Correctional Officer

Compensation

$54,900.144 (Special Hiring Rate SPB 3088-B)

Under general supervision, a Correctional Officer in this class functions as a shift or unit supervisor within a Correctional Facility and holds the rank of Lieutenant. The officer contributes to the public safety mission by ensuring the safety, security, and custody of the public, staff, and inmates in compliance with policy and procedure. They supervise the daily activities of inmates, enforce rules, regulations, and state law necessary for control and management, plan, review, and direct the work of subordinates, perform administrative duties related to the security and operation of the facility, and conduct, assign, supervise, and evaluate inquiries or investigations.

1 | Counties Covered:
Barbour, Randolph, Pocahontas, Preston, Taylor, Tucker, Upshur.

• Training:
  Graduation from a standard high school or its equivalent.
• Experience:
  
  Five (5) years full‑time or equivalent part‑time paid experience as a correctional officer, probation/parole officer, U.S. military service (part‑time National Guard counted), police officer, or in criminal justice or a related field.
• Substitution:
  Completion of coursework from a regionally accredited college or university in corrections, criminal justice, or a related field can substitute for experience at a rate of one (1) year for every thirty (30) hours of study.

• Successfully complete competitive promotion selection process governed by agency policy.
• Complete psychological examination, medical examination, physical performance test, and chemical urinalysis drug‑screening test prior to appointment.
• Be subject to random drug testing and drug testing for reasonable suspicion.
• Background investigation prior to employment and recurring background checks; must be clear of felony convictions and any activity prohibited by the Prison Rape Elimination Act.
• Work various shifts; schedules are subject to change at any time.
• Mandatory overtime requirements and availability for assignment to any location in West Virginia.
• Possess a valid driver’s license prior to appointment and maintain it throughout employment.
• Maintain a working telephone to allow contact by the agency.
• Possess the ability to perform the essential functions and tasks of the classification.
• Complete a Supervisor Training Course within six (6) months of promotion.

• Upon completion of the first year of continuous service, employees hired into the rank of Correctional Officer may receive a retention incentive of $2,000.
• Employees receive an annual base building pay differential of $250 starting July 1, 2024.
• Any Correctional Officer promoted into the Classification 4, 5, 6, or 7 receives the special hiring rate plus the total amount of the annual base building pay differential applied to their new salary.
• If an employee is hired into a Critical Vacancy Pay Facility (CVPF) and leaves the facility, the additional pay differential of $5,000 is removed unless the employee transfers to another CVPF.