Correction Officer - RCI

Rehabilitation & Correction — Ross Correctional Institution · 16149 State Route 104, Chillicothe, OH 45601 · Contact: DRC.RCIRecruit@drc.ohio.gov or 740‑702‑3584 (Brittany Baxter) · Permanent, full‑time, classified (OCSEA) · Work hours vary.

About the organization

Guided by the mission “To reduce recidivism among those we touch,” the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction believes everyone is capable of positive change. Staff embrace core values of dignity, respect, and pro‑social role modeling while providing rehabilitative treatment and programming in a safe, secure, and humane correctional environment. The goal is to protect the public by helping individuals turn away from crime and become productive community members.

Responsibilities

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

Pay

• Starting rate (Step 1): $24.88 per hour.
• Step 2 after six months of employment: $25.61 per hour.
• Shift differential: additional $0.60 per hour for 2nd or 3rd shift.

Schedule

Permanent, full‑time position. Work hours vary.

Benefits

• Medical coverage.
• Free dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums after eligibility period.
• Paid time off: vacation, personal leave, 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, etc.).
• Public retirement systems (OPERS, STRS, SERS, HPRS) and optional deferred compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation).

Benefits eligibility depends on several factors; the agency contact can provide specifics for this position.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• Valid driver’s license required for positions assigned to transportation or requiring a commercial driver’s license.
• Must successfully pass the correction officer assessment, or have passed it within the past 24 months, or be a current ODRC employee previously certified as a correction officer.
• Probationary period: 365 days.

Skills

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

Additional information

• Tobacco‑free workplace.
• Pre‑employment drug testing: final applicants must submit to urinalysis for illegal drug use; a positive test disqualifies the applicant. Federal ATF regulations prohibit firearm possession by anyone using marijuana (including medical marijuana); medical marijuana is not a valid explanation for a positive test.
• Pre‑employment background investigation: criminal background check required; individual assessment of prior convictions will be made before exclusion.
• Hiring prohibitions: individuals under federal/state weapons disability (if position requires firearms); those who have engaged in sexual abuse in a confinement facility; those civilly/administratively adjudicated or convicted of sexual activity facilitated by force or without consent; those convicted of soliciting/providing support for terrorism or money laundering for terrorism; those convicted of a felony with a direct correlation to the position (e.g., fraud, deceit, theft for positions with substantial control over state property).
• Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State committed to access, inclusion, and reasonable accommodation under the ADA.
• The State of Ohio is a drug‑free workplace prohibiting recreational marijuana/non‑medical cannabis; this position may be subject to additional restrictions under State Drug‑Free Workplace Policy (HR‑39).