1

State Corrections Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

The Correctional Lieutenant serves in various capacities with varying task assignments responsible ... The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

State Corrections information

What does a state corrections officer do?

State corrections officers are law enforcement professionals who oversee individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or who have been sentenced to serve time in a state correctional facility. Their main duties include maintaining order and security within prisons or jails, supervising inmate activities, enforcing rules and regulations, and ensuring the safety of both inmates and staff. Corrections officers also conduct searches for contraband, respond to emergencies, and assist with rehabilitation efforts to help inmates reintegrate into society upon release.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a state corrections officer?

To thrive as a State Corrections Officer, you need a high school diploma or GED, physical fitness, knowledge of correctional procedures, and typically completion of a state-sponsored training academy. Familiarity with security monitoring systems, incident reporting software, and restraint equipment is commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, emotional resilience, and effective conflict resolution make someone stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure the safety, order, and rehabilitation of inmates within correctional facilities.

What are some common challenges faced by state corrections officers, and how can new hires prepare for them?

State Corrections officers frequently encounter challenges such as managing inmate behavior, maintaining safety in high-stress environments, and working irregular hours. New hires can prepare by developing strong communication and conflict resolution skills, familiarizing themselves with institutional policies, and maintaining physical and mental resilience. Building supportive relationships with colleagues and participating in ongoing training can also help officers adapt more successfully to the demands of the role.

What is the difference between State Corrections vs State Probation Officer?

AspectState CorrectionsState Probation Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED; some roles require correctional officer trainingBachelor's degree in criminal justice or related field; probation officer certification
Work EnvironmentPrisons, detention centers, correctional facilitiesCommunity settings, courts, offender supervision offices
Employer & IndustryState correctional departments, prisonsState probation agencies, courts
Job FocusSupervising inmates, maintaining securityMonitoring offenders in community, ensuring compliance with probation terms

While both roles are part of the criminal justice system, State Corrections primarily involves managing incarcerated individuals within correctional facilities, focusing on security and custody. In contrast, State Probation Officers supervise offenders in community settings, emphasizing rehabilitation and compliance with court orders. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path within the criminal justice field.

Is it easy to get hired in state corrections?

Getting hired in state corrections can be competitive and typically requires meeting minimum qualifications such as a high school diploma or GED, passing background checks, and completing training or certification programs. Candidates with prior experience in law enforcement, security, or related fields may have an advantage during the hiring process.

What are popular job titles related to State Corrections jobs in Delaware?

For State Corrections jobs in Delaware, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Delaware are hiring for State Corrections jobs?

Cities in Delaware with the most State Corrections job openings:

Infographic showing various State Corrections job openings in Delaware as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 66% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

$56K - $66K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Summary Statement

The Correctional Lieutenant serves primarily in the role of Shift Commander at CCTC and is an essential component of the managerial team serving as the bridge between Administration and frontline staff. The Correctional Lieutenant serves in various capacities with varying task assignments responsible for decision making, operations, emergency response, and the supervision of assigned staff. Supervision of staff is a compilation of professionalism, establishing expectations, completion of performance reviews, leadership, development of staff, coaching and counseling, mentoring, task participation, task completion, and corrective action. The Correctional Lieutenant is also responsible for performing various administrative functions necessary to ensure the maintenance of discipline and security within the facility. A significant aspect of the work involves establishing effective working relationships and inspiring the confidence and cooperation of custody staff, treatment staff, and residents.\r\n

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here. \r\n\r\n Maintains control of inmates while escorting individuals or groups within the prison.\r\n \r\n Keeps accurate head counts of inmates in the assigned security post.\r\n \r\n Conducts periodic shakedowns of inmates and searches inmates, visitors, employees, cell blocks and/or other structures for such prohibited items as tools, weapons or other contraband. \r\n \r\n Operates manual and electronic locking systems.\r\n \r\n Enforces all rules, regulations and procedures affecting inmate discipline, security and safety.\r\n \r\n Observes inmate activities to detect unusual or prohibited behavior which may be a threat to the security of the facility or the safety of the inmate, other inmates, employees or visitors.\r\n \r\n Ensures inmates conform to proper standards of care as required for the living areas and personal hygiene. \r\n \r\n Maintains the custody of inmates during transport to other institutions and in the community for court appearances or a variety of appointments. \r\n \r\n Prepares and maintains a daily log and routine reports of activities and incidents on the assigned shift using an automated information system to enter, update, retrieve and report on data. \r\n \r\n May be required to train and care for K-9 including feeding, grooming and kennel maintenance.\r\n \r\n May enter institution as backup in riot control and shakedown activities. May participate in the pursuit of escapees. \r\n\r\n\r\n

Job Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Correctional Lieutenant\r\nApplicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:\r\n\r\n Applicants must have either two years of experience as a Correctional Staff Sergeant OR four years of combined experience as a Correctional Sergeant, Correctional Staff Sergeant, OR equivalent experience in the CO/series. \r\n Twoyears experience in staff supervision which includes planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating the work of others. \r\n One year experience in implementing and enforcing institutional/departmental rules, regulations, policies and procedures and recommending alternatives, improvements and course of action to improve security. \r\n Possession of a valid Driver's License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving). \r\n\r\n

Additional Posting Information

Applicants may only apply if they are current permanent employees of the State of Delaware Dept. of Correction in a position covered by the Merit System who have completed their initial probationary period.\r\nIncumbents working four or more hours of work between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. the following day will receive 5% shift differential pay\r\nAppointees other than in-line promotions must successfully complete a Department training course in security and related areas prior to assignment. This course is administered by the Department of Correction at the Employment Development Center. Coursework includes physical, classroom and hands-on training. Instruction is provided in the areas of inmate supervision, defensive tactics, riot control, weapons, report writing and emergency medical training.\r\nEmployees in a Correctional Officer (CO) series position will be eligible to retire under the provisions of HB363 if, at the time of retirement, they have completed twenty-five (25) years of pension creditable State service, and with at least twenty (20) of those years of pension creditable service as a CO series classified position.\r\n

Conditions of Hire

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hires Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our job seeker resources.\r\nThis position is a classification organized under an exclusive bargaining representative (labor organization) that has been elected by employees as their representative for collective bargaining and other applicable terms and conditions of employment, in accordance with Title 29, Chapter 59 and Title 19, Chapter 13 and 16. This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement based on its individual terms.\r\n

Benefits

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/\r\n

Selection Process

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email. Please keep your contact information current. You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the "My Applications" tab at Delaware State Jobs\r\nExamination: A written test is required. You will need to retake the exam if you have not applied in DEL by 3/24/2010. Test study guides may be obtained by visiting the Human Resource Management web-site athttp://delawarestatejobs.com/explore/test-study-guides.shtml. Applicants scheduled for examinations will be required to show photo identification to the exam proctor before taking the exam. All scheduling notices will be sent via email to the applicant. Please check your email for your scheduled exam date\r\n

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. TDD users may request an auxiliary aid or service by calling (800) 232-5470 or by visiting delawarerelay.com. You may also call (302) 739-5458 or email DHR_ADAConcerns@delaware.gov for additional applicant services support.\r\nThe State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.\r\n\r\n\r\n

Employment Type: Full Time