Correctional Officer I/Private, Grade C3

WHO WE ARE

The Montgomery County Department of Correction and Rehabilitation (DOCR) is responsible for the intake, reception, and diagnostic functions, including law enforcement processing of adult male and female offenders arrested in Montgomery County. Responsibility also includes the custody and care of male and female offenders who are either in a pre-trial status or serving sentences of up to 18 months. Progressive and comprehensive correctional services and programs are provided to all incarcerated individuals, covering substance abuse treatment, mental health issues, cognitive behavioral modification programs, education, life skills, and workforce development.

Application, Testing, and Interview Process:

Applicants who meet the Minimum Qualifications will have their status changed to “Referred "within the application portal and will be invited to test and interview by the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation’s Human Resources division.

• Candidates will be provided with information via email with instructions and information to schedule their own test date after applications have been reviewed and eligibility requirements met.
• All candidates must have applied to this job posting and have a scheduled appointment to attend. Walk-ins will not be accommodated.

The Eligible List created from this recruitment will be used to fill current and future vacancies.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The Department of Correction and Rehabilitation is currently recruiting for Correctional Officers. We are seeking individuals who are ready to begin a meaningful career in correctional services. A Correctional Officer is responsible for providing security, custody, care, order, and discipline for a segment of the incarcerated individual population.

Candidates must successfully complete a multiple-choice, computer-based exam, an interview, a comprehensive background investigation, a psychological evaluation, a Core I medical examination, and a drug/alcohol screen to be considered for employment.

Successful candidates must acquire Correctional Officer certification within the first year of the probationary period from the State of Maryland after attending the academy. Candidates who obtained MPCTC Correctional Officer certification within the last three (3) years will not need to attend the State Academy. 

If the successful candidate(s) is an internal employee, retirement plan coverage will be determined when the job offer is made. Prior to a promotional appointment within DOCR, the selected individual must answer the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) questions and submit to a criminal history check to comply with the Prevention Planning on Hiring and Promotion Decisions (115.17, 115.117, 115.217, 115.317). This is a requirement to meet Federal law and audit standards.

This is an Essential Personnel position; the facilities are open seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Some weekends and holidays are required. 

Applicants are encouraged to carefully read the substance abuse disqualification for this position prior to applying. Please click, or copy and paste the following link: https://dsd.maryland.gov/regulations/Pages/12.10.01.22.aspx

Salary Chart*:

New Recruit       Year 1          Year 2         Year 3 

Base Salary:       $64,518     $66,526      $68,604 

*Based on the current salary matrix. Does not include additional benefits that may include roll call pay, shift, and multilingual differentials. 

Competitive Benefits:

A competitive benefits package is provided: Montgomery County Government: Benefits Offered

https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HR/Recruitment/MCGCareers.html/

Correctional Officers may also receive the following: 

• Special pay differentials 
• Roll call pay. 
• Multilingual pay after certification 
• Public Safety Retirement Plan (Employees' Retirement System, Group EK) 
• Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP) programs

A Correctional Officer is responsible for providing security, custody, care, order, and discipline for a segment of the incarcerated individual population.

• Working in direct supervision posts within incarcerated individual housing units with a Field Training Officer and more senior Officers during your first year (work location assignment can be at Rockville or Boyds/Clarksburg).
• Learning on-the-job by receiving substantial training and instruction in the application of basic safety and security policies, procedures, and methods with regard to interaction with and supervision of the incarcerated individual population; use of equipment, application of post instructions, and implementation of general standard operating procedures.
• Enforcing clearly defined institutional rules and procedures by performing tasks such as providing input into the daily log, escorting incarcerated individuals, issuing clothing and bedding, completing routine intake paperwork, conducting perimeter checks of the fence line, etc.

• Reporting activities/situations that are unusual or irregular, and those situations where guidance is needed in order to make the appropriate response or take the appropriate action.
• May participate in the processing of arrestees in the Central Processing Unit; as directed and under close supervision, performs such tasks as taking photographs and fingerprints of criminal arrestees, escorting defendants to and from hearings before the District Court Commissioners, and recording hearing and disposition information.
• Opportunities to participate in special assignments that can provide additional experience and career growth after meeting requirements, which include Instructor, Accreditation and Compliance Officer, Emergency Response Team, Field Training Officer, Central Control Team, and more.

A candidate should possess:

• Ability to acquire Correctional Officer certification within the first year of the probationary period from the State of Maryland after attending the academy. Candidates who obtained MPCTC Correctional Officer certification within the last three (3) years will not need to attend the State Academy.
• Ability to acquire knowledge of the rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to those posts and basic principles of working within a correctional environment with direct supervision of incarcerated individuals. 
• Ability to exercise good judgement in controlling offenders individually and in groups. 
• Ability to prepare brief written reports summarizing facts related to incarcerated individuals' actions. 
• Ability to deal tactfully, effectively, and equitably with people.
• Ability to work during a period of general emergency, liberal leave, or inclement weather as an essential employee. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience: One (1) year of post High School full-time work experience or its equivalent. Education: Completion of high school or High School Certificate of completion recognized in the State of Maryland.

Equivalency: Successful completion of one (1) year or more of college (full-time student status) may be substituted for the one (1) year of post-high school full-time work experience.

License: Possession and maintenance at all times of a valid Class "C" (or equivalent) driver’s license from the applicant's state of residence.

CITIZENSHIP AND AGE: Individuals appointed to this position must be at least eighteen (18) years of age on the date of appointment and be either a citizen of the United States or a resident alien.