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CORR OFFICER I

Correctional Officer I

Recruitment #16-004080-0001

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Introduction

 


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. This promotional increase is in addition to any COLA or step increments approved by the MD General Assembly.  

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.


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.

GRADE

CORR 0003

LOCATION OF POSITION

Multiple positions are located throughout the State of Maryland.

Main Purpose of 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.)

MINIMUM EDUCATION OR GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Education: High School diploma or G.E.D. certificate acceptable to the Maryland State Board of Education as described in the Correctional Training Commission regulation.

Experience: None

Note: The above educational requirement is set by the Correctional Training Commission in accordance with Correctional Services Article, Section 8-209.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

1. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.

2. Employees in this classification may be required to operate busses for the transportation of inmates. Employees assigned such duties will be required to obtain a Class B Commercial Driver's License with passenger and air brakes endorsements valid in the State of Maryland.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Employees who have not already done so must meet the selection standards required and successfully complete the training prescribed by the Maryland Correctional Training Commission for a correctional officer during their probationary period (Correctional Services Article, Section 8-209). Selection standards for correctional officer training are listed in detail in the Code of Maryland Regulations Title 12, Subtitle 10, Chapter 01 and include the following:

  • U.S Citizenship or Resident Alien status
  • Must be at least 21 years of age (able to apply at 20 years and six months)
  • Complete background requirements; to include a completed background investigation, fingerprints, physical examination, polygraph examination and a psychological assessment.

SELECTION PROCESS

Our interview and written assessment process is now virtual.  You can now interview from your home using your personal computer, allowing you to remain safe while actively pursuing employment.
 
Candidates who successfully apply, submit their application, and meet the minimum qualifications will be contacted and scheduled for a virtual interview and written assessment. All candidates are encouraged to review the correctional hiring guide before the virtual interview and written assessment. Once both portions of the interview have been successfully completed, the candidate will be assigned to the Background Investigative Section for further processing.
Becoming a Correctional Officer requires that a recruit completes the Entry Level Training Program at the Training Academy through the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission (MPCTC), at one of our regional locations throughout the state of Maryland. Upon successful graduation from the Academy, individuals will be assigned to facilities throughout the state of Maryland.
This recruitment will be used to fill vacancies throughout the State of Maryland. Please indicate on your application all the counties in the state of Maryland where you are willing to accept employment. Candidates may remain on the certified eligible list for a period of two years.
Common Disqualifiers
PRIOR DRUG USE- Candidates are ineligible if they have illegally used a controlled dangerous substance, narcotic drug, or marijuana for any purpose within the last three (3) years (36 months). 
ARREST RECORD - No felony convictions; - No misdemeanor convictions within five (5) years; No Probations before Judgement or Parole and Probation within five (5) years; - Must not currently be on parole or probation; and - No civil drug convictions within three (3) years. 
DRIVING RECORD- No convictions or Probations before Judgement on any 12-point violation within five (5) years. Including but not limited to: - driving under the influence; - driving while intoxicated; - attempting to flee / elude police; and - driving while license is refused / suspended / revoked /
cancelled.

ACADEMY- Must meet the guidelines for certification by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission.

MILITARY RECORD- No separations less than honorable.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications, successfully complete the written examination and hiring process will be placed on the employment eligible list.The list will be used by the DPSCS to select employees for at least two years.

BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application and supplemental questionnaire may be emailed to hr.recruitmentuser@maryland.gov or faxed to 410-484-5928. Paper application materials must be received in our office by the closing date for the recruitment.

If you are submitting additional information, the preferred method is to upload it with your application. All uploaded additional information must be received by the closing date and time. If you are unable to upload, please email the requested information to hr.recruitmentuser@maryland.gov referencing the recruitment number in the subject line, or fax to 410-484-5928 (providing a cover sheet with your contact information, recruitment name, recruitment number and the number of pages faxed). Only additional materials that are requested will be accepted for this recruitment.

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, HRSD-Recruitment & Examination at 410-585-3999, MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258.

If you are having difficulties with submitting your online application, please contact the DBM Recruitment and Examination Division at Application.Help@maryland.gov or 410-767-4850.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.



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