Correctional Officer

Overview

State of Tennessee Job Information

Location
:
Department of Correction, Johnson County — This position is at Northeast Correctional Complex.

Position and Compensation
:
Correctional Officer
1. This classification currently has a tiered pay structure and eligible for a signing bonus. Hiring rate is $4,480.00 with increases to $4,592.00 after 6 months and $4,937.00 after 12 months with potential to advance to Correctional Officer 2 after 18 months. Newly hired Correctional Officers are eligible for a $5,000.00 sign‑on bonus payable over 18 months.

Pre‑employment Requirement
: A pre‑employment drug screen is required prior to employment. This position requires a criminal background check and applicants must provide information about themselves to be considered.

Legal Considerations
:
Applicants must meet the qualifications and pass required background and fitness evaluations as described in the Necessary Special Qualifications section below.

Preliminary Note
:
During their careers, most correctional security employees can be assigned to various shifts and posts; preferences are considered but there is no guarantee of specific shift/post assignments.

• Supervises inmate activities in housing units, dining areas, recreation and work areas; attends to the medical, visitation, personal property, and recreational needs of inmates.
• Inspects and patrols 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 room and personal hygiene, attitudes towards employees and other inmates, and reports evaluations to the counseling department.
• Attends meetings such as staff meetings, disciplinary boards, and training for riot control, escape prevention, and first aid.
• Prepares various reports including daily logs, disciplinary reports, inmate job/pay records, daily inmate counts, and requisitions for office supplies.
• Operates and utilizes equipment such as two‑way radios, firearms, mace, electronic gates, and television cameras; may operate motor vehicles.
• Ensures inmate safety through supervision of daily activities.
• Breaks up fights or other potentially dangerous situations by persuasion or use of physical force as needed.
• Adheres to and explains existing policies and procedures to others.

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

Necessary Special Qualifications
:
Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• 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 a good moral character, as determined by investigation
• Complete a criminal history disclosure form as approved by the appointing authority
• Release all records involving their criminal history to the appointing authority
• Supply a fingerprint sample for a fingerprint-based criminal history records check
• Have no felony conviction or have been discharged under anything other than honorable conditions from any branch of the U.S. armed forces
• Pass a physical examination by a licensed physician compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related to the essential functions of the position
• Pass a psychological evaluation by a licensed mental health professional compliant with the ADA and related to the essential functions of the position
• Submit to and pass a pre-employment drug screening
• Possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license (where applicable)
• Upon appointment, successfully complete a prescribed course of instruction at the Tennessee Correction Academy

Note:

This job description includes information about pay, benefits, and requirements that are subject to change and may vary by location and department policy.