Thank you Certificate programs are ideal for those who are already in the corrections field, but seek additional classroom training to advance their career to the next level. Correctional Officers enforce rules and regulations inside prisons, maintain the security of inmates, staff and facilities, and supervise daily activities. 5 Things you REALLY need to KNOW before Becoming a Correctional Officer It has demanding hours working shift work ( 12 hour shifts) working on average you can expect offenders that don't comply with the system, long hours of work and working weekends and nights. Correctional Officer Average Salary in USA 2022, Best 10 Schools for Correctional Officers 2022, Pennsylvania-PA Correctional Officer Jobs and Salary, Requirements to Become a Correctional Officer in Pennsylvania, Steps to Become a Correctional Officer in Pennsylvania, Salary estimates of correctional officers in Pennsylvania, Maintaining control and discipline in the detention facilities, Monitoring the activities and movement of inmates, Conducting head counts when transporting prisoners, Communicating with inmates and staff to resolve or prevent problems, You must be a citizen of the United States and a resident of Pennsylvania. How to Become a Correctional Officer Process to Be a Correctional Officer in United States How to Become a Correctional Officer: Follow These Key Steps Correctional Officers are the individuals responsible for the supervision of inmates in prisons. Once you receive this notification, you will need to schedule a test date, location and time; all the information about test slots and locations is available online on the state website. Military service by itself doesnt provide any guarantee that youll get the job you are applying for and it does not apply to promotions. Working in the corrections environment is very demanding and only a small amount of people are suited to doing this job. After the training academy, corrections officers must then complete a medical examination, a physical agility test, a criminal background check, a psychological exam and a drug screen before beginning on-the-job training at a correctional institution in the state. The Department of Corrections Training Academy is located in Elizabethtown and lasts four weeks. To be qualified to oversee and manage incarcerated individuals, correctional officers must complete the proper education before starting the job. Candidates with bilingual skills are encouraged to apply. Correctional Officer Job Description: Templates for Hiring at Your Business Bachelors in Corrections, Criminal Justice, or related: Four years. Masters degree: Letters of recommendation, completion of a bachelors degree, entrance exam test scores and a personal statement. Individuals interested in pursuing state corrections officer jobs in Harrisburg must be at least 21 years old and must hold a high school diploma or GED. PDF Parole Agent 1 Employment Information - Pennsylvania Department of In an email to DCSTCORecruitment@sa.gov.au, attach the following documents: Update your resume/CV. When you submit your application, you will get a notification that your application has been received. For correctional officer requirements in your state and information on correctional officer training, visit CorrectionalOfficerTrainingHQ.com. Once you find a job that you are interested in applying for, you are ready to begin the application process so continue to check back here to get helpful tips and information on becoming a correctional officer and excelling in your career. The one major exception will be when applying for a position at the Federal Bureau of Prisons, where a four-year degree or substantial work experience is required. products appear within listing categories. Heres what each post-secondary educational path can do for an aspiring corrections officer. The correctional officer recruits are employed as trainees in their first year of employment. Individuals who want to serve their country and are willing to put their civilian careers on hold will be in a prime position to become corrections officers as a result of their training and experience from the military. Does the program offer the concentration you are interested in? For example, an associate and bachelors degree will include a number of electives and coursework unrelated to corrections. The tests is a written exam that consists of questions concerning judgment and problem solving skills; observation; the ability to follow oral instructions, rules and regulations; following written instructions and being able to express oneself clearly and succinctly in stressful situations. Aspiring Correctional Officers in Alabama need to meet the following requirements: Have a high school diploma or a GED. Apply to become a Correctional Officer through the justice department in your state or territory. After graduation they can apply for an open position and attend the requisite academy to finalize their training once they receive an offer. If you can please guide me in the proper direction I would highly appreciate it. Corrections Officer - How to enter the job - Careers New Zealand Be a US citizen. How Do I Become a Juvenile Correctional Officer? | Indeed.com You must pass a medical screening You must pass a background investigation You must pass a psychological evaluation You must pass a urinalysis screening for drugs Must attend and successfully pass a five week training program at the training academy in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania As of 2012, the inmate population within Pennsylvanias correctional facilities was 51,184. Veterans who have served in combat are also more comfortable with the possibility of confrontation with prisoners. You can become a Correctional Officer without formal qualifications, but they may be preferred by some employers such as state prisons. The masters degree is best suited for those already working as a corrections officer who would like to reach the pinnacle positions in their field. How do you stay fit in order to perform the physical activities required in this work environment? This is a very good site and you have some valuable information on how to become a correctional officer. Three years of work experience in an area with similar duties to those of a correctional officer, such as: SCI Coal Township currently with 2,325 inmates at 108% of capacity, SCI Dallas currently with 2,143 inmates at 110% of capacity, SCI Retreat located in Hunlock Creek, currently with 1,127 inmates at 102% of capacity, SCI Frackville currently with 1,159 inmates at 103% of capacity, SCI Mahanoy located in Frackville, currently with 2,505 inmates at 108% of capacity, Evacuations due to natural or man-made disasters, FCI McKean located in Lewis Run, a medium and minimum security facility with a holding capacity of 1,527 male offenders, SCI Albion currently with 2,260 inmates at 105% of capacity, SCI Cambridge Springs currently with 998 inmates at 98% of capacity, SCI Forest located in Marienville, currently with 2,220 inmates at 113% of capacity, SCI Mercer currently with 1,466 inmates at 98% of capacity, Responding to those addicted to narcotics, A bachelors degree from an accredited college or university; OR. What Are the Disqualifying Factors to Becoming a Correctional Officer? Here are some of the most common courses youll encounter: Earning a degree isnt the only way to improve opportunities for professional growth. Those who want to begin working at the federal level or wish to eventually advance their careers beyond that of corrections officer. A training stipend will be offered to candidates who are selected. Now that you know a little bit about what the job involves, its important to know where you would like to be employed as a correctional officer, whether its at the federal, state, or local level. completed and signed Pre-Employment Declaration form. http://www.scsc.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/civil_service_home/9164, How To Become a Correctional Officer in Philadelphia. If the candidate is authorized to use a firearm, they must demonstrate proficiency with pistols and long range guns during pre-employment training. Working on applications can seem daunting, but when you break down the components needed to apply, it can be very manageable. The application process to enter this role varies between states and territories, so check with the justice department in your local area for specific details. Candidates who have served in the military are often in outstanding physical condition and are familiar with some of the close combat skills that are sometimes necessary when working in corrections. Oral French language test at the advanced-minus level (for bilingual correctional officer positions only). Correctional Officer Training Headquarters Is the Online Resource for Corrections Officer Training, Education, Jobs, Testing, and Exams. The Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) offers an additional four security classifications requiring increased levels of leadership skills: Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain. Here you will be able to see the most recent and up-to-date jobs that available today. Subscribe to our e-mail newsletter to receive updates. Welcome to Correctional Officer Training Headquarters! How did you handle the situation? Indicators of residency include the following: being registered to vote in Pennsylvania, holding a valid Pennsylvanias drivers license, paying local and state taxes, having registered property in Pennsylvania (such as automobiles, bonds, stocks, bank accounts, etc.) This compensation may impact how, where and in what order Correctional Officer Requirements for Pennsylvania This additional length of time is the biggest difference between an associate degree and a certificate program. Do I consider myself to be a very capable individual with enough physical strength to restrain inmates? Your criminal history for all other convictions will be researched in detail to establish whether or not you should be disqualified. The masters degree path is rare for most individuals seeking a new career as a corrections officer. ), and any domestic violence convictions. The primary role of a correctional officer is to maintain safety, security, and inmate accountability in order to avert any and all conflicts and violence. If you pass the screening process, you will be admitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Training Academy in Elizabethtown. These qualifications differ slightly by governing authority and may include: State or local level Corrections is a tough but forefilling Job that gives you change every day. In order to authorize a candidate to carry and use firearms, most employers require that a candidate pass a psychological evaluation prior to training academy. Specific hiring requirements for all 50-States, detailed step-by-step information, and access to potential employment opportunities to assist you get hired today! Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is part of Pennsylvanias Central Judicial District, which encompasses the following state and federal correctional institutions: State Correctional Facilities (and their daily inmate population, as of April 2013), Federal Correctional Facilities (and their daily inmate population, as of May 2013), Employment Requirements for Corrections Officers in Harrisburg, Federal Correctional Officer Employment Requirements. You will be required to report to work despite adverse weather conditions. Psychological Requirements One of the primary skills correctional officers must master is the use of firearms. Purdue University GlobalPROGRAM: MS in Criminal Justice Online. curriculum will provide the theoretical knowledge while the hands-on Physical Preparedness Participating in a rigorous physical fitness regimen will provide the strength, agility and endurance necessary to satisfy the minimum standards of most corrections departments. Federal Correctional Officer Requirements. A typical full-time student will need four years to earn their degree, although an accelerated program can save some time and money. Box 569 Harrisburg, PA 17108. Everyday these professionals demonstrate the strength of character, mental acuity and teamwork needed to safely manage more than 2.2 million incarcerated criminals. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania State and Federal Correctional Facilities. Its going to be more common for those already working in the field who would like to take a leap in their careers, such as engaging in high-level leadership roles or in making policy. sponsored education offerings or by you clicking on certain links posted on our site. The minimum education requirement to become a corrections officer is a high school or general education diploma (GED). A detailed investigation will be carried out to check your background history. Similar to military service, many of the skills learned in law enforcement training are transferable to corrections work. They typically go to a training academy and then are assigned to a facility, where they receive on-the-job training. No matter the reason for pursing an associate degree, the two-year training provides a well-rounded college education that opens doors to study certain subjects that arent strictly corrections-related. Can I pay close attention to detail, including properly following safety protocols and legal requirements? Corrections challenging but rewarding. To see if this is a job for right for you, answer the following questions: If you answered yes to these questions, you may be an excellent fit for a career as a correctional officer. Must not have a felony conviction. It also can provide advanced training that can help a corrections officer achieve a promotion or other level of advancement.
