Correctional Lieutenant

Summary Statement

The Correctional Lieutenant serves primarily in the role of Shift Commander at CCTC and is an essential component of the managerial team serving as the bridge between Administration and frontline staff. The Correctional Lieutenant serves in various capacities with varying task assignments responsible for decision making, operations, emergency response, and the supervision of assigned staff. Supervision of staff is a compilation of professionalism, establishing expectations, completion of performance reviews, leadership, development of staff, coaching and counseling, mentoring, task participation, task completion, and corrective action.

The Correctional Lieutenant is also responsible for performing various administrative functions necessary to ensure the maintenance of discipline and security within the facility. A significant aspect of the work involves establishing effective working relationships and inspiring the confidence and cooperation of custody staff, treatment staff, and residents.

• Maintains control of inmates while escorting individuals or groups within the prison.
• Keeps accurate head counts of inmates in the assigned security post.
• Conducts periodic shakedowns of inmates and searches inmates, visitors, employees, cell blocks and/or other structures for such prohibited items as tools, weapons or other contraband.
• Operates manual and electronic locking systems.
• Enforces all rules, regulations and procedures affecting inmate discipline, security and safety.
• Observes inmate activities to detect unusual or prohibited behavior which may be a threat to the security of the facility or the safety of the inmate, other inmates, employees or visitors.
• Ensures inmates conform to proper standards of care as required for the living areas and personal hygiene.
• Maintains the custody of inmates during transport to other institutions and in the community for court appearances or a variety of appointments.
• Prepares and maintains a daily log and routine reports of activities and incidents on the assigned shift using an automated information system to enter, update, retrieve and report on data.
• May be required to train and care for K-9 including feeding, grooming and kennel maintenance.
• May enter institution as backup in riot control and shakedown activities. May participate in the pursuit of escapees.

Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

• Two years experience as a Correctional Staff Sergeant or four years as a Correctional Sergeant or equivalent experience in the CO/series.
• Two years experience in staff supervision which includes planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating the work of others.
• One year experience in implementing and enforcing institutional/departmental rules, regulations, policies and procedures and recommending alternatives, improvements and course of action to improve security.
• Possession of a valid Driver’s License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

Applicants may only apply if they are current permanent employees of the State of Delaware Dept. of Correction in a position covered by the Merit System who have completed their initial probationary period.

Incumbents working four or more hours of work between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. the following day will receive 5% shift differential pay.

Employees in a Correctional Officer (CO) series position will be eligible to retire under the provisions of HB363 if, at the time of retirement, they have completed twenty-five (25) years of pension creditable State service, and with at least twenty (20) of those years of pension creditable service as a CO series classified position.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Examination: A written test is required. Applicants scheduled for examinations will be required to show photo identification to the exam proctor before taking the test. All scheduling notices will be sent via email to the applicant.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. TDD users may request an auxiliary aid or service by calling  or by visiting.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

Delaware State