Correctional Officer

Job Overview

This is general duty correctional work maintaining security and discipline in a City correctional institution or police detention facility on an assigned shift.

• Guard inmates at work locations and in cell blocks.
• Transport inmates from institutions to and from courts and between institutions.
• Perform general labor tasks as required.
• Maintain security and discipline in correctional or police detention facilities.
• Respond to incidents and restrain or subdue prisoners when necessary.
• Work under the close supervision of higher level correctional or police personnel.

Education: Completion of the twelfth school grade.

Age: Must be 20 years old at time of hire.

Physical and Medical Requirements:

• Age - Must have reached twentieth (20) birthday.
• Ability to physically perform duties and work in the environmental conditions required of this position.

Required Licenses, Registrations, and / or Certificates:

• Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure.

Starting salary $52,047 during the training academy based on an 8‑hour shift. Upon graduation from the academy, salary increases to $63,758 with potential to reach up to $75,562 based on a 12‑hour shift.

U.S. Veteran’s Preference: Ten (10) points for veteran’s preference added to scores of eligible veterans who apply for open competitive tests and pass. Requires honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces and submission of DD214 Member‑4. Spouses of disabled or deceased veterans may be considered and must submit additional documentation.

Legacy Preference: Ten (10) points for children and grandchildren of Philadelphia Firefighters or Police Officers killed in line of duty. Requires documented proof of relationship and death certificate.

National Volunteer Service Preference: Up to five (5) points for eligible national volunteers who apply for open competitive tests and pass.

• Five (5) points for completion of a two‑year term of service with Peace Corps, Ameri Corps NCCC (including FEMA Corps), or Ameri Corps VISTA.
• Three (3) points for completion of a one‑year term of service.
• One (1) point for completing 450 hours of Ameri Corps State and National service.
• Two (2) points for 675 hours.
• Three (3) points for 900 hours.
• Five (5) points for 1700 hours.

Philadelphia School District Career and Technical Education (CTE) Preference: Up to 5 points added to final score for graduates of School District of Philadelphia CTE program within three years preceding the exam announcement (excluding Police and Fire entry level exams). Must submit documentation including a high school transcript with CTE completion.

Type of Exam:
Modified Training and Experience Evaluation. Approved applicants receive a score of 70 and any additional preference points. No scheduled examination required.

Eligible List Date:
Week of September 7, 2026 (subject to change).