Correctional Officer I (Northern State Correctional Facility)

About the role

The Vermont Department of Corrections offers a career that combines security, human services, and leadership opportunities. Correctional Officers play a critical role in maintaining safety and security while supporting rehabilitation, accountability, and positive change.

Responsibilities

• Complete a minimum of 40 hours of facility shadowing to observe correctional operations and daily responsibilities.
• Attend a six-week paid training academy focusing on core skills and knowledge required for the profession.
• Return to assigned facility and complete two weeks of supervised training with a Facility Training Officer.
• Enter a six-month probationary period following successful completion of training.
• Work a 4-3 schedule designed to support work-life balance while maintaining continuous facility operations.

Requirements

• Ability to work overtime as required to maintain safe staffing levels.
• Ability to work weekends and holidays when scheduled.
• Successful completion of annual mandatory training requirements.
• Able to perform the essential duties of a Correctional Officer in a secure correctional environment.

Qualifications

• High school graduation or equivalent AND two (2) years or more full-time work experience.
• One (1) year or more of college level course work AND one (1) year or more of full-time work experience.
• Two (2) years or more of college level course work.

Skills

Correctional Officers should possess a combination of skills including security, human services, communication, problem-solving, and leadership.

Benefits

• $2,000 Annual Training Pay
• Shift differentials where applicable
• Overtime opportunities

Pay

Salary range is determined by experience and qualifications. For more details, refer to the State's total compensation package.

Schedule and Work-Life Balance

The 4-3 schedule allows employees to work four consecutive days and then take three consecutive days off each week, with approximately 208 workdays per year. This schedule supports work-life balance and provides extended periods off for family, rest, travel, and personal commitments.

Environmental Factors

Duties are performed largely within a correctional facility and in the immediate area of inmates. High stress situations are predictable, even frequent. The potential of physical assault or injury is present. Transportation and supervision of inmates outside of the correctional facility may be required. A valid motor vehicle operator's license is necessary. Overtime and emergency duty are unpredictable. Shift assignments may change in accordance with the needs of the facility.

Minimum Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• Two (2) years or more full-time work experience.
• One (1) year or more of college level course work.
• Two (2) years or more of college level course work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a correctional setting.
• Military experience.

Additional Compensation

• Shift differentials where applicable.
• Overtime opportunities.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Vermont is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status.