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State Prison Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Telecom Client Technician

Whiteville, TN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The work atmosphere will be relevant with access to government agencies, jail, and prison ... In accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, ViaPath does not discriminate or ...

Must be comfortable with the prison population.1yr requiredLocal and 1st time travelers are ... Valid TN state license or compact multi-state license required at time of submission. Current ...

Account Support Specialist

Franklin, TN

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Account Support Specialist provides operational and administrative support for assigned Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) accounts. This role coordinates patient scheduling, referral management ...

Account Support Specialist

Franklin, TN

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

How you make a difference The Account Support Specialist provides operational and administrative support for assigned Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) accounts. This role coordinates patient ...

Showing results 21-33

State Prison information

What is a state prison?

State prisons are correctional facilities operated by state governments to house individuals convicted of violating state laws. These facilities typically hold inmates serving sentences longer than one year, often for felonies. State prisons differ from federal prisons, which are run by the federal government for those convicted of federal crimes. Inmates in state prisons may participate in rehabilitation, education, and work programs during their incarceration.

What skills and qualifications are needed to work as a correctional officer in a state prison?

To thrive as a State Prison Correctional Officer, you need a high school diploma or GED, knowledge of criminal justice procedures, and physical fitness to manage security and inmate interactions. Familiarity with security systems, surveillance technology, and incident reporting tools is typically required, and some states may require completion of a correctional officer training academy. Strong communication, conflict resolution, and stress management skills are essential for maintaining order and safety. These capabilities are crucial to ensure the secure, humane, and effective operation of correctional facilities.

What challenges do correctional officers face in a state prison, and how can they manage them?

Correctional officers in state prisons often encounter challenges such as maintaining safety in a high-stress environment, managing conflicts between inmates, and adapting to changing schedules or mandatory overtime. Building strong communication skills, practicing situational awareness, and participating in ongoing training can help officers manage these challenges effectively. Additionally, seeking support from colleagues and utilizing employee assistance programs can be valuable in coping with the demands of the role.

What is the difference between State Prison vs Correctional Officer?

AspectState PrisonCorrectional Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED; background check; training programHigh school diploma or GED; training academy; background check
Work EnvironmentSecure prison facility, often large and complexInside prison facilities, supervising inmates
Employer & IndustryState government correctional departmentsState correctional facilities, federal or private prisons
Job RoleManage inmate behavior, enforce rules, maintain securitySupervise inmates, monitor activities, ensure safety

While a State Prison refers to the facility itself, a Correctional Officer is the professional responsible for maintaining security and order within that facility. Both roles require similar credentials and work in the correctional industry, but the prison is the environment, and the officer is the personnel ensuring safety and compliance.

What are popular job titles related to State Prison jobs in Tennessee?

For State Prison jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for State Prison jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most State Prison job openings:

Infographic showing various State Prison job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Corrections Deputy (Sheriff)

Shelby County Sheriff's Office

Memphis, TN • On-site

$24.04/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description


Position Summary
Works under direct the supervision of an assigned supervisor and is responsible for the security and maintenance of the Shelby County Jail operations in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Pay Grade: 45H
Minimum Qualifications
  • High school diploma or possess a GED; AND
  • Must be 18 years of age at the time of application.
  • Must be of high moral character.
  • Discharged under honorable conditions from the Armed Forces.
  • Will be screened for misdemeanor/felony record. (Must not have been convicted of, plead guilty to, or entered a plea of no contest to any felony charge or any violation of federal or state laws or city ordinances relating to force, violence, theft, dishonesty, gambling, liquor, or controlled substances).
  • Attend and successfully complete a state of Tennessee Correctional Association (T.C.A.) approved basic corrections training academy.
  • PROOF OF EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND/OR EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED.

Duties and Responsibilities
  • Supervises the movement of inmates and maintains control in all assigned areas. Adjusts to assignments dictated by changing workload.
  • Performs security checks and routine shakedown searches on each shift to ensure security.
  • Inspects each inmate to verify the armband, identity, location, and physical condition to the count sheet or other necessary reports.
  • Enters and accesses information in the computer. Prints rosters and reports that require a clear written description of an event.
  • Assists in the admittance and release of prisoners.
  • Informs inmates of pod rules and the inmates' responsibilities. Walks, listens, converses, mingles, and interacts with inmates to identify or prevent problems.
  • Maintains an awareness of inmates at all times, checks physical and mental conditions, and takes notice of any abnormal circumstances.
  • Determines which methods and tactics are appropriate for corrections inmate behavior by applying progressive discipline consistently.
  • Follows appropriate procedures under extraordinary circumstances and remains calm to maintain the security of the facility and the safety of all personnel.
  • Resists inmate attempts to manipulate, distract, or interfere with pod operations.
  • Resolves minor problems/conflicts before they escalate into major issues.
  • Confiscates items, removes inmate from the pod, or uses OC Pepper Spray if necessary.
  • Responds accordingly to emergencies, i.e., activates PAT device, evacuates inmates to appropriate areas, extinguishes small fires, etc.
  • Exchanges relevant information with relief co-workers and communicates information to superiors.
  • Attends and successfully completes annual in-service training.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned or directed.

KSAs
  • Skilled in verbal and written communication with the ability to pay attention to details, listen, and comprehend what is being said.
  • Ability to adjust to the psychological impact of working in a prison environment under pressure.
  • Ability to make decisions, render judgments, and take action according to rules.
  • Knowledge of Shelby County Jail policies and procedures.
  • Ability to act in a responsible, dependable manner and adhere to organizational policies, rules, and behaviors of those in security.
  • Knowledge of the civil and constitutional rights of inmates.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees.
  • Ability to have strong interpersonal skills.

Special Requirements
  • Must be a citizen of the United States.
  • Must be available for shift, holiday, and weekend work as required.
  • Must pass a physical agility test upon satisfying initial minimum qualifications.
  • After receiving a contingent offer of employment, must be able to pass a psychological and medical evaluation, and be subject to testing for substance abuse.
  • Must possess a valid Tennessee I.D.
  • Must be able to obtain CPR Certification and perform as needed.
  • Must pass a physical examination.

Disclaimer
This position is subject to a background check for any convictions that have a substantial relationship to potential job duties. Only convictions that are substantially related to potential job duties will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Shelby County Resident Disclaimer
All employees hired after September 1, 1986, must be residents of Shelby County and shall continue to reside in the County as a condition of their employment. The residency requirement shall not apply to certain public safety/civil service employees. This means exemption from this policy is in effect for the following departments and positions: (1) Sheriff Deputy Patrol Officers, Deputy Jailers and Dispatchers, employed by the Sheriff Department, (2) Correction Officers employed by the Division of Corrections, (3) Firefighters, Paramedics and Dispatchers employed by the Shelby County Fire Department. The residency exemption for public safety/civil service employees does not include Appointed positions with Sheriff's Office, Division of Corrections or the Fire Department.