What does a Correctional Officer do?
Correctional Officers assist organizations in building and maintaining discipline in a correctional facility. They enforce rules that help prevent incarcerated individuals from causing harm to themselves and others. The enforcement of rules can be accomplished through effective communication and sometimes punishments like revoking privileges.
Correctional Officers often work in rehabilitation organizations across all levels of government. They rehabilitate incarcerated individuals by scheduling work assignments, counselling, and other educational activities. Correctional Officers also periodically inspect prison facilities and cells to assess conditions, check for contraband, and identify possible security breaches.
Correctional Officer skills and qualifications
Correctional Officers need excellent judgement and decision-making skills to choose the right course of action in confrontational situations. Additional skills and qualifications that Correctional Officers require to perform well in their profession include:
- Excellent communication skills to interact well with incarcerated individuals and co-workers, and to prepare verbal and written observations and reports
- Ability to maintain composure in challenging situations
- Ability to establish and observe rules and regulations in a facility
- Ability to work effectively as an individual and within a team to support co-workers when needed
- Excellent adaptability in fast-paced, high-risk situations
- A clear record regarding potential involvement with the legal system, as well as previous working and attendance records
- Physical fitness and stamina to go through training activities
- Ability to work long hours with frequent standing and walking
Correctional Officers experience requirements
Correctional Officer job descriptions usually call for applicants that possess previous work experience in rehabilitative environments or related fields. Candidates must have experience utilizing the appropriate methods and procedures to process incarcerated individuals. Applicants with additional military or law enforcement experience are often preferred. Entry-level candidates with experience in providing counselling, assistance, and supervision to individuals are also well-suited to the position.
Correctional Officer education and training requirements
Entry-levels Correctional Officers must have a secondary school diploma, a satisfactory score on the Public Service Commission test, or successful completion of a provincially/territorially approved secondary school equivalency. Additional training in behavioural science, criminology, or correctional services is preferred. Candidates must also obtain a valid standard first aid and CPR certificate from a qualified provider approved in Canada.
Correctional Officer salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Correctional Officer is $56,733 per year in Canada. This rate may depend on factors such as level of experience, education, location and company.
Job description samples for similar positions
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