Correctional Officer

Job Information

Location: Department of Correction, Bledsoe County Correctional Complex, Bledsoe County.

A Motor Vehicle Records screening and a pre‑employment drug screen will be conducted prior to employment. This classification, Correctional Officer 1, has an in‑range salary of $4,267 monthly ($51,204 yearly). Newly hired officers are eligible for a $5,000 sign‑on bonus, payable over an 18‑month period.

This position requires a criminal background check. You may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this role.

Education and Experience: High school graduation equivalent.

• Be willing to and able to qualify with, carry, and use assigned weapons.
• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age on the date of application.
• Be a citizen of the United States.
• Have a good moral character, as determined by investigation.
• Complete a criminal history disclosure form in a manner approved by the appointing authority.
• Agree to release all records involving your criminal history to the appointing authority.
• Supply a fingerprint sample in a manner prescribed by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for a fingerprint‑based criminal history records check.
• Have no conviction for a felony or have been discharged under any other than honorable conditions from any branch of the United States armed forces.
• Pass a physical examination administered by a licensed physician that is consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and that relates to the essential functions of the position.
• Pass a psychological evaluation administered by a licensed mental health professional that is consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and that relates to the essential functions of the position.
• Submit to and pass a pre‑employment screening test for the use of illegal drugs.
• Possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license at the time of appointment in some positions.
• Upon appointment, successfully complete a prescribed course of instruction at the Tennessee Correction Academy.

During their careers, most correctional security employees can expect to be assigned to any one of three different work shifts and any number of different post assignments. While employee work preferences are considered, there is no guarantee that the employee will remain assigned to any specific shift and/or post assignment.

The Correctional Officer 1 is responsible for correctional work of average difficulty and performs related work as required. This is the entry‑level working class in the Correctional Officer sub‑series. An employee in this class performs correctional work at a state penal institution involving the custody, transport, and rehabilitation of inmates and may be assigned to work any shift. The class differs from that of Correctional Corporal in that an incumbent of the latter acts as a minor supervisor.

• Upon successful completion of a mandatory one‑year training period, an applicant appointed to this class will be reclassified to Correctional Officer
  2. Inadequate or marginal performance during the training period will result in automatic demotion or termination.

• Supervise inmate activities in housing units, dining areas, recreation and work areas, and attend to the medical, visitation, personal property, and recreational needs of the inmates.
• Inspect and patrol the grounds for contraband, unauthorized personnel, and other security risks.
• Check in new inmates by assigning accommodations, searching for contraband, issuing clothing, and storing personal property.
• Observe inmate behavior; counsel inmates and family about problems; evaluate inmates on room and personal hygiene, attitudes toward employees and other inmates, and send this evaluation to the counseling department.
• Attend meetings such as staff meetings, disciplinary board meetings, and training for riot control, escape prevention, and first aid.
• Prepare reports such as daily logs, disciplinary reports, records of inmates’ jobs and pay, daily inmate counts, and requisitions for office supplies.
• Operate and utilize equipment including two‑way radios, firearms, mace, electronic gates, television cameras, and may operate motor vehicles.
• Ensure the safety of residents through the supervision of their daily activity.
• Break up fights or other potentially dangerous situations by persuasion or the use of physical force.
• Carry out and explain existing policies and procedures to others.