Correctional Officer Job Description Template

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.