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Federal Prison Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

Federal Prison information

See Delaware salary details

$29.5K

$59.1K

$87.6K

How much do federal prison jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal prison in Delaware is $59,126.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $67,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to work in a federal prison?

To work in a federal prison, applicants typically need to pass a background check, complete a security clearance process, and meet specific qualifications such as education and experience related to correctional work. Positions may include correctional officer, administrative staff, or healthcare provider, often requiring training and certification relevant to the role. Employment is usually through federal agencies like the Federal Bureau of Prisons, with ongoing training and adherence to strict security protocols.

What are federal prison jobs?

Federal prison jobs include a wide variety of positions focused on overseeing and providing services to inmates. Aside from the well-known correctional officer and guard positions, federal prisons also employ dentists, nurses, psychologists, physicians, secretaries, electronic technicians, and many other professionals. What all of these careers have in common is that they're government jobs, so you must uphold the expectations of justice, respond to orders from a court, and otherwise provide a high standard of care and service for each inmate. Outside of the government, some federal prison workers come from non-profit organizations. For example, you can find prison chaplain positions through religious non-profit groups.

What is the difference between Federal Prison vs Correctional Officer?

AspectFederal PrisonCorrectional Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED; background check; security clearanceHigh school diploma or GED; training certification; background check
Work EnvironmentSecure federal facility housing inmatesSupervises inmates within correctional facilities
Employer & IndustryFederal Bureau of PrisonsFederal, state, or private correctional facilities
Job RoleOversees inmate management, security, and facility operationsMonitors inmate behavior, enforces rules, and maintains safety

While a Federal Prison is a secure facility operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, a Correctional Officer is the professional responsible for supervising inmates within such facilities. Correctional Officers work inside federal prisons to ensure safety, security, and order. The roles are closely linked, with correctional officers being essential staff within federal prisons.

What are federal prisons?

Federal prisons are correctional facilities operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) in the United States. They house individuals who have been convicted of violating federal laws, as opposed to state laws. Federal prisons vary in security levels, from minimum to high security, and are located throughout the country. Inmates may be incarcerated for offenses such as drug trafficking, white-collar crimes, or other federal crimes. These facilities provide incarceration, rehabilitation, and various programs to inmates.

What are some common challenges faced by correctional officers working in federal prisons?

Correctional officers in federal prisons often encounter challenges such as managing inmate behavior, ensuring safety and security within the facility, and maintaining professionalism under stressful conditions. They may also face emotionally demanding situations, including conflict resolution and responding to emergencies. Building effective communication skills and teamwork with other officers and staff is essential to handle these challenges and foster a safe environment for both inmates and personnel.

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

To thrive as a Federal Correctional Officer, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, and knowledge of security procedures. Familiarity with surveillance systems, incident reporting software, and emergency response protocols is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, stress management, and conflict-resolution abilities help officers handle challenging situations and maintain safety. These skills ensure the security of the facility, the well-being of inmates and staff, and the effective enforcement of regulations.
What are popular job titles related to Federal Prison jobs in Delaware? For Federal Prison jobs in Delaware, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Federal Prison jobs in Delaware look for? The top searched job categories for Federal Prison jobs in Delaware are:
Infographic showing various Federal Prison job openings in Delaware as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,126 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Prison Education, Educational Diagnostician/Special Education Teacher for James T. Vaughn Correct...

Join Delaware Schools Consortium

Dover, DE • On-site

$71K - $151K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Title of Position:  Prison Education, Educational Diagnostician/Special Education Teacher for James T. Vaughn Correctional Center
Reports to:  Prison Education, Teacher/Supervisor
Description of Position: The Educational Diagnostician/Special Education Teacher is a member of the Delaware Department of Education Prison Education Program, Adult and Prison Education Resources Workgroup. 
Major Responsibilities:





  • Provide instructional support to inmates receiving special education services leading to Certificates of Attainment, GED and/or Groves High School diploma that addresses the educational needs of adult inmate residents
  • Coordinate, implement, report, and monitor the assessment process for all inmates upon entry into the Prison Education Program and after 60 hours of instruction
  • Maintain current student data and develop required reports in compliance with federal and state policies including but not limited to WIA - Title II, Perkins/Vocational
  • Chair and coordinate IEP meetings and develop IEPs for inmates under the age of 22
  • Maintain special education documentation, monitor program data and complete reports in compliance with IDEA requirements and guidelines
  • Participate in an Instructional Support Team, which provides guidance in "best practices" and research based instructional strategies effective with adult learners to other instructional staff
  • Model effective adult learning practices when providing instruction to inmates
  • Plan and participate in professional development activities on site and at statewide events
  • Work cooperatively with the Department of Correction to implement the Prison Adult Education Program
  • Function as part of a transitional team that assists inmates with re-entry into their communities
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Teacher/Supervisor, Prison Education

Essential Qualifications and Skills

Education:

  • Must possess a current Delaware Licensure (14 DE Admin Code 1505 - Professional   Standards Board).
  • Must possess a current certification in special education and in at least one content area (14 DE Admin Code 1500- Professional Standards Board)

Skills:

  • Minimum of three years (full time) experience teaching students with special needs, experience in adult and/or correctional settings preferred
  • Strong communication and facilitative skills preferred
  • An understanding of educational equity and multicultural education
  • Capable of setting priorities and working under pressure
  • Ability to work collaboratively with others
  • Strong technology skills preferred
  • Ability to problem solve and think creatively

Salary:
Salary Range: $71,534.26 - $151,721.79 annually. The final salary will be determined based on the candidate's education and experience in accordance with the Department of Education's compensation policy.  The position includes a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, participation in the state retirement program, annual, sick, and personal leave, and supplemental benefits options. Direct deposit of payroll checks is a condition of state employment, and employees are paid on a lag pay schedule with the first payment made after approximately one month of employment.

Notes:
Offer of employment will be contingent on the results of a Department of Correction (DOC) criminal background check and successful completion of DOC training.  This job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position.  The employee should expect to perform any other related activities needed to deliver the position's key duties and responsibilities and follow any other instructions as defined by his/her supervisor.

The Delaware Department of Education is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its employment practices or educational programs, services or activities based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, veteran's status or any other legally protected category. Inquiries should be directed to the Human Resource Office, 401 Federal Street, Suite 2, Dover, DE 19901.  Phone: 302-735-4030.
 




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About Delaware Schools Consortium

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Delaware Schools Consortium (DSC), located in Dover, DE, US, is an organization in the education industry. The company, accessible via its official website at joindelawareschools.org, serves as a hub for public and charter schools across Delaware, sharing resources, knowledge, and opportunities. Founded on the notion of unified leadership and common values, DSC's mission is to foster cooperation and collaboration among schools, facilitating the growth of the education sector in the region. The consortium represents a wide range of institutions, from primary and secondary schools to vocational colleges. Its achievements include promoting educational advancement in the region, aiding in the allocation of resources, and supporting countless teachers, administrators, and students on their educational journeys.

Industry

Education

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Dover, DE, US

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