Correctional Officer

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; one year full-time experience as a Correctional Officer for the Tennessee Department of Correction.
• Substitution:
  Full-time employment as a Correctional Officer with the State of Tennessee may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
• Candidate must meet the following criteria:
  • Be willing to and able to qualify with, carry, and use assigned weapons.
  • Be at least 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 as approved by the appointing authority.
  • Agree to release all records involving criminal history to the appointing authority.
  • Supply a fingerprint sample for a fingerprint-based criminal history records check.
  • Have no felony convictions or have been discharged under conditions other than honorable 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 relates to the essential functions of the position.
  • Pass a psychological evaluation administered by a licensed mental health professional consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and relates to the essential functions of the position.
  • Submit to and pass a pre‑employment screening test for illegal drug use.
  • Possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license at the time of appointment for applicable positions.
  • Upon appointment, successfully complete a prescribed course of instruction at the Tennessee Correction Academy.
• Eligible for a $5,000 sign‑on bonus payable over an 18‑month period.
• Must undergo a Motor Vehicle Records screening, a criminal background check, and a pre‑employment drug screening.

The Correctional Officer 2 is responsible for correctional work of average difficulty and performs related duties as required. This is the working level class in the Correctional Officer sub‑series. An employee performs correctional work at a state penal institution involving the custody, transport, and rehabilitation of inmates and may be assigned to work any shift.

• 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.

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

• Decision Quality
• Manages Conflict
• Communicates Effectively
• Ensures Accountability
• Situational Adaptability

• Public Safety and Security
• Customer and Personal Service
• Law and Government

• Active Learning and Listening
• Critical Thinking
• Reading Comprehension
• Learning Strategies
• Writing

• Number Facility
• Problem Sensitivity
• Speech Clarity
• Speech Recognition
• Written Comprehension