Correctional Officer I (Southern State Correctional Facility)

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 – 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:

• Two consecutive days on
• Two consecutive days off
• Three consecutive days on
• Two consecutive days off

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 (Southern State Correctional Facility) (Job Requisition #55339), is open to all State employees and external applicants.

If you would like more information about this position, please contact 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.

DOC PREA 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. 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.

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."

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in a correctional setting

Military experience

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.

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 12 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

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.