Correctional Officer

Role summary

Join the State of Indiana at Putnamville Correctional Facility in Greencastle, a medium-security institution for adult males. The facility houses more than 2,500 incarcerated individuals and focuses on maintaining a safe, orderly environment that supports rehabilitation and re-entry. Staff help sustain structure, security, and access to programs that include education, parenting, vocational learning, and initiatives such as coding and multimedia training.

What the job involves

In this role, you will work as part of a correctional team inside an Indiana Department of Correction facility. On a standard 12-hour shift, you will help protect unit security, safeguard staff and incarcerated individuals, and keep daily operations and programming on schedule. Over each two-week pay cycle, the schedule totals 85.75 hours, spread across 7 shifts, including 1 weekend shift.

Key duties

• Check assigned areas regularly to maintain security, account for incarcerated individuals, and protect buildings and grounds.
• Enforce established safety and security procedures consistently.
• Oversee incarcerated individuals assigned to work details such as cleaning institutional grounds and buildings.
• Escort incarcerated individuals to meals, medication, work assignments, recreation, and other facility locations.
• Maintain logs and prepare reports covering movement, activities, and rule violations.
• Inspect housing areas and visitors for contraband or other unauthorized items.
• Carry out additional duties as assigned, which may change with or without prior notice.

Experience and entry requirements

To be considered, applicants must have a high school diploma or High School Equivalent (HSE), be at least 18 years old, and be willing to travel when reasonable accommodation is available. Candidates must pass all drug screenings and be able to work with incarcerated individuals in line with the DOC mission. The role requires the ability to work mandatory or voluntary overtime in any shift, including up to 16 consecutive hours in a day, and to understand and use chemical agents appropriately. Clear communication, including issuing directions and completing conduct or incident reports, is essential. Strong critical thinking is also important. Veteran and law enforcement candidates are encouraged to apply.

Ongoing employment condition

Continued employment requires successful completion of personal protection training.

Work demands

This position is physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding. You will need to stay alert and vigilant for up to 16 hours at a time in an environment where mistakes can create risks of harm to yourself, coworkers, incarcerated individuals, or the public. The work may involve frequent walking, standing, climbing stairs or ladders, bending, stooping, pushing, and pulling. Strong observation and hearing skills are necessary to notice potentially dangerous situations quickly.

Compensation

The starting rate is $22.00 per hour plus $1.00 per hour in differential pay, which comes to $1,972.25 every two weeks or $51,278.50 per year. Candidates with relevant experience may be placed at a higher base rate. Overtime pay, if earned, is not included in these figures.

Benefits

Full-time employees receive a broad benefits package through the State of Indiana, including medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage; a wellness rewards program; a health savings account with state contributions; a deferred compensation 457B plan with employer match; two fully funded pension options; paid leave programs; parental and childbirth recovery leave; community service leave; paid vacation, personal, and sick time; paid holidays; education reimbursement; group life insurance; a referral bonus program; employee assistance with behavioral health visits; Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility; and free parking for most roles. Free LinkedIn Learning access is also included.

Equal opportunity and accommodations

The State of Indiana is an equal opportunity employer and hires, develops, and promotes based on ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available for applicants and employees with disabilities during the application, interview, and job performance process. Requests for assistance can be directed to the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.