Correctional Officer

About This Opportunity

Join the State of Indiana and contribute to the safety and rehabilitation efforts at Putnamville Correctional Facility, a medium-security prison for adult males located in Greencastle. Established in 1914, this facility can house over 2,500 inmates and is recognized for its environmental and community service initiatives. Among its rehabilitative programs are coding and multimedia training, education, parenting support, and vocational development aimed at preparing inmates for successful reintegration.

Role Summary

As a Correctional Officer, you will work as part of a team to maintain security and safety within the facility during 12-hour shifts, working an average of 85.75 hours over a two-week pay period, including weekend shifts. Your responsibilities include securing the unit, supervising daily activities and programs, and ensuring adherence to security policies.

Primary Duties

• Ensure the personal safety of yourself, staff, and inmates at all times.
• Conduct regular security checks by monitoring assigned areas and counting inmates.
• Enforce compliance with established security procedures and protocols.
• Oversee inmate work assignments, including maintenance and facility grounds upkeep.
• Escort inmates to various locations such as dining halls, medical appointments, work areas, and recreation.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare reports on inmate movements, behavior, and rule infractions.
• Perform searches of inmate housing and visitors to detect contraband.
• Attend work at assigned sites consistently as an essential job function.

Candidate Requirements

• Minimum age of 18 years.
• Possession of a valid driver's license.
• Willingness to travel when reasonably accommodated.
• Clearance on all drug tests.
• Veterans and law enforcement background applicants are encouraged.
• Capability to work alongside and manage incarcerated individuals in accordance with departmental mission.
• Availability to work overtime, mandatory or voluntary, including shifts up to 16 hours consecutively.
• Competent use and understanding of chemical agents.
• Effective communication skills for instructing inmates and documenting incidents.
• Strong critical thinking abilities applicable to security and crisis situations.

Employment Conditions and Physical Demands

• Successful completion of personal protection training is mandatory for continued employment.
• High School Diploma or equivalent is required; post-secondary education is not mandatory.
• Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Supervisory responsibilities include overseeing inmates and exercising considerable judgment and care.
• Work involves intense physical, emotional, and mental demands, including remaining vigilant up to 16 hours and responding to potentially dangerous or emergency scenarios.
• Physical activities include walking, standing, climbing stairs or ladders, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, and restraining individuals when necessary.
• Must have observational and auditory acuity to identify risks and maintain security.
• Responsible use and safekeeping of issued firearms when assigned.

Compensation and Benefits

The position begins at an hourly wage of $22.00, supplemented by $1.00 per hour differential pay, amounting to $1,972.25 biweekly or approximately $51,278.50 annually, excluding overtime. Candidates with relevant experience may be eligible for higher starting pay.

Benefits for full-time state employees include three medical plan options with prescription coverage, vision, and dental, wellness rewards, health savings accounts with employer contributions, retirement pension plans, leave programs including parental and community service leave, holidays, educational reimbursement, group life insurance, referral bonuses, behavioral health support, participation in Public Service Loan Forgiveness, free parking for most positions, and access to LinkedIn Learning.

Equal Opportunity

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fair hiring practices based on ability and performance. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities during both application and employment processes.