Correctional Officer

Job Information

Opening Date/Time: 06/16/2026 12:00AM Central Time

Closing Date/Time: 06/29/2026 11:59PM Central Time

Salary (Monthly): $3,631.00 - $5,434.00

Salary (Annually): $43,572.00 - $65,208.00

Job Type: Full-Time

City, State

Location:

Henning, TN

Department:
Correction

Location of (2) Position(s) to be Filled:
Department of Correction, Lauder­dale County

The applicant must have a standard high school diploma or GED and experience equivalent to one year of full‑time experience as a Correctional Officer for the Tennessee Department of Correction. A pre‑employment drug screening is required prior to employment.

The Tennessee Department of Correction offers a hiring bonus of $5,000.00.

This position requires a criminal background check. Applicants may need to provide information about their criminal history to be considered.

Education equivalent to graduation from a standard high school.

• Be willing to 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 good moral character, as determined by investigation
• Complete a criminal history disclosure form in a manner approved by the appointing authority
• Agree to release all records involving their criminal history to the appointing authority
• Supply a fingerprint sample in a manner prescribed by the TBI for a fingerprint‑based criminal history records check
• Have no conviction for a felony or have been discharged under any other than honorable conditions from any branch of the United States armed forces
• Pass a physical examination administered by a licensed physician that is consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and that relates to the essential functions of the position
• Pass a psychological evaluation administered by a licensed mental health professional that is consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and that relates to the essential functions of the position
• Submit to and pass a pre‑employment screening test for use of illegal drugs
• 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

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

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

• 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 during the training period will result in automatic demotion or termination.

• Supervises inmate activities in housing units, dining areas, recreation and work areas, and attends to the medical, visitation, personal property and recreational needs of the inmates.
• 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 family about problems; evaluates inmates on room and personal hygiene, attitudes toward employees and other inmates; and sends this evaluation to the counseling department.
• Attends a variety of meetings such as staff meetings, disciplinary board meetings, and training for riot control, escape prevention and first aid.
• Prepares a variety of reports such as daily logs, disciplinary reports, records of inmates' jobs and pay, daily inmate counts, and requisitions for office supplies.
• Operates and utilizes a variety of equipment including two‑way radios, firearms, mace, electronic gates, television cameras, and may operate motor vehicles.
• Ensures the safety of residents through the supervision of their daily activity.
• Breaks up fights or other potentially dangerous situations by persuasion or the use of physical force.
• Carries out and explains existing policies and procedures to others.