Correctional Officer I (Southern State Correctional Facility)

About the role

The Vermont Department of Corrections offers a career that combines security, human services, communication, problem-solving, and leadership. 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.
• Attend a six-week paid training academy focusing on core skills and knowledge.
• Return to assigned facility for two weeks of supervised training with a Facility Training Officer.
• Enter a six-month probationary period following successful completion of training.
• Work a 2-2-3 schedule consisting of two consecutive days on, two consecutive days off, and three consecutive days on, with two consecutive days off, for a total of 14 days.
• Perform essential duties in a secure correctional environment, including the ability to don a self-contained breathing apparatus and perform evacuation procedures.
• Work overtime as required to maintain safe staffing levels.
• Work weekends and holidays when scheduled.

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.
• Ability 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

• Ability to work in a high-stress environment.
• Ability to perform physical tasks, including donning a self-contained breathing apparatus and performing evacuation procedures.

Benefits

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

Pay

• Competitive compensation package including medical, dental, and retirement benefits.

Schedule

• 2-2-3 schedule designed for better work-life balance.
• Rotates between day and night shifts.
• Includes a three-day weekend every other week.
• Approximately 180 workdays per year.

Environmental Factors

• Duties performed largely within a correctional facility and in the immediate area of inmates.
• Potential for physical assault or injury.
• 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 facility needs.

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

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

Special Requirements

• Overtime work is required to maintain safe staffing levels and is considered a condition of employment.
• The ability to work overtime as required is considered an essential function of this job class.
• Work on weekends and holidays may be required.
• Must attend and pass annual mandated training.
• The Department of Corrections does not hire anyone who has been convicted of a felony without a waiver from the Commissioner of Corrections.
• Any person under supervision or sanctioned for a misdemeanor conviction within the past five (5) years is likewise ineligible for employment.
• Candidates must pass a background investigation applicable to the position.

Total Compensation

• Average 30% of total compensation in employee benefits.
• Includes 80% state-paid medical premiums and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families.
• Work/Life balance: 12 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan.
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI).
• Two ways to save for retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts.
• Low-cost group life insurance.
• Incentive-based Wellness Program.
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State 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.