CORRECTIONAL OFFICER 2* - 08042026-79856

Location: Nashville, TN – Department of Correction, Davidson County (8 positions available). A pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check are required.

Pay

Monthly salary range: $4,057.00 - $6,099.00 (Annual: $48,684.00 - $73,188.00). This position has an approved tiered pay structure:

• Hiring rate: $4,480/month
• 6-month increase: $4,592/month
• 12-month tiered increase: $4,937/month
• 18-month increase: $5,060/month

Newly hired Correctional Officers are eligible for a $5,000 sign-on bonus, payable over an 18-month period.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Equivalent to graduation from a standard high school and one year of full-time adult correctional security work (or equivalent experience with a federal, state, or ACA-accredited local agency). Qualifying full-time employment as a Correctional Officer with the State of Tennessee may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Special Qualifications:

• Must be willing and able to qualify with, carry, and use assigned weapons
• At least 18 years of age on the date of application
• U.S. citizen
• Good moral character, as determined by investigation
• Complete a criminal history disclosure form and agree to release all records to the appointing authority
• Submit fingerprints for a TBI criminal history records check
• No felony convictions or dishonorable discharge from the U.S. armed forces
• Pass a physical examination and psychological evaluation (ADA-compliant, related to essential functions)
• Pass a pre-employment drug screening
• Possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license (required for some positions)
• Successfully complete a prescribed course of instruction at the Tennessee Correction Academy

Most correctional security employees can expect rotating shift assignments and varying post assignments. Preferences are considered but not guaranteed.

About the Role

The Correctional Officer 2 performs correctional work of average difficulty at a state penal institution, involving custody, transport, and rehabilitation of inmates. This is the working-level class in the Correctional Officer sub-series, flexibly staffed above the entry-level Correctional Officer 1 and below the supervisory Correctional Corporal.

Responsibilities

• Supervise inmate activities in housing units, dining areas, recreation, and work areas; attend to medical, visitation, personal property, and recreational needs
• Inspect and patrol grounds for contraband, unauthorized personnel, and security risks
• Process new inmates: assign accommodations, search for contraband, issue clothing, and store personal property
• Observe inmate behavior; counsel inmates and families; evaluate hygiene, attitudes, and interactions; report evaluations to the counseling department
• Attend staff meetings, disciplinary board meetings, and training (e.g., riot control, escape prevention, first aid)
• Prepare reports: daily logs, disciplinary reports, inmate job/pay records, daily counts, and supply requisitions
• Operate equipment: two-way radios, firearms, mace, electronic gates, television cameras, and motor vehicles
• Ensure resident safety through daily supervision; de-escalate fights or dangerous situations using persuasion or physical force
• Communicate and enforce policies and procedures

Skills and Competencies

Competencies: Decision Quality, Conflict Management, Communication, Accountability, Situational Adaptability.

Knowledge Areas: Public Safety and Security, Customer/Personal Service, Law and Government.

Skills: Active Learning/Listening, Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, Learning Strategies, Writing.

Abilities: Number Facility, Problem Sensitivity, Speech Clarity/Recognition, Written Comprehension.