical examination, including a controlled substance screening, will be required of all applicants upon a conditional offer of employment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to significant stress of confinement within a dangerous and volatile prison population and to considerable danger of injury from assaultive and/or abusive inmates and disagreeable conditions.

APPOINTMENT

  • Appointments to this class will be made from the certified list for Correction Officer. Candidates for these positions will be appointed as Correction Officer Cadets for a ten (10) week period and then promoted to the class of Correction Officer in the first full pay period following completion of the tenth week of the initial probationary period.
  • Appointments to this class may be made from the Reemployment/SEBAC list. Candidates for Correction Officer positions must have completed the required course work of the DOC Training Academy, obtained permanent status, and be a member of the NP-4 Correction Officer bargaining unit.

JOB CLASS DESIGNATION

Classified/Non-Competitive

OCCUPATIONAL GROUP

(26)-Penal-Corrective Services

BARGAINING UNIT

(08)-CORR OFFICERS (NP-4)

EEO

(4)-Protective Service

SALARY INFORMATION

CO 07

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes.  As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.

CANCELLATION CLAUSE

This replaces the existing specification for the class of Correction Officer in Salary Group CO 07 approved effective December 07, 2018. (Reviewed for content and revised to modernize format and add an Acknowledgement section) Final No. 23-269

EFFECTIVE DATE

10/25/2023
CLASS: 2259CO; EST: 9/28/1973; REV: 10/26/2023;