Correctional Officer ; Statewide

Introduction

If you are looking for an exciting career in corrections with competitive pay, great benefits, retirement, and opportunity for advancement and professional growth – Apply to become a Correctional Officer today! The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) is seeking dedicated candidates for our Correctional Officer I entry-level position. This recruitment is ongoing and continuous and is a great way to begin a career with DPSCS.

The position of Correctional Officer I is the first level in a non-competitive promotion series (NCP). Following a successful completion of one year of service and an initial probationary period, employees are promoted to the position of Correctional Officer II with a 6% salary increase. This promotional increase is in addition to any COLA or step increments approved by the MD General Assembly.

As a member of the DPSCS team, in addition to a competitive salary, you can enjoy a wide range of benefits such as medical and dental coverage, paid time off (i.e. vacation, sick leave) twenty-year retirement, supplemental retirement options (i.e. 401k, 457b etc.) and even become a member of a state employee credit union.

Newly hired Correctional Officers will receive a $5,000 incentive – $2,000 after successfully completing their training at a Maryland Police and Correctional Training Academy and $3,000 after successfully completing their probationary period. A regional hiring bonus of $2,500 is available for applicants who select the Hagerstown, Cumberland or Eastern shore facilities.

DPSCS will continually recognize and support our country’s veterans, service members, and their families. Our commitment applies to all employment practices including, but not limited to recruiting, hiring, promotions, training, benefits, retention, certification, and testing. We fully recognize, honor, and comply with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. Military Veterans may qualify for State Service credit up to but not to exceed 5 years early retirement.

Military Leave – A maximum of 15 days annually, is granted to DPSCS employees without loss of pay or other leave.

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Western Maryland and Eastern Shore. This recruitment has been opened to establish a list of eligible candidates to be used to fill current and future vacancies occurring in our local Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services throughout the state. Please indicate the counties in which you are willing to accept employment on your application.

A Correctional Officer I is the entry‑level position of custody, security, and supervision of adult incarcerated individuals confined in a correctional facility. Employees in this classification receive close supervision and do not supervise other correctional officers. Correctional officers are assigned to morning, evening, night, or rotating shifts.

Physical Readiness and Annual Physical Recertification for Corrections Officers:
Corrections Officers must successfully complete an annual recertification process that includes demonstrating the physical capabilities required for defensive tactics. This ensures correctional officers maintain the strength, agility, and endurance needed to effectively respond to emergencies and execute trained self‑defense techniques. Maintaining physical readiness is essential to ensuring the safety of the officer, fellow staff members, and the resident population during high‑risk situations.

Essential job functions are the ability to:
Attend an entrance‑level training program certified by the Maryland Corrections Training Commission. Exercise care, custody and control over incarcerated individuals. Administer emergency medical assistance to both incarcerated individuals and staff. Perform physically demanding tasks e.g. running, physical control of incarcerated individuals, lifting. Supervise incarcerated individuals participating in work, leisure activities, formal programs, etc. Work overtime as required by operational necessities and emergencies.

Effectively communicate verbally and in writing with…