OVERVIEW
A career with the Vermont Department of Corrections offers more than a job—it
provides an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others
while serving your community. Correctional Officers play a critical role in
maintaining safety and security while supporting rehabilitation, accountability,
and positive change.
This profession combines elements of security, human services, communication,
problem-solving, and leadership. Through extensive training and ongoing
professional development, Correctional Officers gain skills that can lead to
advancement opportunities throughout the Department of Corrections.
Many permanent positions are filled through internal promotion, making this an
excellent opportunity to begin a long-term career with the State of Vermont.
Training Program
Your career begins with a structured training process designed to prepare you
for success.
1. Facility Shadowing – New hires complete a minimum of 40 hours observing
correctional operations and the daily responsibilities of a Correctional
Officer.
2. Vermont Correctional Academy
[https://doc.vermont.gov/content/vermont-correctional-academy] – Recruits
attend a six-week paid training academy focused on the core skills and
knowledge required for the profession.
3. On-the-Job Training – Upon graduation, recruits return to their assigned
facility and complete two weeks of supervised training with a Facility
Training Officer.
4. Probationary Period – Following successful completion of training, employees
enter a six-month probationary period.
Start dates are based on facility needs and candidate availability.
Schedule and Work-Life Balance
Southern State Correctional Facility utilizes an innovative 2-2-3 schedule
designed to provide greater work-life balance while maintaining continuous
facility operations.
How the 2-2-3 Schedule Works: Employees work:
In week one you would be off on Monday and Tuesday, work on Wednesday and
Thursday, be off on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Week two, you would work Monday
and Tuesday, have off on Wednesday and Thursday and work again on Friday,
Saturday and Sunday.
[https://humanresources.vermont.gov/sites/humanresources/files/inline-images/DOC%202-2-3%20schedule.jpg]
Benefits of the 2-2-3 Schedule
* Work only 7 of every 14 days
* Enjoy a three-day weekend every other week
* Approximately 180 workdays per year
* Predictable rotating schedule that allows for advanced personal planning
* Extended periods off for family, recreation, travel, and personal commitments
* Twelve-hour shifts that provide more days away from work
This rotation repeats throughout the year.
Shifts are assigned based on seniority and facility operational needs. Current
shift schedules are:
* Day Shift: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
* Night Shift: 6:00 PM – 6:00 AM
JOB REQUIREMENTS
* Ability to work overtime as required to maintain safe staffing levels.
* Ability to work weekends and holidays when scheduled.
* Successful completion of annual mandatory training requirements.
* Ability to perform the essential duties of a Correctional Officer in a secure
correctional environment.
Additional Compensation
* $2,000 Annual Training Pay
* Shift differentials where applicable
* Overtime opportunities
Our Values
Employees of the Agency of Human Services perform their duties through four core
practices:
1. Customer Service
2. Holistic Service
3. Strength-Based Relationships
4. Results Orientation
At the Vermont Department of Corrections, we are committed to being firm, fair,
and consistent while recognizing the capacity for human growth and change.
WHO MAY APPLY
This position, Correctional Officer I - Temporary (Southern State Correctional
Facility) (Job Requisition #55340), is open to all State employees and external
applicants. This is a temporary position. Temporary work is typically for
variable hours, and is not expected to be full-time. The State does not
guarantee 40 hours of work per week.
If you would like more information about this position, please
contact Michael.Pafundi@vermont.gov [Michael.Pafundi@vermont.gov]. Please note
that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job
posting. Recruitment is ongoing for each correctional facility, although the
availability of specific vacancies varies.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.
AHS BACKGROUND CHECKS: Candidates must pass any level of background
investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02,
Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV
and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under
recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who
are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion
into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF)
rights.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
High school graduation or equivalent AND two (2) years or more full-time work
experience.
OR
One (1) year or more of college level course work AND one (1) year or more of
full-time work experience.
OR
Two (2) years or more of college level course work.
Minimum Physical Requirements:
Adequate physical condition to perform the essential functions of the job with
or without reasonable accommodation. As a Correctional Officer it is important
to understand that one of the essential tasks associated with the job is the
ability to don a self-contained breathing apparatus and perform evacuation
procedures, potentially including search and rescue functions. The Department of
Corrections must adhere to OSHA standards that relate to use of such devices,
including CFR 1910.134(e), "Medical Evaluation," which states: "Employers must
provide a medical evaluation to determine each employee's fitness to wear a
respirator."
DOC PREA (PRISON RAPE ELIMINATION ACT) REQUIREMENTS
In accordance with federal regulation, any person applying for employment in the
Department of Corrections must provide relevant information. Previous
institutional employers will be contacted and required to provide information
regarding substantiated incidences of sexual abuse or resignation during a
pending investigation of an allegation of sexual abuse. By submitting this
online job application, you certify all information furnished is true and
complete. The information you provide in accordance with this regulation may be
used, and previous employers may be contacted for the purpose of investigating
and verifying your work history.
Conviction History Requirements: Candidates who have any felony conviction
record or who, within the past five (5) years, have been placed under
supervision or sanctioned for a misdemeanor conviction must receive a waiver
from the Commissioner of Corrections in order to be considered for employment.
You may access the application and corresponding documents by clicking here
[https://doc.vermont.gov/sites/correct/files/documents/policy/human-resources/122.01-commissioners-waiver-application.pdf].
Once you have completed the application, please send it directly to the hiring
manager identified as the contact person in this job posting.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
Duties are performed largely within a correctional facility and in the immediate
area of inmates. High stress situations are predictable, even frequent. The
potential of physical assault or injury is present. Transportation and
supervision of inmates outside of the correctional facility may be required. A
valid motor vehicle operator's license is necessary. Overtime and emergency duty
are unpredictable. Shift assignments may change in accordance with the needs of
the facility.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Overtime work is required to maintain safe staffing levels and is considered a
condition of employment. The ability to work overtime as required is considered
an essential function of this job class. Additionally, work on weekends and
holidays may be required. Must attend and pass annual mandated training.
The Department of Corrections does not hire anyone who has been convicted of a
felony without a waiver from the Commissioner of Corrections. Any person under
supervision or sanctioned for a misdemeanor conviction within the past five (5)
years is likewise ineligible for employment.
Candidates must pass a background investigation applicable to the position. In
accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national
criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry
checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on
candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state
employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified
position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an
environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety
of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in
employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or
ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory
disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression,
marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military
service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or
genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment
decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State
are forbidden.