Correctional Officer

Introduction

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The Delaware Department of Correction (DOC) recognizes its employees as a highly valued resource and is offering DOC Employee Signing Bonus Program.

The program provides recruitment incentives as follows:

• Sign-On Bonus - $5,000 to new Cadets paid in installments.

NOTE: 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 is the entry level responsible for the discipline and security of an assigned post inside and/or outside a secure facility. Work includes acquiring a working knowledge of rules, regulations, procedures, techniques and equipment by completing orientation and on-the-job training. Positions report to a technical supervisor.

Career Ladder

Upon satisfactory completion of department promotional standards and job requirements, employees may be eligible to be promoted to the next level.

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 control of inmates while escorting individuals or groups within the prison.

• Keeps accurate head counts of inmates in the assigned security post.

• Conducts periodic shakedowns of inmates and searches inmates, visitors, employees, cell blocks and/or other structures for such prohibited items as tools, weapons or other contraband.

• Operates manual and electronic locking systems.

• Enforces all rules, regulations and procedures affecting inmate discipline, security and safety.

• Observes inmate activities to detect unusual or prohibited behavior which may be a threat to the security of the facility or the safety of the inmate, other inmates, employees or visitors.

• Ensures inmates conform to proper standards of care as required for the living areas and personal hygiene.

• Maintains the custody of inmates during transport to other institutions and in the community for court appearances or a variety of appointments.

• Prepares and maintains a daily log and routine reports of activities and incidents on the assigned shift using an automated information system to enter, update, retrieve and report on data.

• May be required to train and care for K-9 including feeding, grooming and kennel maintenance.

• May enter institution as backup in riot control and shakedown activities. May participate in the pursuit of escapees.

Job Requirements

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

• At least 18 years of age.
• Possession of a High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Possession of a valid Driver’s License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

Additional Posting Information

Selected incumbent’s annual base starting salary is $55,421.21 Upon successful completion of the Correctional Employee Initial Training (CEIT) course, and after being assigned to a facility, the salary will increase to $59,580.00. 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. The Correctional Employee Initial Training (CEIT) program is approved by the Veterans Administration of Delaware State Approving Authority for the training of Veterans. 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 Steven R. Floyd Sr. Training Academy. 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

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.

Benefits