Correctional Officer I - Temporary (Southern State Correctional Facility)

at State of Vermont in Springfield, Vermont, United States

Job Description

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

• 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.

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.

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.