CORRECTIONAL OFFICER 1* - 08112026-79747

Location: Wartburg, TN – Department of Correction (10 positions available). A Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) screening and criminal background check will be conducted prior to employment. Newly hired Correctional Officers are eligible for a $5,000 sign-on bonus, payable over an 18-month period.

Qualifications

• Education equivalent to graduation from a standard high school.
• Must:
  • Be willing and able to qualify with, carry, and use assigned weapons.
  • Be at least eighteen (18) years of age on the date of application.
  • Be a citizen of the United States.
  • Have a good moral character, as determined by investigation.
  • Complete a criminal history disclosure form in a manner approved by the appointing authority.
  • Agree to release all records involving criminal history to the appointing authority.
  • Supply a fingerprint sample in a manner prescribed by the TBI for a fingerprint-based criminal history records check.
  • Have no conviction for a felony or have been discharged under any other than honorable conditions from any branch of the United States armed forces.
  • Pass a physical examination administered by a licensed physician consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and relating to the essential functions of the position.
  • Pass a psychological evaluation administered by a licensed mental health professional consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and relating to the essential functions of the position.
  • Submit to and pass a pre-employment screening test for use of illegal drugs.
  • Possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license at the time of appointment (required in some positions).
  • Upon appointment, successfully complete a prescribed course of instruction at the Tennessee Correction Academy.

During their careers, most correctional security employees can expect to be assigned to any one of three different work shifts and any number of different post assignments. While employee work preferences are considered, there is no guarantee of remaining assigned to any specific shift and/or post.

About the Role

The Correctional Officer 1 is responsible for correctional work of average difficulty and performs related work as required. This is the entry-level position in the Correctional Officer sub-series. Employees in this role perform correctional work at a state penal institution involving the custody, transport, and rehabilitation of inmates and may be assigned to work any shift.

An applicant appointed to this class will be reclassified to Correctional Officer 2 after successful completion of a mandatory one-year training period; inadequate or marginal performance during the training period will result in automatic demotion or termination.

Responsibilities

• Supervises inmate activities in housing units, dining areas, recreation and work areas, and attends to the medical, visitation, personal property, and recreational needs of inmates.
• Inspects and patrols the grounds for contraband, unauthorized personnel, and other security risks.
• Checks in new inmates by assigning accommodations, searching for contraband, issuing clothing, and storing personal property.
• Observes inmate behavior; counsels with inmates and family about problems; evaluates inmates on room and personal hygiene, attitudes toward employees and other inmates, and sends this evaluation to the counseling department.
• Attends staff meetings, disciplinary board meetings, and training for riot control, escape prevention, and first aid.
• Prepares reports such as daily logs, disciplinary reports, records of inmates' jobs and pay, daily inmate counts, and requisitions for office supplies.
• Operates and utilizes equipment including two-way radios, firearms, mace, electronic gates, television cameras, and may operate motor vehicles.
• Ensures the safety of residents through supervision of their daily activity.
• Breaks up fights or other potentially dangerous situations by persuasion or the use of physical force.
• Carries out and explains existing policies and procedures to others.

Pay

Monthly: $3,631.00 – $5,434.00
Annually: $43,572.00 – $65,208.00

Schedule

Full-time. Employees may be assigned to any of three different work shifts.