Correctional Officer Sergeant

Overview

This promotional examination is open only to current employees of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. The hiring pool will be used to staff correctional, pre-release, and pre-trial institutions across Maryland.

Grade and Work Location

Grade: CORR 0005. The position is statewide and may be assigned anywhere within Department of Corrections facilities throughout Maryland.

Role Summary

This is a position-specific recruitment for the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. Candidates who make it onto the eligible list may remain eligible for approximately one to two years and may be considered for openings across DPSCS correctional facilities in the state.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency certificate that is accepted by the Maryland State Board of Education in line with Correctional Training Commission rules. They must also bring three years of experience as a correctional officer with responsibility for the custody and security of adult inmates.

Substitutions and Equivalent Experience

Additional college education at an accredited institution may be substituted for experience at a rate of 60 credit hours for one year of the required experience, provided at least 15 credit hours are in criminal justice or a related social science field. Comparable state service in other correctional classifications involving daily inmate contact and custody may also count, as long as the classification salary is comparable to Correctional Officer II. Military service in correctional classifications or criminal justice specialty codes that are equivalent to Correctional Officer II may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

Licenses, Certificates, and Other Requirements

Depending on assignment, employees may need a Maryland motor vehicle operator’s license. If assigned to transport inmates by bus, they must obtain a Maryland Class B Commercial Driver’s License with passenger and air brakes endorsements.

Employees who have not already completed the required standards must satisfy the Maryland Correctional Training Commission selection standards and finish the prescribed correctional officer training during probation. These standards include U.S. citizenship or resident alien status, being at least 21 years old, a completed background investigation, an oral interview, and a physical examination.

Those hired or reinstated on or after July 1, 2016 must complete Entrance Level Firearms Training approved by the Maryland Correctional Training Commission and periodically demonstrate safe handling and maintenance of firearms.

This classification is subject to 24-hour call-in availability, so employees must provide a reachable telephone number. It is also subject to substance abuse testing under Maryland regulations.

Selection and Examination Process

Applicants must ensure that all qualifying information is included in the application by the closing date, as late submissions will not be considered. Candidates who qualify will be rated as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the employment list for about one to two years. The written exam evaluates knowledge, skills, and abilities tied to the responsibilities of the position.

Benefits

State of Maryland employees receive low-cost health, dental, and vision coverage along with leave and retirement benefits. New employees receive six personal leave days per year, ten annual leave days per year, and fifteen sick leave days per year. Employees may also receive up to sixty days of paid parental leave after a birth or adoption, at least twelve holidays each year, and pension credit toward retirement.

Application Instructions and Contact Information

Online applications are preferred. If online submission is not possible, the paper application and supplemental questionnaire may be sent by email. A resume cannot replace the required application form. Any requested supporting documents should be uploaded with the application or emailed before the deadline, and only materials specifically requested for this recruitment will be accepted.

For recruitment questions, contact the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services HRSD-Recruitment Division at 410-585-3999 or Neesha Lyle at kwanesha.lyle@maryland.gov. For technical issues with the online application, contact the DBM Recruitment and Examination Division at Application.Help@maryland.gov or 410-767-4850. TTY users may call through Maryland Relay.

Additional Notes

Veterans are thanked for their service. Candidates with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. Maryland is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting a diverse workforce.