Correction Officer

Are you looking for an opportunity to build a career that makes a difference? If so, we invite you to discover this amazing opportunity to join our dedicated team!

Selection Process:  (Please read this section thoroughly and reference for questions and future use)

The Correction Officer hiring process is extensive and appointments are based on approval of Academy Class Training.  This selection process may be used up to 18 months.  If selected for appointment, 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 10 weeks of employment.  The application to hire process is separated into 6 stages:

1. Application Period: How to Apply for the CO Job Opening

2. Referral Questions: These questions are designed to allow hiring managers to learn more about your abilities and skills related to the Correctional Officer position.  

• We will send a notice to your personal email address and JobAps personal status board with a link to the referral questions.  You must respond to these questions in the time allotted and officially submit them to the State of Connecticut to continue on in the the hiring process.  Applicants must check their email (primary - spam folder etc.) and personal status boars daily, to monitor for these questions. 
• Please do not call or email about status updates regarding referral questions.  If you successfully submit on time, you will receive a confirmation page immediately following your submission and an email confirmation will be posted to your personal status board.
• Important Note: By the terms of use agreement you acknowledged when you registered for the Online Employment Center, you may only have one (1) profile set up.  If you created multiple profiles, you will be unable to access the referral questions.  If you suspect you have more than one profile, please email DAS.SHRM@ct.gov no later then two (2) days before the referral question deadline to request a profile merge.  Please provide the following information in your email:
  • First and last name (including any hyphenated last name, or those with suffixes such as Jr)
  • First three (3) letters of last name at birth 
  • Address 
  • Day of birth 
  • Primary phone number  
  • Email address

3. Correction Officer Physical Ability Test (COPAT):  Candidates will need to take and pass a Physical Abilities 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 and referral questions period.    

• Video Overview - Correction Officer Physical Abilities Test (COPAT) - Video may take 20 to 30 seconds to load.
• We will send a notice to your personal email address and your JobAps personal status board, with a link to self schedule for your COPAT.  Once scheduled, there is a zero tolerance policy for missing your appointment.  No makeups or rescheduling will be permitted.
• All questions regarding the physical ability test must be directed to the Department of Correction, DOC-HR-CO-PROCESS@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.

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.