Correctional Officer Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

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Your job description is the first touchpoint between your company and your new hire. With millions of people searching for jobs on Indeed each month, a great job description can help you attract the most qualified candidates to your open position. To get you started, here are some tips for creating an effective job description.

Correctional Officer job title

A great job title typically includes a general term, level of experience and any special requirements. The general term will optimise your job title to show up in a general search for jobs of the same nature. The level of experience will help you attract the most qualified applicants by outlining the amount of responsibility and prior knowledge required. And if your position is specialised, consider including the specialisation in the job title as well. But avoid using internal titles, abbreviations or acronyms to make sure people understand what your job posting is before clicking.

  • Corrections Agent
  • Juvenile Corrections Officer
  • Senior Corrections Officer
  • Corrections Officer (Part-Time)
  • Corrections Advisor (Bachelor Degree in Behavioural Science Preferred)

Hire your next Correctional Officer today.

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Hire your next Correctional Officer today.

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Correctional Officer Job Description Examples:

Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

Correctional Officer job summary

A great job description starts with a compelling summary of the position and its role within your company. Your summary should provide an overview of your company and expectations for the position. Outline the types of activities and responsibilities required for the job so job seekers can determine if they are qualified, or if the job is a good fit.

Example of a Correctional Officer job summary

Our facility is a minimum security correctional institution housing 600 inmates. This population is typically serving short-term sentences and are preparing to reintegrate back into society when they’re released. We’re looking for a Correctional Officer with experience working in rehabilitative environments. Our ideal candidate is a team player, fluent in English and comfortable working 16-hour shifts. You must possess excellent judgement and leadership skills. The Corrections Agent will supervise and monitor inmates in several areas of the correctional institution, such as their cells, the cafeteria and their work sites. A level head in emergency situations will serve you well at our facility.

Correctional Officer responsibilities and duties

The responsibilities and duties section is the most important part of the job description. Here you should outline the functions this position will perform on a regular basis, how the job functions within the organisation and who the employee reports to.

  • Monitor inmate behaviour and ensure their safety and security
  • Escort inmates to their job sites
  • Assist other officers with inmate management
  • Inspect inmate cells for unauthorised goods
  • Write reports on your activities on a daily basis
  • De-escalate confrontations when they arise

Correctional Officer qualifications and skills

Next, outline the required and preferred skills for your position. This may include education, previous job experience, certifications and technical skills. You may also include soft skills and personality traits that you envision for a successful hire. While it may be tempting to include a long list of skills and requirements, including too many could dissuade qualified candidates from applying. Keep your list of qualifications concise, but provide enough detail with relevant keywords and terms.

  • School leaver’s certificate
  • Security guard experience
  • Behavioural science, criminology or corrections services training and education
  • Cultural diversity training
  • Ability to work 16+ hour shifts
  • Fluent in English

Hire your next Correctional Officer today

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Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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