Correctional Officer

Job Information

State of Tennessee – Department of Correction, Lois M. Deberry Special Needs Facility, Davidson County. Position located in Nashville, TN. Position is full-time.

Opening Date/Time: 02/24/2026 12:00AM Central Time. Closing Date/Time: 03/09/2026 11:59PM Central Time.

Salary (Monthly): $3,631.00 – $4,533.00;
Salary (Annually): $43,572.00 – $54,396.00.

Classification of Correctional Officer 1 has an approved starting salary of $4,267.00 per month, or $51,204.00 per year. Newly hired Correctional Officers are eligible for a $5,000 sign‑on bonus, payable over an 18‑month period. The position is on‑site only and requires a criminal background check, motor‑vehicle records screening, and a pre‑employment drug screening. A valid driver’s license is required in some positions.

Education and Experience: Education equivalent to graduation from a standard high school.

• Be willing and able to qualify with, carry, and use assigned weapons.
• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age on the date of application.
• Be a citizen of the United States.
• Have a good moral character, as determined by investigation.
• Complete a criminal history disclosure form in an approved manner.
• Agree to release all records involving criminal history.
• Supply a fingerprint sample as prescribed for a criminal history check.
• Have no felony convictions or discharge other than honorable conditions from armed forces.
• Pass a physical examination administered by a licensed physician, consistent with the ADA.
• Pass a psychological evaluation administered by a licensed mental health professional, consistent with the ADA.
• Submit to and pass a pre‑employment screening test for drug use.
• Possess a valid motor‑vehicle operator’s license at the time of appointment in some positions.
• Upon appointment, successfully complete a prescribed course of instruction at the Tennessee Correction Academy.

The Correctional Officer 1 is responsible for correctional work of average difficulty and performs related duties as required. This is the entry working class in the Correctional Officer sub‑series. An employee performs correctional work at a state penal institution involving custody, transport, and rehabilitation of inmates and may be assigned to any shift. The class differs from the Correctional Corporal, which includes minor supervisory duties.

• An applicant appointed to this class will be reclassified to the Correctional Officer 2 after successful completion of a mandatory one‑year training period; inadequate or marginal performance will result in automatic demotion or termination.

• Supervises inmate activities in housing units, dining areas, recreation and work areas, and attends to medical, visitation, personal property, and recreational needs.
• Inspects and patrols the grounds for contraband, unauthorized personnel, and other security risks.
• Checks in new inmates by assigning accommodations, searching for contraband, issuing clothing, and storing personal property.
• Observes inmate behavior; counsels with inmates and families about problems; evaluates inmates on hygiene, attitudes, and reports to the counseling department.
• Attends staff meetings, disciplinary board meetings, and training for riot control, escape prevention, and first aid.
• Prepares reports such as daily logs, disciplinary reports, records of inmate jobs and pay, daily inmate counts, and requisitions for office supplies.
• Operates equipment such as two‑way radios, firearms, mace, electronic gates, television cameras, and may operate motor vehicles.
• Ensures the safety of residents through supervision of daily activity.
• Breaks up fights or dangerous situations by persuasion or physical force.
• Carries out and explains existing policies and procedures to others.

During their careers, most correctional security employees can expect to be assigned to any one of three different work shifts and any number of post assignments. Employee work preferences are considered, but there is no guarantee of a specific shift or post.