Corrections Officer Trainee - SCI Forest

About the role

Join the Department of Corrections as a Corrections Officer Trainee and begin a career that makes a real difference. This role offers hands-on training and steady support as you learn how to maintain safety and order within a state correctional facility. You will build strong skills, gain confidence, and help support the well-being of inmates and staff. If you have a strong dedication to public service and want to help keep the public safe, we encourage you to submit an application for the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Forest.

Responsibilities

• Inmate Contact: Interact with inmates and visitors in both direct and indirect situations
• Maintain Security: Monitor inmate movement and activities in cellblocks, housing units, work areas, dining spaces, and recreation areas to maintain security
• Observation: Make periodic and unannounced rounds, conduct head counts, complete security checks, and report unusual situations to a Corrections Officer
• Provide Guidance: Offer advice and guidance to inmates adjusting and participating in correctional processes and agency rules/regulations
• Prepare Reports: Write and complete detailed reports
• Respond to Emergencies: Act quickly and safely during emergency situations
• Uniforms: Wear employer-provided uniforms

Skills

Participate in formalized instruction in the areas of sociology, psychology, court procedures, self-defense, leadership, custodial responsibilities, and the facility’s organizational structure.

Schedule

Full-time employment with a 40‑hour work week; shifts to be determined, requiring work of any shift, any area of the institution as assigned, overtime as required by operational necessities and emergencies, weekends and holidays that fall within the normal work schedule, and reporting to work under adverse weather conditions. Telework is not available for this position.

Pay

Starting hourly rate is $23.49; shift differential is up to $1.25 per hour.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs
• Eligible for full retirement benefits at age 50 or 55
• Union membership: follow promotion provisions of a collective bargaining agreement or memorandum

Qualifications

• Pennsylvania residency requirement is currently waived for this title
• Successful completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA is required
• Ability to perform essential job functions
• Pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements
• Successfully complete a medical examination, psychological evaluation, and urinalysis screening for drugs