Correctional Officer Job Description Template

Correctional officer talking to inmates in prison

The job of a correctional officer is challenging and infused with risk, but also one that can be very rewarding for those who want to be involved in protecting their communities and in rehabilitating prisoners for a successful return to society.

As you get ready to fill your next opening, it’s important to get as specific as possible for your job description. Make sure you have an accurate list of daily job requirements for your facility and, for example, if you need a juvenile correctional officer job description make sure you include all the necessary skills and training needed for that environment.

It’s never easy to start from scratch, which is why it helps to have a correctional officer job description example at the ready. The template below is free and has been structured in a way to get the best performance results. Simply follow the template’s format and organization and then add specific details to make it your own. For even more ideas on what to include, you can always review some of the correctional officer jobs currently on Monster.

Correctional officer talking to inmates in prison

Correctional Officer

[Intro Paragraph] Begin your correctional officer job description with a few words about the organization that will encourage job seekers to apply to the position. Because there isn’t a lot of variance in these positions, you must emphasize whatever makes your agency stand apart from the rest of the employers.

Correctional Officer Job Responsibilities:

  • Supervision of inmates and inmate activity in detention facilities.
  • Provides care and correctional treatment of inmates.
  • Manages inmate holding areas.
  • Ensures that inmates remain in custody.
  • Transports and escorts inmates within secured areas according to relevant laws, policies, and procedures.
  • Contributes to the maintenance of institution security.
  • Performs searches on inmates and visitors.
  • Checks mail for contraband, such as weapons or drugs.
  • Prepares incident reports and other documentation.
  • Enforces rules and regulations governing facility security, inmate conduct, and inmate accountability.
  • Conducts accurate headcounts.
  • Inventories inmates’ personal property and issues receipts.
  • Break up physical confrontations and protect inmates and fellow officers from harm.
  • Provides emergency assistance as needed, including but not limited to CPR, first aid, escape of inmates, and evacuation procedures.

[Work Hours & Benefits] At this point in your job description, you can discuss working hours and benefits. Since you’ve already provided an introduction to your organization and a list of the necessary responsibilities, it’s an ideal time for a job seeker to read information about what to expect from their workday and what benefits they will receive. Your audience will likely be invested enough to read the entire job posting. Provide specific details about the working conditions or requirements, including shift work, weekend work, overtime, and break schedule. Additionally, mention any special perks or bonuses that your agency provides.

Correctional Officer Qualifications / Skills:

  • Decisiveness
  • Communication skills
  • Patience
  • Alertness
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Physical strength
  • Stamina
  • Negotiation skills

Education and Experience Requirements:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Training qualifications vary by state and agency
  • Must pass written and physical tests

[Call To Action] You’re more likely to receive more responses if you include a call to action at the end of your correctional officer job description. Provide specific information about how to apply. For example, tell the job seeker to click on the “apply” button at the top of the job post or to apply on company website.

Ready to Put Your Correctional Officer Job Description to Work?

Creating your correctional officer job description is the first crucial step in the hiring process. The next challenge is getting it in front of quality applicants, but that’s where Monster can step in to help. Leverage our experience and reach with candidates with a free job posting today.