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 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.
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.
POSITION DUTIES
Essential job functions
- Attend an entrancelevel training program certifiedby the Maryland Corrections Training Commission.
- Exercise care, custody and control over inmates.
- Administeremergency medical assistance to both inmates and staff.
- Perform physically demanding tasks e.g. running, physical control of inmates, lifting.
- Supervise inmates participatingin work, leisure activities, formalprograms, etc.
- Work overtime as required by operational necessities and emergencies.
- Effectively communicate verbally and in writing with inmates and stuff
- Analyze situations and problems and provide appropriate solutions.
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
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
U.S. Citizenship or Resident Alien statusMust be at least 21 years of ageA completed background investigationOral interview and physical examination
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 separations less than honorable.
BENEFITS
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you areunableto apply online, the paper application and supplementalquestionnaire maybe emailed to hr.recruitmentuser@maryland.gov or faxedto 410-484-5928. If you are submitting additional information, the preferred method istoupload it with your application. All uploaded additional informationmustbe received by the closing date and time. If you are unable toupload,please email the requested information tohr.recruitmentuser@maryland.govreferencing the recruitment number in thesubject line, or fax to410-484-5928(providinga cover sheet with your contact information,recruitment name, recruitmentnumber and the number of pages faxed). Onlyadditional materials that arerequested will be accepted for thisrecruitment. For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the DepartmentofPublic Safety and Correctional Services, HRSD-Recruitment &Examinationat 410-585-3999, MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258. If you are having difficulties with submitting your onlineapplication,please contact the DBM Recruitment and Examination DivisionatApplication.Help@maryland.gov or410-767-4850.
