CORRECTIONAL OFFICER 1* - 08252026-80185

Location: Morgan County Correctional Complex, Wartburg, TN. Ten 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.

Pay

Monthly salary: $3,631.00 - $5,434.00
Annual salary: $43,572.00 - $65,208.00
Starting salary for Correctional Officer 1: $4,267.00 per month ($51,204.00 per year).

Requirements

• Education equivalent to graduation from a standard high school.
• Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age on the date of application.
• Must be a citizen of the United States.
• Must have a good moral character, as determined by investigation.
• Must complete a criminal history disclosure form and agree to release all records involving criminal history to the appointing authority.
• Must supply a fingerprint sample for a fingerprint-based criminal history records check.
• Must have no conviction for a felony or dishonorable discharge from any branch of the United States armed forces.
• Must pass a physical examination and psychological evaluation consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• 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.

About the Role

The Correctional Officer 1 is responsible for correctional work of average difficulty and performs related duties as required. This is the entry-level position in the Correctional Officer sub-series, involving the custody, transport, and rehabilitation of inmates. Employees may be assigned to any shift and are expected to work various post assignments throughout their careers.

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 may result in automatic demotion or termination.

Responsibilities

• Supervises inmate activities in housing units, dining areas, recreation, and work areas, attending to medical, visitation, personal property, and recreational needs.
• 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 inmates and families about problems, and evaluates inmates on hygiene, attitudes, and interactions.
• Attends staff meetings, disciplinary board meetings, and training for riot control, escape prevention, and first aid.
• Prepares reports such as daily logs, disciplinary reports, inmate job and pay records, daily inmate counts, and requisitions for supplies.
• Operates equipment including two-way radios, firearms, mace, electronic gates, television cameras, and motor vehicles.
• Ensures inmate safety through daily supervision and intervention in potentially dangerous situations.
• Breaks up fights or other dangerous situations using persuasion or physical force as necessary.
• Communicates and explains existing policies and procedures to others.