Correctional Officer I

Job Description

CORRECTIONAL OFFICER I

STATEWIDE

Recruitment #24-004080-0001

Department

Department of Public Safety and Correctional Svcs

Date Opened

1/18/2024 11:24:00 AM

Filing Deadline

Open/Continuous

Salary

$54,447

Employment Type

Full-Time

HR Analyst

Melanie Wyche

Work Location

Allegany

Calvert

Frederick

Kent

Somerset

St. Mary's

Talbot

Washington County

Wicomico

Worcester

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Introduction

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 a 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.

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 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 other leave.

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!

GRADE

CORR 0003

LOCATION OF POSITION

Western Maryland and Eastern Shore

This recruitment has been opened to establish a list of eligible candidates to be used to fill current and future vacancies occurring in our local Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services throughout the state. Please only indicate the counties in which you are willing to accept employment on your application.

POSITION DUTIES

A Correctional Officer I is the entry-level position of custody, security, and supervision of adult incarcerated individuals 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.

Attend and successfully
complete an entrance level training program certified by the Maryland
Corrections Training Commission.
Exercise care, custody and
control over incarcerated individuals.
Administer emergency
medical assistance to both incarcerated individuals and staff.
Perform physically demanding tasks
e.g. running, physical control of incarcerated individuals, lifting.
Supervise incarcerated
individuals participating in work, leisure activities,
formal programs, etc.
Work overtime as required by
operational necessities and emergencies.
Effectively communicate
verbally and in writing with incarcerated individuals and staff
Analyze situations and problems
and provide appropriate solutions.
Provides care, custody and
control of incarcerated individuals at a correctional institution on
an assigned shift.
Directs incarcerated individuals' activities
and maintains security in housing unit, dining and work areas.
Observes incarcerated
individuals from towers, in corridors or in visiting areas.
Provides advice and guidance in
assisting incarcerated individuals in their adjustment to
institutional rules and regulations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: High School diploma or high school equivalency 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

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. A driver license is recommended but not required.
Employees in this classification may be required to operate buses for the transportation of incarcerated individuals. 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

The ideal candidate must be fluent in spoken and
written English. The ideal candidate must effectively and respectfully
communicate with diverse populations, providing services to individuals with
different beliefs, behaviors, and interpersonal styles in confinement or
community settings. Professional working fluency in Spanish, Mandarin, Korean,
or any other language is a plus.

Employees who have not already
done so must meet the selection standards required and have successfully
completed 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
A
completed background investigation
Oral
interview and physical examination

Physical
Readiness and Annual Physical Recertification for Corrections Officers: Corrections Officers must successfully
complete an annual recertification process that includes demonstrating the
physical capabilities required for defensive tactics. This ensures
correctional officers maintain the strength, agility, and endurance needed
to effectively respond to emergencies and execute trained self-defense
techniques. Maintaining physical readiness is essential to ensuring the safety
of the officer, fellow staff members, and the resident population during
high-risk situations.
Employees in this
classification hired or reinstated on or after July 1, 2016 shall successfully
complete the Entrance Level Firearms Training prescribed by the Maryland
Correctional Training Commission (Code of Maryland 12.10.04.01 and 12.10.04.05)
and demonstrate practical knowledge and proficiency in the safe use and care of
firearms on a periodic basis.
Employees are subject to
call-in 24 hours a day and, therefore, must provide the employing agency with a
telephone number where they can be reached.
Employees in this
classification are subject to substance abuse testing in accordance with Code
of Maryland Regulations 17.04.09, Testing for Illegal Use of Drugs

SELECTION PROCESS

The interview and written assessment process is now virtual. You can 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- The Commission may not certify an applicant to a mandated position if the applicant has within a 12 month period immediately preceding the date of hire, unlawfully used natural cannabis or natural cannabinoids.
Arrest Records - 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; No civil drug convictions within three (3) years.
Driving Records - 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/or driving while license is refused / suspended / revoked /canceled.
Academy - Must meet the guidelines for certification by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission.
Military records - No separatio

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: High School diploma or high school equivalency 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

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. A driver license is recommended but not required.
Employees in this classification may be required to operate buses for the transportation of incarcerated individuals. 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

The ideal candidate must be fluent in spoken and
written English. The ideal candidate must effectively and respectfully
communicate with diverse populations, providing services to individuals with
different beliefs, behaviors, and interpersonal styles in confinement or
community settings. Professional working fluency in Spanish, Mandarin, Korean,
or any other language is a plus.

Employees who have not already
done so must meet the selection standards required and have successfully
completed 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
A
completed background investigation
Oral
interview and physical examination

Physical
Readiness and Annual Physical Recertification for Corrections Officers: Corrections Officers must successfully
complete an annual recertification process that includes demonstrating the
physical capabilities required for defensive tactics. This ensures
correctional officers maintain the strength, agility, and endurance needed
to effectively respond to emergencies and execute trained self-defense
techniques. Maintaining physical readiness is essential to ensuring the safety
of the officer, fellow staff members, and the resident population during
high-risk situations.
Employees in this
classification hired or reinstated on or after July 1, 2016 shall successfully
complete the Entrance Level Firearms Training prescribed by the Maryland
Correctional Training Commission (Code of Maryland 12.10.04.01 and 12.10.04.05)
and demonstrate practical knowledge and proficiency in the safe use and care of
firearms on a periodic basis.
Employees are subject to
call-in 24 hours a day and, therefore, must provide the employing agency with a
telephone number where they can be reached.
Employees in