DPSCS CORRECTIONAL OFFICER HIRING

JOB PURPOSE

Maryland Correctional Officers are charged with the care and custody of individuals sentenced by the courts to serve time in a State correctional facility, along with those awaiting a court trial and sentencing. We work closely with incarcerated individuals in their living quarters to oversee and monitor their daily activities. We record the events of each day and make note of any confrontations or other issues. We confiscate contraband and determine when to discipline individuals who break protocol. We can also act as an escort when taking individuals to court hearings, health clinics, classrooms and recreation areas. We distribute supplies and ensure that inmates get proper care and protection from harm while in custody. We are proud of our employees who have dedicated themselves to keep our communities safe. It’s a career and duty they do not take lightly. We look forward to assisting you in your journey to become part of our team!

OTHER DUTIES

• Enforce rules of conduct and regulations inside of correctional settings;
• Maintain security and safety by preventing disturbances, assaults, and escapes;
• Supervise the daily activities of incarcerated individuals, ensuring all rules and procedures are followed;
• Ensure whereabouts of incarcerated individuals at all times;
• Search incarcerated individuals for contraband; such as weapons or drugs;
• Subdue and restrain incarcerated individuals during fights, riots, and escape attempts;
• Inspect correctional facilities to ensure standards are met;
• Report on incarcerated individuals conduct;
• Restrain incarcerated individuals in handcuffs when necessary;
• Aid in the rehabilitation and counseling of incarcerated individuals;
• Inspect mail and visitors for prohibited items;
• Write incident reports and fill out daily activity logs;
• Inspect cells for unsanitary conditions, contraband, and any signs of security breaches; and
• Operate manual and electronic cell locking systems.

COMPENSATION, INCENTIVES, & SPECIAL BENEFITS

COMPENSATION

The starting salary for an Entry Level - Correctional Officer I is $50,551.

INCENTIVES

Newly hired Correctional Officers receive $2,000 after successfully concluding their training at the academy and $3,000 after the successful completion of their probationary period.

An additional $2,500 bonus is offered for Correctional Officers hired or reinstated in Hagerstown, Cumberland, and the Eastern Shore.

BENEFITS

As a State of Maryland employee, correctional officers are entitled to all state benefits which can be found here. On top of those benefits, Correctional Officers are in a special Correctional Officer Retirement System (CORS).

1. CO Retirement System (CORS)
   Maryland State Retirement and Pension System vested after ten (10) years. Service retirement after 20 years. Mandatory five percent (5%) of annual salary contribution. This also includes Disability and Accidental Disability Retirement Benefits.
2. Visit SRA.Maryland.govfor more information

CAREER PROMOTIONS & SPECIALIZED UNITS

The Correctional Officer position with the Maryland Department of Public Safety & Correctional Services is not just a job, it is a career. Correctional Officers have a set career progression plan and promotional path.

Applicants hired as an Entry Level - Correctional Officer I are eligible for a non-competitive promotion to Correctional Officer II after one (1) year of continuous service and successful completion of a probationary period. Once a Correctional Officer II, there are many specialized units and further promotional opportunities.

CORRECTIONAL OFFICER SERIES - CAREER PROMOTIONS

CORRECTIONAL OFFICER SERIES - SPECIALIZED UNITS

CO Dietary Officers

Responsible for the culinary & dietary needs of the Correctional Officers and the incarnated individuals in DPSCS custody

CO Environmental Officers

Ensure that health, safety, and concerns are monitored and addressed to ensure safety for all occupants and visitors to DPSCS facilities

CO Recreation Officers

Responsible for providing physical and recreational activities for DPSCS incarnated individuals

CO Supply Officers

Responsible for making sure that inmate personal items are addressed

CO Transportation Officers

Responsible for ensuring the safe transportation of all inmate outside of DPSCS facilities

Academy Instructor

Responsible for training all Entry Level Correctional Officer recruits during the seven (7) week paid academy training and beyond.

Commitment Unit

Ensures commutation and credits of time for all inmates

Contraband Interdiction Team (CIT)

Responsible for search and seize efforts that pertain to contraband items thought to be inside any of our facilities.

Home Detention Unit

Correctional Officer with law enforcement powers who oversee individuals assigned to home detention and living in the community

In-Service Instructors

Responsible for training all the correctional staff in their region. They create and update curriculums for all mandated courses and certifications

Intelligence Unit

Highly trained in the area of intelligence gathering. Specializes in Gang Intelligence, cell phone analysis, and actionable intelligence

K9 Unit

Responsible for contraband interdiction throughout the DPSCS system. K9 Teams specialize in narcotic detection, tracking, patrol work, and other items of contraband

Range Instructor

Responsible for instruction of firearms on the firing ranges

Special Operations Group (SOG)

Highly trained Correctional SWAT who handle high risk inmate transports and emergency response. Work with other specialized units on emergency situations Trained in the use of specialized weapons

Tactical Unit

Trained to handle emergency situations and searches within the institutions. Receives specialized training in certain weapons and emergency tactics

CORRECTIONAL OFFICER MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. An applicant must be 21 years of age.
2. An applicant shall be a United States citizen or a resident alien.
3. An applicant shall possess a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate.
An applicant shall pass a comprehensive background investigation. It shall determine that an applicant:
• is of good moral character and reputation;
• is emotionally stable; and
• displays the suitable behavior necessary to perform the duties of the position.

CORRECTIONAL OFFICER HIRING PROCESS

Please keep in mind, as we endeavor to fill our team with reputable and dedicated members, the process from application to hire may take several months to complete; however, we strive to conduct all processes in a timely and professional manner. We do hope you consider a career with our team, and we look forward to working with you and making you a part of our team!

1. SUBMIT APPLICATION

You will be required to submit an application online by clicking here.

2. INTERVIEW

Qualified applicants will respond to a set of structured interview questions typically used to assess an applicant's qualifications, job-related skills and worker requirements. Questions may take a number of different formats to gain information regarding qualifications (education, training or experience), worker requirements (willingness to work under certain conditions, shifts, overtime), job knowledge, situational (work scenarios), or past behavior (give an example of when you solved a critical problem).

3. WRITING JOB SAMPLE ASSESSMENT

This is a structured method for evaluating an applicant's job-related skills and abilities. Applicants are rated on the basis of the response they provide to a predefined prompt related to the Correctional Officer job. A rating is completed using pre-established criteria applied consistently to all applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements.

4. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

Next, you will undergo a comprehensive background screening to include:

• fingerprinting
• complete national, state and local criminal history check
• consumer credit check
• tattoo information and photographs
• military history (if applicable)
• employment history review
• law enforcement and correctional applications review
• personal reference checks
• co-worker reference checks
• neighborhood reference checks
• verification of education credentials
• polygraph examination
• psychological evaluation
• physical examination
• urinalysis for drug use testing

5. ATTEND TRAINING ACADEMY

Once you successfully complete steps one (1) through four (4) you will be assigned to an institution based on preferences listed on your application and scheduled to attend the Entry Level Maryland Correctional Training Academy in that region. The Correctional Training Academy is a fully paid, seven-week training course that will prepare you with a solid foundation for your career as a Correctional Officer. Some of the areas of study are:

• Classroom instruction on topics including:
• Professionalism and Ethics
• Inmate Manipulation
• Report writing
• Legal aspect
• Sexual harassment awareness
• Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)
• Effective communication skills
• Crisis De-escalation
• Understanding mental health
• Disturbance Control
• Use of Chemical Agents
• Defensive Tactics
• Searches
• CPR and First Aid
• Physical Training
• Firearms Training

Successful completion of the Correctional Training Academy will require studying, working as a team, maintaining your physical wellness and having a strong desire to succeed. You will need to be prepared both mentally and physically for the challenge. Academy staff will work with you to help you succeed and study time after class is available.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

You must submit the following documents to be considered for the Correctional Officer position:

• Original Proof of Citizenship
• birth certificate;
• U.S. Passport; or
• identification card issued by the Immigration and Naturalization Service of the United States Department of Justice indicating Resident Status.
• We WILL NOT accept Social Security cards, hospital certificates or employment authorization cards.
• Transcripts
• birth certificate;
• official high school transcripts (issued and recognized by the State Board of Education);
• original GED Certificate with scores; or
• official college transcripts when a degree has been earned.
• Proof of Identity (must be valid) Photo identification must be provided at time of interview. One of the following must be submitted as proof of identity:
• Maryland driver’s license;
• A driver’s license issued by another state, the District of Columbia, a United States territory, or a foreign government;
• A United States passport;
• An alien registration card;
• A United States military identification card;
• An identification card issued by a State or local governmental agency, the District of Columbia, a United States territory, or a foreign government.
• Original DD 214 Long Form (or final military discharge paperwork) from all branches of military service served
• must indicate:
• Dates of Service,
• Character of Service,
• Narrative Reason for Separation,
• Separation Code & Re-entry code ( if applicable).

COMMON DISQUALIFIERS

Prior Drug Usage

An applicant is ineligible if they have illegally used a controlled dangerous substance or narcotic drug for any purpose within the previous three (3) years (36 months). An applicant is ineligible if they have unlawfully used natural cannabis or natural cannabinoids for any purpose within the previous year (12 months).

Employment History

An applicant is ineligible if they have been terminated from a permanent position at any Maryland State Agency. Please note: this also includes any resignations in lieu of termination.

Military Record

An applicant may be ineligible if they have been separated from any military force less than Honorable discharge.

Driving Record

An applicant may be ineligible if there are any convictions or PBJ's on any 12-point violation within the previous five (5) years. This includes but is not limited to:

• Driving while under the influence;
• Driving while intoxicated;
• Attempting to flee or elude police; and
• Driving while license is refused, suspended, revoked, or canceled.

Arrest Record

An applicant may be ineligible if an arrest record shows:

• A felony conviction;
• A misdemeanor conviction within the past five (5) years;
• A PBJ, Parole, or Probation within the past five (5) years;
• A civil drug conviction within three (3) years.

Please note: an applicant is ineligible if they are currently on parole or probation. In addition to the common disqualifiers listed above, all applicants must be able to meet the mandates for certification established by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission (MPCTC) as stated in COMAR 12.10.01.