Sheriff's Correctional Deputy Cadet - Unclassified

Sheriff's Correctional Deputy Cadet - Unclassified

Join to apply for the Sheriff's Correctional Deputy Cadet - Unclassified role at County of Santa Clara
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Under immediate supervision, attends a California Correction Academy to obtain the required academic, technical, and physical skills necessary to perform as a Sheriff’s Correctional Deputy.

Candidates must take and pass the National Testing Network (NTN) REACT exam for Corrections. The NTN exam can be found at  Before January 19th, candidates must have their scores sent to Santa Clara County Sheriff's Correctional Deputy Cadet through their NTN account so that they can be included in the next step: agility test.

The agility test date for this recruitment is scheduled for Saturday, January 24, 2026. Completion of the agility test is required to advance to interviews and a background investigation.

Pursuant to California Senate Bill 960, effective January 1, 2023, it is no longer required for peace officers to either be a citizen of the United States or be a permanent resident who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship; instead, peace officers must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

• Attend Academy training classes for corrections.
• Participate in basic training program that includes academic classes, hands‑on training, and physical conditioning.
• Participate in basic training that complies with the standards set by California Standards and Training for Corrections (S.T.C.).
• Participate in hands‑on training that includes, but is not limited to, defensive tactics, role‑playing scenarios, and control techniques.
• Complete defensive tactics training that includes ground control, baton training, control holds, and take‑downs.
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW), as required.
• Perform other related duties, as required.

• Applicants who have passed their 20th birthday may apply but cannot be appointed until they have reached their 21st birthday.
• Have never been convicted of a felony. Any felony conviction and/or a conviction outside of California that would be considered a felony in California is disqualifying. Misdemeanor convictions may be disqualifying depending on type, frequency, severity, and time of offense.
• Must be able to take and pass a thorough medical examination. Vision must not be less than 20/100, correctable to 20/20 with normal depth and color perception.
• Must successfully demonstrate and maintain physical fitness to perform the full scope and functions of the job.
• Must pass a complete background investigation, including fingerprints and a search of local, state, and national files for criminal history.
• Must possess the legal right to work in the United States.
• Candidates must meet all required employment standards prescribed in Government Code Section 1031, which include passing a psychological evaluation, polygraph examination, fingerprinting, background investigation, and medical examination.
• County employees in the Department of Correction employed as of January 1, 2011 in a similar classification will undergo an abbreviated screening process per departmental order.
• Possession of a valid California driver’s license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization.
• All County of Santa Clara employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (DSWs), required to complete all assigned DSW‑related training and to return to work in emergencies.

• Common computer systems and applications.
• English usage, style, grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
• Learn, understand, retain, and interpret departmental policies, rules, laws, and ordinances pertaining to the detention of inmates.
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, at all levels, including colleagues, the public, and representatives of other agencies.
• Use computer systems and applications.

• Perform a wide variety of physical tasks requiring strength, coordination, endurance, and agility.
• Conform to uniform standards.