Correctional Officer ; Statewide

Introduction

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 provides a great way to begin a career with DPSCS. The position represents the first level in a non‑competitive promotion series (NCP). After one year of service and a probationary period, employees are promoted to Correctional Officer II with a 6% salary increase on top of any COLA or step increments approved by the MD General Assembly.

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Western Maryland and Eastern Shore. Applicants should indicate on their application the counties in which they are willing to accept employment.

• Attend and successfully complete 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 such as running, controlling and lifting incarcerated individuals.
• Supervise incarcerated individuals participating in work, leisure and formal programs.
• Work overtime as required by operational necessities and emergencies.
• Effectively communicate verbally and in writing with incarcerated individuals and staff.
• Analyze situations and problems and provide appropriate solutions.
• Direct and maintain security in housing units, dining halls and work areas.
• Observe incarcerated individuals from towers, corridors and visiting areas.
• Provide advice and guidance in assisting incarcerated individuals in adjusting to institutional rules and regulations.

• Education:
  
  High School diploma or high school equivalency certificate (as accepted by the Maryland State Board of Education).
• Experience:
  
  None.
• Must successfully complete the required entry‑level training program and meet all selection standards set by the Maryland Correctional Training Commission.

A driver’s license is recommended but not required. Employees may be assigned duties that require operating a motor vehicle or buses. Those assigned to bus duties must obtain a valid Class B Commercial Driver’s License with passenger and air brake endorsements.

• Fluent in spoken and written English. Professional fluency in Spanish, Mandarin, Korean or other languages is a plus.
• U.S. citizenship or resident alien status.
• Minimum age of 21.
• Completed background investigation.
• Successful oral interview and physical examination.
• Must maintain physical readiness and complete annual physical recertification, including defensive tactics proficiency.
• Must complete the Entrance Level Firearms Training prescribed by the Maryland Corrections Training Commission.
• Must be reachable 24 hours a day for call‑in duties.
• Must undergo substance abuse testing in accordance with State regulations.

DPSCS recognizes and supports veterans, service members and their families. Veterans may qualify for State Service credit up to five years of early retirement. Military Veterans may also benefit from other state recognitions.

• Health, dental, and vision insurance at low cost.
• Paid time off: vacation, sick leave, and additional personnel days.
• Retirement: a 20‑year retirement plan and supplemental retirement options such as 401(k) and 457(b).
• Parental leave: up to 60 days of paid leave for birth or adoption.
• Holidays: at least twelve state holidays per year.
• Pension: earnings credit toward a retirement pension.
• Other benefits: state employee credit union membership and other miscellaneous benefits.

DPSCS is an equal opportunity employer and complies with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. The agency welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and encourages diversity.