CORRECTIONAL OFFICER 1* - 08112026-79906

Location: Mountain City, TN – Department of Correction, Johnson County (4 positions available). Pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check required.

Pay

Monthly salary range: $3,631.00 – $5,434.00 (annual: $43,572.00 – $65,208.00).

Tiered pay structure: starting at $4,267, increasing to $4,374 after 6 months, $4,937 after 12 months, and $5,060 after 18 months with promotion to Correctional Officer 2. Eligible for a $5,000 sign-on bonus, payable over 18 months.

Schedule

Full-time. Employees may be assigned to any of three work shifts and various post assignments; preferences are considered but not guaranteed.

About the Role

The Correctional Officer 1 is the entry-level position in the Correctional Officer sub-series, responsible for correctional work of average difficulty at a state penal institution. This role involves the custody, transport, and rehabilitation of inmates and may require working any shift. Upon successful completion of a mandatory one-year training period, employees are reclassified to Correctional Officer 2. Inadequate or marginal performance during the training period may result in 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 evaluations 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 equipment including two-way radios, firearms, mace, electronic gates, television cameras, and motor vehicles.
• Ensures the safety of residents through supervision of their daily activity.
• Breaks up fights or other potentially dangerous situations using persuasion or physical force as necessary.
• Carries out and explains existing policies and procedures to others.

Requirements

• Education equivalent to graduation from a standard high school.
• Must be at least 18 years of age on the date of application.
• Must be a U.S. citizen with good moral character, as determined by investigation.
• Must complete a criminal history disclosure form and agree to release all criminal history records to the appointing authority.
• Must supply a fingerprint sample for a criminal history records check conducted by the TBI.
• Must have no felony convictions and no dishonorable discharge from any branch of the U.S. armed forces.
• Must pass a physical examination and psychological evaluation, both consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and related to the essential functions of the position.
• Must pass a pre-employment screening test for use of illegal drugs.
• Must possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license at the time of appointment in some positions.
• Must successfully complete a prescribed course of instruction at the Tennessee Correction Academy upon appointment.
• Must be willing and able to qualify with, carry, and use assigned weapons.