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
*Indeed provides this information as a courtesy to users of this site. Please note that we are not your recruiting or legal advisor, we are not responsible for the content of your job descriptions, and none of the information provided herein guarantees performance.