Correction Officer - FMC

Franklin Medical Center • 1990 Harmon Avenue, Columbus, OH 43223 • Contact: DRC.FMCRecruit@drc.ohio.gov / 614-441-0213 or Tasha.Fry@drc.ohio.gov • Permanent Full‑Time • Classified • Union: OCSEA

About the Role

Guided by a single mission “To reduce recidivism among those we touch,” the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction believes that everyone is capable of positive change. Our staff embrace these core values and serve as role models for pro‑social behavior, conveying an attitude of dignity and respect in the treatment of others. The Department is tasked with front‑line crime reduction through rehabilitative treatment and programming provided in a safe, secure, and humane correctional environment and effective community supervision. Our goal is to protect the public by helping individuals turn away from crime and become productive, contributing members of our communities, ensuring a safer Ohio for all Ohioans now and in the future.

Responsibilities

• Maintain control of the institution to provide for safety and security of the facility, inmates, staff, and general public by enforcing rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
• Supervise and direct inmate activity in assigned areas of the facility/institution
• Assure assigned area is clean, safe, and secure
• Monitor and operate security controls, equipment, and computers
• Operate automotive vehicles in perimeter security and the transportation of inmates
• Conduct inmate counts, security rounds, and searches
• Complete required reports and serve on committees
• Prevent escapes or incidents which threaten security
• When necessary, use physical force, unarmed self‑defense, firearms, or other force to detain or secure inmates

Qualifications

• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• Valid driver’s license required for positions assigned to transportation section and/or requiring a commercial driver’s license to drive vehicles qualifying as commercial
• Must successfully pass the Correction Officer assessment, or have successfully completed the assessment within the past 24 months, or be a current Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction employee previously certified as a Correction Officer
• Probationary period: 365 days

Skills

• Corrections
• Communications
• Criminology/Criminal Justice
• Law Enforcement and Security
• Ethics and Values
• Listening
• Observation
• Situational Awareness
• Teamwork

Pay

• Step 1: $24.88 per hour (new hire)
• Step 2: $25.61 per hour after 6 months of employment
• Shift differential: additional $0.60 per hour for 2nd or 3rd shift

Schedule

Permanent Full‑Time; work hours vary.

Benefits

• Medical coverage
• Free Dental, Vision, and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off including vacation, personal, sick leave, and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems (OPERS, STRS, SERS, HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

Benefits eligibility depends on a number of factors; the agency contact can provide specific information for this position.

Additional Requirements & Workplace Policies

• Tobacco‑free workplace: The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction is a tobacco‑free workplace.
• Pre‑employment drug testing: All final applicants tentatively selected must submit to urinalysis for illegal drug use prior to appointment. A positive test disqualifies the applicant. This position is subject to Federal ATF regulations prohibiting anyone who consumes marijuana (including medical marijuana) from carrying, transporting, or possessing firearms/ammunition. Medical marijuana is not a valid medical explanation for a positive drug test.
• Pre‑employment background investigation: The final applicant must undergo a criminal background check. An individual assessment of prior convictions will be made before any exclusion. The Department is prohibited from hiring:
  • Individuals under a federal or state weapons disability if the position requires firearms certification/recertification and use
  • Individuals who have engaged in sexual abuse in a prison or other confinement facility; have been civilly or administratively adjudicated, or convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity facilitated by force, implied threats of force, or where the victim did not or could not consent
  • Individuals convicted of soliciting or providing support for terrorism, terrorism, or money laundering to support terrorism
  • Individuals convicted of or pleading guilty to a felony where a direct correlation exists between the position and prior criminal behavior (e.g., fraud, deceit, or theft convictions for positions with substantial management or control over state agency property)
• ADA Statement: Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State provides access, inclusion, and reasonable accommodation in services, activities, programs, and employment in accordance with the ADA and other applicable laws.
• Drug‑Free Workplace: The State of Ohio prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational/non‑medical cannabis). This position may be subject to additional restrictions under the State of Ohio Drug‑Free Workplace Policy (HR‑39) and as outlined in this posting.