Correction Officer - LOCI

Location: 1580 State Route 56, London, Ohio 43140. Full-time permanent position; hours vary. Starting pay $24.88/hr (step 1), increasing to $25.61/hr after six months; $0.60/hr shift differential for second or third shift. Union: OCSEA. Contact: Jennifer Schindler, DRC.LOCIRecruit@drc.ohio.gov.

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

Benefits

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full‑time and part‑time employees.

• 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) and optional deferred compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

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

Additional information

• The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction is a tobacco‑free workplace.
• Pre‑Employment Drug Testing: All final applicants tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to urinalysis to test for illegal drug use prior to appointment. An applicant with a positive test shall not be offered employment. This position is also subject to Federal Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) regulations that prohibit someone from carrying, transporting, or otherwise possessing firearms and/or ammunition if they consume marijuana, including medical marijuana. Medical marijuana is not a valid medical explanation for a positive drug test for final applicants in this position.
• Pre‑Employment Background Investigation: The final applicant selected will be required to undergo a criminal background check. An individual assessment of prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant. 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 in the community facilitated by force, implied threats of force, or if the victim did not or was unable to consent
  • Individuals convicted of soliciting or providing support for an act of terrorism, terrorism, or money laundering to support terrorism
  • Individuals convicted of or who pled guilty to a felony where a direct correlation exists between the position and prior criminal behavior (e.g., fraud, deceit, or theft from holding a position 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 of Ohio is committed to providing access, inclusion, and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs, and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.
• Drug‑Free Workplace: The State of Ohio is a drug‑free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non‑medical cannabis). This position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug‑Free Workplace Policy (HR‑39) and as outlined in the posting.