1

Correctional Program Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Correctional Program Officer information

See salary details

$34.5K

$74.4K

$141K

How much do correctional program officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 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.

Is it hard to be hired as a correctional officer?

Becoming a correctional officer typically requires passing a background check, completing training, and meeting age and education requirements. The hiring process can be competitive, and candidates often need to demonstrate good judgment, physical fitness, and the ability to handle stressful situations.

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.

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.

Why do so many people quit Corrections?

Correctional Program Officers often leave the field due to high stress, challenging work environments, and safety concerns. The job requires strong interpersonal skills, adherence to strict protocols, and often involves shift work, which can contribute to burnout and turnover.

What types of programs do Correctional Program Officers 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 is the highest paid correctional officer?

The highest paid correctional officers are typically those in supervisory or specialized roles, such as correctional captain or warden, with salaries reaching over $80,000 annually in some regions. Compensation varies based on experience, location, and the size of the facility, with federal correctional officers generally earning higher wages than state or local officers.

What does a correctional program officer do?

A correctional program officer develops, implements, and monitors rehabilitation and educational programs for inmates to promote their successful reintegration into society. They assess inmate needs, coordinate with staff, and ensure compliance with facility policies, often using case management skills and documentation tools. The role typically requires knowledge of criminal justice and strong communication skills.

What are Correctional Program Officers?

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.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,434 per year, or $35.8 per hour.

Corrections Officer (Certified & Trainee) - Corrections Division

County of Volusia, FL

Daytona Beach, FL • On-site

$55K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Salary: See Position Description
Location : VCBJ, 1300 Red John Road, Daytona Beach, FL 32124, FL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2024-CO/COT-OC
Department: Public Protection
Opening Date: 11/14/2023
Major Functions
The County of Volusia is seeking Certified Corrections Officers and Corrections Officer Trainees for the Corrections Division. These positions are located in Daytona Beach, Florida; and will be responsible for providing custody, control, care and general welfare of inmates detained in the County Correctional Facilities.
***CERTIFIED CORRECTIONS OFFICER***
Certified Correctional Officer: $24.67
Annual minimum: $55,001 * Annual minimum does not include OT or holiday pay.
Have experience? We will pay for that.
Experience Levels:
  • 1-4 years of verified full-time experience will receive 2% above the minimum.
  • 4-6 years of verified full-time experience will receive 4% above the minimum.
  • 7+ years of verified full-time experience will receive 6% above the minimum.

HOURS:
Rotating 12-Hour Shifts Every Six Months Including Weekends and Holidays
(6:00 am - 6:00 pm/ 6:00 pm - 6:00 am)
***CORRECTIONS OFFICER TRAINEE***
SALARY:
STARTING PAY

$21.63 Hourly
HOURS:
Rotating 12-Hour Shifts Every Six Months Including Weekends and Holidays
(6:00 am - 6:00 pm/ 6:00 pm - 6:00 am)
Assigned 8-Hour Shifts While Attending the Academy
**NOTE: This position is posted on a continuous basis and may close without notice.**
Illustrative Duties
(NOTE: These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.)
  • Admits and releases persons committed to the County correctional facilities.
  • Places inmates under confinement in cells or other jail areas as directed, and cares for them as long as they are confined therein.
  • Maintains good order and conduct and is responsible for the care, general welfare, and feeding of inmates, as assigned.
  • Maintains the area of assigned responsibility in a clean, sanitary, and orderly manner.
  • Assigns and directs inmates in such work details as required.
  • Patrols cell blocks.
  • Takes periodic counts of inmates in cell blocks.
  • Exercises reasonable and/or special care or action, as the need dictates or as directed, in handling special or unusual inmates or other emergency situations.
  • Checks inmates and cell areas for contraband, escape attempts, unauthorized articles, weapons, etc.
  • Is held accountable for tools and equipment of the area of responsibility.
  • Responsible for the thorough search and removal of all unauthorized personal articles and contraband from all prisoners to be confined or detained in the County's correctional facilities.
  • Performs clerical duties related to the receipt and release of inmates.
  • May be assigned to other county locations based upon operational needs.
  • Attends work on a regular and consistent basis.
  • Must adhere to Federal, State, County and Local ordinances.
  • Responds to emergency situations.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements
** Due to the sensitive nature of this job all candidates applying for either position will be required to undergo an extensive criminal background process. **
**CERTIFIED CORRECTIONS OFFICER**
  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Possession of a current Corrections Certification issued by the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission.
  • Must be a United States Citizen (per F.S. 943.13).
  • Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age (per F.S. 943.13).
  • Must possess a valid driver's license at time of appointment. Must possess a valid Florida driver's license within 30 days of appointment and maintain thereafter.
  • Must have passed the CJ-BAT

**CORRECTIONS OFFICER TRAINEE**
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Must be a United States Citizen (per F.S. 943.13).
  • Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age (per F.S. 943.13).
  • Must possess a valid driver's license at time of appointment. Must possess a valid Florida driver's license within 30 days of appointment and maintain thereafter.
  • Must have passed the CJ-BAT or:
    • Candidate must take the CJ-BAT and obtain a passing score within seventy-five (75) days of invitation to an interview with the Corrections Division.

**GENERAL INFORMATION**
CJ-BAT (Note: Certified Corrections Officers do NOT have to take the CJ-BAT.)
The CJ-BAT for Corrections must be taken and passed within 75 days of the candidates' invitation to interview. The BAT measures the defined "minimum competencies" in three separately-timed sections as follows: Section I - behavioral attributes; Section II - memorization; and Section III - written comprehension, written expression, deductive reasoning, and inductive reasoning. In total, there are 97 questions on the BAT. The exam takes 1 ½ hours (90 minutes) to complete. For more information please visit:
  • TO REGISTER for the FDLE Basic Abilities Test Exam, please go to the PearsonVue website at Follow instructions to choose your test location.
    Candidates will need to create a Pearson VUE account before being able to register for an exam. The unique client candidate ID will be a nine alpha-numeric field. The prefix will be BAT followed by 6 numeric digits.
  • All payments for exam fees are handled through Pearson VUE.
  • Candidates may request accommodations from Pearson VUE, as noted in the "Accommodations" section. The Pearson VUE Accommodations Team will schedule the appointments and make the necessary arrangements.
  • REMEMBER: All FDLE (BAT) exams should be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance of the date the candidate wishes to take the exam.

Pre-Employment and Physical Abilities Test
  • You must pass a pre-employment and annual physical ability test as a condition of employment. The testing program will consist of a series of physical abilities tests conducted at our training site. The battery of job-related field tests is intended to be completed in the fastest possible time and will require maximum effort by the participant. Tests are designed to measure balance, muscular endurance and strength, flexibility, anaerobic power and capacity, fine motor skill, and aerobic power. Tests will include two 220 yard runs, jumping over obstacles (12-24 inches high), climbing over a wall (40 inches high), two 50 foot-sprints and movement around a series of pylons, low crawl under 27" bars two times, and climbing a dozen stairs twice. The test concludes with the participant having to turn a key in a lock with both the dominant and non-dominant hand. The total time allotted for the test is 6½ minutes.

Nicotine Statement
  • An individual who fails the nicotine portion of the drug screen, but successfully passes all the other screening areas, may be eligible for hire and will have one (1) year from the date of hire to quit using any nicotine products as a condition of employment. The individual being hired is responsible for the cost of the cessation program but may utilize county provided health insurance and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) to assist in the cessation.

Emergency Activations
  • This position is mission essential and must be available for on-call duty during emergency situations/activations.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Knowledge and understanding of the attitudes and behavior patterns of persons under restraint
  • Able to gain knowledge of penal rules, regulations, and procedures governing the confinement and release of prisoners.
  • Able to keep records and make reports.
  • Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, other law enforcement officers, and the public.
  • Able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  • Able to work under stressful conditions
  • Able to interact effectively with others.
  • Must be able to relocate to other county locations based upon operational need.

ADA REQUIREMENTS:
Mental Demands:
Ability to read and comprehend technical, legal, and professional journals and manuals; reports, summaries, laws, statutes and procedures. Ability to perform basic mathematical functions. Ability to apply rules, procedures, laws to real life situations including emergencies. Ability to speak clearly and concisely in English. Ability to write detailed reports, summaries, instructions relaying information in English. Ability to analyze situations for potential infractions, dangers.
Physical Demands: Ability to effectively see, hear, talk, run, walk, lift 150 pounds without assistance, pull, push, drag, grasp, feel, finger dexterity, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb. Ability to sit, stand and balance for extended periods of time. The use of personal devices (corrective lenses, hearing aids) are permitted as long as the individual can effectively defend himself/herself with/without the device. Ability to react immediately, both physically and mentally, to emergency situations. Visual acuity (peripheral vision, depth perception, color acuity) necessary to operate a motorized vehicle.
Environmental Demands: Primarily inside work. Exposure to confined, closed spaces on a continuous basis. Exposure to heights (towers). Ability to withstand indoor/outdoor climate changes such as heat, humidity, sunlight, rain, and cold for extended time. Ability to withstand infrequent exposure to adverse environmental conditions (fumes, chemical sprays, human waste, odors, noises).
Volusia County is a drug free workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce. Veterans' preference in accordance with federal, state, local laws.
We offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that includes:
HEALTH INSURANCE
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Flexible Spending Account

RETIREMENT
  • Florida Retirement System (FRS)
  • Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP)
  • Deferred Compensation (475 Plan)

SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE
  • Life Insurance
  • Short Term Disability Insurance
  • Long Term Disability Insurance
  • Cancer Insurance
  • Critical Illness Insurance

PAID TIME OFF
  • Personal Leave
  • Holidays
  • Bereavement
  • Military

HOLIDAYS
The County of Volusia observes the following holidays annually:
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King Day
  • Good Friday
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving (and day after)
  • Christmas

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Onsite Wellness/Fitness Center
  • Computer Purchase Program
  • Direct Deposit Payroll

Temporary and intermittent employees are not paid for holidays and are not eligible for benefits.
01
Do you possess a High School Diploma or GED?
  • Yes
  • No

02
NOTE: Your response to the following supplemental questions must match the information in the appropriate sections on your application. If your responses do not match, your application will be deemed incomplete and will disqualify you from further consideration.
  • I have read and understand the above statement.

03
Are you a United States citizen as required per F.S. 943.13?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Are you eighteen (18) years of age or older?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Do you possess a valid Florida driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No

06
If you answered no to the previous question, will you be able to obtain a Florida driver's license at the time of hire if selected for the position?
  • Yes
  • No
  • Not Applicable

07
Have you passed the CJ-BAT?
  • Yes
  • No

08
Do you hold a current Corrections Certification issued by the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission?
  • Yes
  • No

09
If you answered yes to the previous questions; please list the name of the academy you attended and the date of completion. If you answered no please indicate N/A.
10
TOBACCO POLICY:
An individual who fails the nicotine portion of the drug screen, but successfully passes all the other screening areas, may be eligible for hire and will have one (1) year from the date of hire to quit using any nicotine products as a condition of employment. The individual being hired is responsible for the cost of the cessation program but may utilize county provided health insurance and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) to assist in the cessation.
  • I have read and understand the above statement.

11
IMPORTANT BACKGROUND NOTICE:
Due to the sensitive nature of this position, APPLICANTS WITH ANY OF THE FOLLOWING MAY BE DISQUALIFIED from employment:
1.) Use of illegal drugs,
2.) Felony convictions,
3.) Misdemeanor convictions (will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis),
4.) Living with a convicted felon,
5.) Registered sex o