Correctional Officer

Special Hiring Rates

• $55,900.416 upon hire/reallocation – Critical Vacancy Pay Facilities:
  Huttonsville Correctional Center and Jail, Mount Olive Correctional Complex and Jail, Western Regional Jail and Corrections Facility, Northern Correctional Facility (including Ohio County Correctional Center), Northern Regional Jail and Correctional Facility, Chick Buckbee Juvenile Center, Vicki Douglas Juvenile Center, Potomac Highlands Regional Jail and Correctional Facility, and Eastern Regional Jail and Corrections Facility (including Martinsburg Correctional Center)
• $50,900.304 upon hire/reallocation – Remainder of the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation facilities

Under general supervision at the full performance level, serves as a lead worker of Correctional Officers. These positions are responsible for planning, assigning, and reviewing the work of other Correctional Officers to ensure facility security and/or the functioning of a specialized post or unit.

These positions serve as lead worker or as a key control, tool control, and armory officer and hold the assigned rank of Corporal. They may also serve as non-supervisory K‑9 handlers.

• Conduct orientation and/or on‑the‑job training of Correctional Officers.
• Read and implement training materials, post orders, administrative regulations, log entries and/or memoranda.
• Provide guidance and direction to subordinate officers.
• Monitor the performance of subordinate officers, making assignments to units as necessary.
• Obtain information from previous shift regarding activities occurring on that shift.
• Conduct/assist with offender intake/discharge procedures.
• Observe offenders to detect unusual or prohibited behavior and maintain custody and control within the correctional facility.
• Perform and train subordinate officers to conduct offender counts and offender escort/transport security.
• Perform and train subordinate officers to conduct contraband searches.
• Instruct offenders in performing assigned tasks.
• Maintain public safety and control of offenders by ensuring the enforcement of rules, regulations and state law; report violations.
• Testify in internal disciplinary hearings and in court.
• Listen and respond appropriately to offender requests, problems and complaints.
• Model appropriate personal and social living skills when interacting with offenders.
• Recognize and train subordinate officers to respond to potential or actual emergencies, such as fires, physical altercations, disturbances or escapes in a manner that is consistent with policy, procedure and state law and ensure public safety.
• Handle and operate security/communications equipment and/or firearms as directed in a manner that is consistent with policy, procedure and state law and ensures public safety.
• Conduct incident inquiries/investigations as assigned.

• Knowledge of correctional security, treatment and support program operations.
• Knowledge of rules, regulations and state law.
• Skill in locating and identifying contraband.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
• Ability to train subordinate officers on the rules, regulations and state law.
• Ability to lead subordinate staff and offender activities and work details.
• Ability to resolve offender and subordinate staff problems and conflicts.
• Ability to follow and issue written and oral direction within a formal chain of command.
• Ability to interact positively with staff, inmates and the public.
• Ability to run, jump, climb stairs and physically restrain violent residents.
• Ability to use appropriate physical force to control offenders when necessary.
• Ability to safely handle and use firearms, chemical agents and mechanical restraints and to obtain certification in the use of this equipment.
• Ability to conduct correct contraband searches.
• Ability to write routine reports and complete standard forms.
• Ability to read, understand and apply training and directive materials.
• Ability to complete tasks in a specialized assignment.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

High school diploma or the equivalent.

Two (2) years of full‑time or equivalent part‑time paid experience as a Correctional Officer,…