Correction Officer

The State of Connecticut,  Department of Correction is currently accepting applications for Correction Officer positions.  Positions are located throughout the state at our Correctional Facilities.  Officers work a base schedule of 36.25 hours per week on a rotating basis. Officers may be required to work additional mandatory overtime hours.

In order to apply to this position, you must be able to work second or third shift and be willing to be held over for additional hours based on facility need. Candidates will not be able to select which facility they would like to work at; assignments are solely at the discretion and based on the needs of the agency.

Selection: If selected for appointment as a Correction Officer, candidates are required to pass a pre-employment physical, undergo an extensive background check and attend our training academy in Cheshire, CT for their first 12 weeks of employment.  Academy training is Monday - Friday, typically 1st shift but may vary based on facility demands.

Work Locations: Link: DOC Facilities

• Bridgeport
• Brooklyn
• Cheshire
• East Lyme 
• Enfield
• Hartford
• Montville
• New Haven
• New London
• Newtown  
• Somers
• Suffield

Important Note on Location & Shift Selection: 

Applicants must select the location(s) and shift(s) in which they wish to be considered for on their application prior to submission.  Failure to indicate the location and shift will result in the applicant not being considered for vacancies in that specific location and/or designated shift. 

Physical Ability Test:  Link: Overview Physical Ability Test

Candidates applying to the position of Correction Officer will need to take and pass a Physical Ability Test designed to evaluate their ability to perform essential physical tasks performed by Correction Officers.  This process will take place after the completion of the posting period.  You will be contacted directly, through our automated system, on when and where the Physical Ability Test will be administered.  All questions regarding the Physical Ability test must be directed to the Department of Correction.

Submitting Applications:  Link: How to Apply for the CO Job Opening

Please ensure that your application is accurate and complete.  You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State of Connecticut.  Candidates who submit an untimely, incomplete or inaccurate application will not be considered for this employment opportunity.  

During the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation supporting their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: performance reviews, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc. at the discretion of the agency.  

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact the Department of Correction Human Resources Office at DOC.Recruitment@ct.gov.

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.

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.

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 insures transition is orderly and timely; monitors inmates in above activities and insures 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.

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; insures admissions, transfers and discharges are accompanied by appropriate paperwork; prepares reports and documentation relative to assigned activities; orders and dispenses supplies for assigned area.

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.

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

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

Candidates who demonstrate some or all of the following will be given preference:

• Stable work history
• Excellent attendance records
• Related education or work experience
• Military experience
• Experience working with difficult clientele
• Superior Communication Skills

1. Incumbents in this class must have reached their 21st birthday.
   
2. 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.
   
3. 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.
   
4. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

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.

1. 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.
   
2. A physical fitness assessment will be required of all applicants.
   
3. A comprehensive medical examination, including a controlled substance screening, will be required of all applicants upon a conditional offer of employment.

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.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.