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Correctional Program Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Correction Officer Trainee

Syracuse, UT · On-site

$61.37 - $101.27/hr

As part of the program, you will attend the Correctional Services Training Academy for a minimum eight‑week formal training program. Responsibilities Correction Officers are responsible for the ...

New

NC · On-site

$43K - $75K/yr

Agency Adult Correction Division COO - OPS - Institutions Operations Job Classification Title Correctional Programs Director I (NS) Position Number 60072916 Grade NC10 About Us The NC Department of ...

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Correctional Program Officer information

See salary details

$34.5K

$74.4K

$141K

How much do correctional program officer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for correctional program officer in the United States is $74,434.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,000.00 and $91,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a correctional program officer?

Correctional Program Officers are professionals who work within correctional facilities to develop, implement, and monitor rehabilitation programs for inmates. Their primary goal is to help offenders successfully reintegrate into society by providing counseling, educational opportunities, and vocational training. They assess inmates’ needs, create individualized plans, and ensure compliance with institutional policies. Correctional Program Officers also collaborate with other staff, community organizations, and parole boards to support inmates during and after incarceration.

What types of programs does a correctional program officer typically coordinate, and how do they impact inmate rehabilitation?

Correctional Program Officers are responsible for coordinating and overseeing a variety of rehabilitative and educational programs, such as substance abuse treatment, vocational training, anger management, and educational classes. These programs are designed to address inmates' individual needs and promote positive behavioral change, which can significantly reduce recidivism rates. Officers work closely with counselors, case managers, and external service providers to tailor program offerings to the inmate population and monitor progress. Their role involves frequent communication with inmates and collaboration with correctional staff to ensure safety and program effectiveness.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a correctional program officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Correctional Program Officer, you need a background in criminal justice or a related field, strong knowledge of correctional policies, and experience in case management. Familiarity with offender management systems, risk assessment tools, and documentation software is typically required. Excellent interpersonal skills, conflict resolution abilities, and cultural sensitivity help officers build rapport and effectively support inmate rehabilitation. These skills are vital for ensuring security, promoting successful reintegration, and maintaining a positive correctional environment.

What is the difference between Correctional Program Officer vs Probation Officer?

AspectCorrectional Program OfficerProbation Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED; some roles may require relevant certificationsHigh school diploma or GED; often requires state certification
Work EnvironmentCorrectional facilities, prisons, detention centersCommunity settings, courts, offender supervision offices
Employer & IndustryFederal, state, or private correctional agenciesCourts, probation departments, criminal justice agencies
Job FocusImplementing correctional programs, supervising inmates in facilitiesMonitoring offenders in the community, ensuring compliance with probation terms

Both Correctional Program Officers and Probation Officers work within the criminal justice system, but Correctional Program Officers focus on managing programs within correctional facilities, while Probation Officers supervise offenders in the community. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path in criminal justice.

More about Correctional Program Officer jobs

What cities are hiring for Correctional Program Officer jobs?

Cities with the most Correctional Program Officer job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Correctional Program Officer jobs?

The top employers for Correctional Program Officer jobs are:

What states have the most Correctional Program Officer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Correctional Program Officer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Correctional Program Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,434 per year, or $35.8 per hour.

CORRECTIONAL OFFICER TRAINEE

TALBOT COUNTY, MARYLAND

Easton, MD • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

 


JOB SUMMARY

A Correctional Officer Trainee will be responsible to assist with the maintenance of security and control of adult offenders in a correctional center in accordance with State and Federal standards.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

  • Maintains security over inmates in cells and showers and observes inmates to detect or prevent disturbances, introduction of contraband or escape.
  • Conducts cell count and inspects inmates for personal cleanliness. Ensures inmates comply with other rules of the Talbot County Department of Corrections
  • Escorts inmates throughout the facility; provides security when necessary to enforce conduct rules.
  • Assigns and oversees the work of inmates and trustees engaged in routine cleaning and laboring operations.
  • Checks inmates into facility; records personal items received from inmates; pat and strip searches inmates; issues clothes to inmates.
  • Patrols assigned area regularly, checking locks, windows, security, and lights.
  • Provides security at doors, etc. to prevent escapes and to regulate the admission of visitors to the facility.
  • Performs other related duties as required and/or as directed.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

  • Have no criminal history, have no significant history of illicit drug use.
  • Must possess a valid Maryland Driver’s License.
  • Pre-employment drug screening and random employment drug testing are required. Newly hired officers must pass a physical examination, a psychological screening.
  • Completion of the the Correctional Officer Academy and be certified as a correctional officer by the Maryland Correctional Training Commission. 
  • Certification must be maintained throughout employment as a Correctional Officer. 


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

  • Ability to learn and enforce a variety of Departmental rules, regulations, and disciplinary measures.
  • Ability to supervise the activities of inmates and trustees carrying out assigned tasks.
  • Ability to act quickly, appropriately, and calmly in an emergency.
  • Ability to carry out detailed orders.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with inmates and other staff.
  • Ability to accomplish the responsibilities of the position.
  • Ability to use force, as necessary, to enforce rules, quell disturbances, gain control, protect property, prevent injury to self and/or others.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.