Correctional Officer/Canine Handler

Recruitment #092220-MBDA01-380400

Introduction

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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 10th 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.

Summary Statement

This level is responsible for full performance canine handling work, including the training, care and feeding of assigned canine and the maintenance of kennel building.  Positions at this level perform the full range of Essential Functions.

Essential Functions

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 institutional security, discipline and order.
     
  • Escorts visitors to and from appropriate security units.
     
  • Monitors entrances and exits of institution with the exception of main gatehouse.  Insures visitors, contractors and vendors enter and exit institution safely.
     
  • Trains and provides routine care for K-9 including feeding, grooming, kennel maintenance and maintains supply inventory and equipment.
     
  • Maintains logs and prepares reports.
     
  • Assists other security sections within institution during riots, shakedowns, crowd control, drug searches, inmate movement, apprehension of escapees, and other activities as needed.

Job Requirements

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

  1. At least one year experience as a Correctional Officer.
  2. Knowledge of training, handling and care of dogs.

    OR

  1. Six months experience as a handler of a working canine such as Patrol, Narcotics, Bomb, Search and Rescue or certified sporting canines.
  2. At least 19 and 1/2 years of age.
  3. Possession of a High School Diploma or equivalent.
  4. Possession of a valid Driver’s License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

Additional Posting Information

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

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  $47,278.51  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.

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.

Conditions of Hire

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

Benefits

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

Selection Process

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

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.