CORRECTIONAL OFFICER 1* - 08252026-80333

Location: Henning, TN – Department of Correction, Lauderdale County

Two full-time positions available. A Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) screening and pre-employment drug screen are required. Newly hired Correctional Officers are eligible for a $5,000 sign-on bonus, payable over an 18-month period. This position requires a criminal background check.

Pay

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

Schedule

• Full-time
• Rotating shifts (day, evening, night) and post assignments; employee preferences are considered but not guaranteed

Requirements

• Education equivalent to graduation from a standard high school
• Must be at least 18 years of age on the date of application
• U.S. citizenship
• Good moral character, as determined by investigation
• Completion of a criminal history disclosure form and release of all criminal records to the appointing authority
• Fingerprint sample for TBI criminal history records check
• No felony convictions or dishonorable discharge from the U.S. armed forces
• Pass a physical examination and psychological evaluation consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act
• Pass a pre-employment drug screening test
• Possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license at the time of appointment (in some positions)
• Successfully complete a prescribed course of instruction at the Tennessee Correction Academy
• Willing and able to qualify with, carry, and use assigned weapons

About the Role

This is the entry-level position in the Correctional Officer sub-series. Employees perform correctional work involving the custody, transport, and rehabilitation of inmates at a state penal institution. Upon successful completion of a mandatory one-year training period, incumbents are reclassified to Correctional Officer 2; inadequate or marginal performance may result in demotion or termination.

Responsibilities

• Supervise inmate activities in housing units, dining areas, recreation and work areas, and attend to medical, visitation, personal property, and recreational needs of inmates
• Inspect and patrol grounds for contraband, unauthorized personnel, and other security risks
• Process new inmates by assigning accommodations, searching for contraband, issuing clothing, and storing personal property
• Observe inmate behavior; counsel inmates and families about problems; evaluate inmates on hygiene, attitudes, and interactions; send evaluations to the counseling department
• Attend staff meetings, disciplinary board meetings, and training for riot control, escape prevention, and first aid
• Prepare reports such as daily logs, disciplinary reports, inmate job and pay records, daily inmate counts, and office supply requisitions
• Operate equipment including two-way radios, firearms, mace, electronic gates, television cameras, and motor vehicles
• Ensure resident safety through daily activity supervision
• Intervene in fights or dangerous situations using persuasion or physical force as necessary
• Communicate and explain existing policies and procedures to others