Correctional Officer

Overview

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

• Supervise inmate activities in housing units, dining areas, recreation and work areas, and attend to the medical, visitation, personal property, and recreational needs of the inmates.
• Inspect and patrol the grounds for contraband, unauthorized personnel, and other security risks.
• Check in new inmates by assigning accommodations, searching for contraband, issuing clothing, and storing personal property.
• Observe inmate behavior; counsel inmates and families about problems; evaluate inmates on room and personal hygiene, attitudes towards employees and other inmates, and send this evaluation to the counseling department.
• Attend staff meetings, disciplinary board meetings, and training for riot control, escape prevention, and first aid.
• Prepare daily logs, disciplinary reports, records of inmates' jobs and pay, daily inmate counts, and requisitions for office supplies.
• Operate and utilize equipment including two‑way radios, firearms, mace, electronic gates, television cameras, and may operate motor vehicles.
• Ensure the safety of residents through supervision of their daily activity.
• Break up fights or other potentially dangerous situations by persuasion or use of physical force.
• Carry out and explain existing policies and procedures to others.

Education equivalent to graduation from a standard high school and experience equivalent to one year of full-time adult correctional security work or adult correctional security work with a federal or state agency or a local agency accredited by the American Correctional Association (ACA).

Substitution of Experience for Required

Education:

Qualifying full‑time employment as a Correctional Officer with the State of Tennessee may be substituted for the required education on a year‑for‑year basis.

Necessary Special

Qualifications:

• 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 good moral character, as determined by investigation.
• Complete a criminal history disclosure form approved by the appointing authority.
• Agree to release all records involving their criminal history to the appointing authority.
• Supply a fingerprint sample as prescribed by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for a fingerprint‑based criminal history 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 consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and related to the essential functions.
• Pass a psychological evaluation administered by a licensed mental health professional consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and related to the essential functions.
• 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.

Newly hired Correctional Officers are eligible for a $5,000 sign‑on bonus, payable over an 18‑month period. This classification, Correctional Officer 2, currently has a hiring rate beginning at $4,480 per month.

• 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