Job Description

Posting number: CO-2027-2

Department: Department of Corrections

Job classification: Correctional Officer Private-D

Posting type: Open

Categories: Code Enforcement, Corrections, Public Safety, Law Enforcement, Miscellaneous, Security, Criminology, Rehabilitation Services

Summary

Come join our team!

Come join our team!

Prince George’s County Government provides a dynamic and inclusive workplace where employees can thrive, learn, and grow across its 30 diverse agencies, all dedicated to serving the County's residents with essential resources and services. Nestled just minutes away from Washington, DC, Prince George's County combines urban vibrancy with serene surroundings, offering an ideal setting to live, work, and enjoy life.

SIGN-ON BONUS $10,000!

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply!

The Prince George's County Department of Corrections is currently seeking qualified individuals to fill multiple full-time Correctional Officer Private positions, Grade D-21, for its January Correctional Officer Entrance Level Training Academy. This is a rewarding entry-level position and an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others.

This vacancy announcement is for entry-level Correctional Officer vacancies for the 2027 fiscal year ending in June 2027.

Once vacancies fill for the January academy, interested applicants will need to reapply for additional positions for the fiscal year.

About the Position:

As an essential worker, Correctional Officers provide quality incarcerated individual care in a secure environment while positively impacting their community. As an integral part of the criminal justice system, Correctional Officers maintain security, safety, and control at the County facility. Correctional Officers must be able to effectively communicate verbally and in writing, exercise good judgment in controlling incarcerated individuals, and act calmly and decisively in stressful and emergency situations while utilizing interpersonal skills and techniques to direct incarcerated individuals,

About the Agency:

The Department of Corrections is an adult correctional center with a direct supervision design operating under the unit management concept. We have 18 Housing Units, and the daily inmate population is 1,039. We offer alternative incarceration programs for eligible offenders as well as provide educational services and programming to incarcerated individuals.

Examples of duties

• Provide care, custody, and control of incarcerated individuals in a direct supervision environment.
• Conduct regular head counts of incarcerated individuals on assigned posts.
• Monitor inmate behavior and report unusual activity to ensure safety and security.
• Assist other Correctional Officers in the management of incarcerated individuals.
• Conduct regular searches of incarcerated individuals' areas such as cells, recreation rooms, and showers for contraband.
• Manage confrontational situations as they arise to maintain security.
• Perform CPR and/or first aid when necessary.
• Investigate and respond to emergencies within the Department of Corrections.
• Prepare routine reports and records electronically.
• Maintain the inventory of various security equipment.
• Provide counsel and assistance to incarcerated individuals.
• Ensure inmates are afforded fair and equitable treatment.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must meet all minimum qualifications listed below to be eligible for additional consideration:

• U.S. Citizen or Resident Alien Status
• High School graduate or possess a GED certificate recognized by the Maryland State Board of Education
• At least 18 years of age
• Valid driver's license issued in the United States plus 6 months of post-license driving experience
• Be willing to be an ESSENTIAL employee. Essential employees are expected to report to work or remain at work when other County employees are granted administrative leave. Employees in this classification may be assigned to any of the three shifts to ensure 24-hour coverage to maintain the facility's security.

EACH APPLICATION MUST INCLUDE INFORMATION THAT CLEARLY DEMONSTRATES THE ABOVE QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION.

Supplemental information

Salary Range Transparency: The salary range listed in this announcement reflects the offer range for this position. Offers made within this range are based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

Job Location: Department of Corrections, Upper Marlboro, MD

The next academy class is anticipated to start January 2027; however, candidates may be hired after meeting all background requirements are successfully met.

Conditions of Employment: Upon selection, the candidate must:

• Be willing to work onsite in a correctional facility
• Be available for shift work, which includes weekends and holidays, as required
• Be willing and able to wear issued uniforms and use agency protective apparel and equipment in the performance of their assigned duties
• Pass the Department of Corrections Correctional Entrance Level Training Academy
• Meet all training and performance standards and demonstrate proficiency as required by the agency
• Submit to and successfully pass required preemployment checks which may include reference checks, background investigations, drug screenings, COPAT, medical examination, polygraph, psychological evaluation, etc.
• Be willing and able to serve as an essential employee. This position is designated essential. The employee must be willing to participate as a critical/essential employee during emergencies, such as natural or manmade disasters or special activities/events. Essential employees are expected to report to work or remain at work when other County employees are granted administrative leave. Employees in this classification may be assigned to any of the three shifts to ensure 24-hour coverage to maintain the facility's security.

ONLY ONLINE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED

Please do not use a mobile device, such as a phone, to complete this application. You are highly encouraged to use a desktop or laptop computer so that you can carefully and thoroughly read and understand all aspects of applying for this position.

Selection Process: To be considered for this position, applicants must successfully complete all of the following phases in a timely manner:

Phase 1

• Submit an online application
• Complete the Preliminary Questionnaire and Criminal History Check

Phase 2

• Provide a valid government issued photo ID, signed social security card, and high school diploma or GED, or a college degree.
• Complete the Personal History Statement (PHS)
• Complete Fingerprinting
• Complete Background Investigation
• Complete and successfully pass Medical Examination to include a drug screen (includes marijuana)
• Complete Polygraph Examination
• Complete Psychological Screening
• Pass the Oral Board Interview

Phase 3

• Accept the offer of employment
• Complete onboarding and new employee orientation
• Upon acceptance of employment as a Correctional Officer Private, candidates may be offered a temporary support position as a Green Officer until the start of the Correctional Entrance Level Training Academy
• Completion of and graduation from the Prince George's County Department of Corrections Entry Level Training Academy and passing of the Correctional Officer Physical Ability Test (COPAT)

Reasons for disqualification may include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Previous disqualification for this or other public safety positions
• Knowingly omitting or providing inaccurate information on application or other documents
• Poor driving record which includes suspended license/DWI/DUI
• History or pattern of felony/misdemeanor conviction or illegal drug usage
• Failure to meet physical and psychological standards

Notifications

Notifications for this position will be made via email. Applicants must monitor the e-mail account provided and update their online profile with any changes to personal information.

Applicants must ensure your e-mail account allows emails from all addresses ending in "@co.pg.md.us".

Signing bonus payout timeline:

1st

$3,000

1st month of hire

2nd

$3,000

Graduation from DOC CELT Academy

3rd

$4,000

After 18 months of employment

For more information on working for the Prince George's County Department of Corrections, please visit PGDOC – Recruit – Prince George's County Department Of Corrections.