Correctional Officer

Position Overview

This entry-level position is responsible for the discipline and security of an assigned post inside and/or outside a secure facility. Tasks include acquiring a working knowledge of rules, regulations, procedures, techniques, and equipment through orientation and on‑the‑job training. Positions report to a technical supervisor.

• Sign‑On Bonus: $5,000 to new Cadets paid in installments.

• Maintains control of inmates while escorting individuals or groups within the prison.
• Keeps accurate head counts of inmates in the assigned security post.
• Conducts periodic shakedowns of inmates and searches inmates, visitors, employees, cell blocks, and other structures for prohibited items such as tools, weapons, or contraband.
• Operates manual and electronic locking systems.
• Enforces all rules, regulations, and procedures affecting inmate discipline, security, and safety.
• Observes inmate activities to detect unusual or prohibited behavior that may threaten facility security or the safety of inmates, employees, or visitors.
• Ensures inmates conform to proper standards of care as required for living areas and personal hygiene.
• Maintains custody of inmates during transport to other institutions and in the community for court appearances or other appointments.
• Prepares and maintains a daily log and routine reports of activities and incidents on the assigned shift using an automated information system.
• May be required to train and care for K‑9, including feeding, grooming, and kennel maintenance.
• May enter the institution as backup in riot control and shakedown activities, and may participate in the pursuit of escapees.

• At least 18 years of age.
• Possession of a High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Possession of a valid Driver’s License (not suspended, revoked, or cancelled).

Selected incumbent’s annual base starting salary is $53,807.00. Upon successful completion of the Correctional Employee Initial Training (CEIT) course and assignment to a facility, the salary will increase to $57,844.80. The incumbent will also be eligible for a 5% shift differential for working 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. hours.

The Correctional Employee Initial Training (CEIT) program is approved by the Veterans Administration of Delaware and the State Approving Authority for training Veterans.

DOC Special Requirement:
Candidates must complete all phases of an eleven‑week Correctional Officer Basic Course at the Steven R. Floyd Sr. Training Academy, covering physical, classroom, and hands‑on training in inmate supervision, defensive tactics, riot control, weapons, report writing, and emergency medical training.

Employees in a Correctional Officer (CO) series will be eligible to retire under HB363 after completing at least twenty‑five (25) years of pension creditable state service, with at least twenty (20) of those years as a CO series classified position.

Conditional offer of employment requires a criminal background check, a physical fitness test, an approved psychological examination, a pre‑employment drug test, and a medical examination. Applicants must pay for the medical examination as part of the conditional offer of hire.

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package, please visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities at all phases of the application and employment process. For assistance, call (800) 232‑5470 or visit  Alternatively, call (302) 739‑5458 or email jobs.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.