JOB DETAILS

CORRECTIONAL OFFICER

CompanyDauphin County
LocationHarrisburg
Work ModeOn Site
PostedMarch 1, 2026
About The Company
Dauphin County, in the heart of Pennsylvania, is the preferred place to live, work and raise a family. Dauphin County government provides a vast number of programs and services for its 286,000 residents. Management of the county is the responsibility of a three-member Board of County Commissioners, whose members are elected at-large by county voters to serve four-year terms. They are assisted by a number of professionals, including a chief clerk/chief of staff, elected row officers, and solicitors. Dauphin County’s departments include Community and Economic Development, Criminal Investigation Division, Court and Deputy Court Administrations, Domestic Relations, Emergency Management Agency, Facility Maintenance, Human Resources, Human Services, Information Technology, Probation Services, Public Defender, Purchasing, Risk Management, Safety and Security, Solid Waste and Recycling, Tax Assessment, Veterans’ Affairs, Voter Registration, Work Release as well as various row offices. The following agencies comprise the county’s Human Services: Area Agency on Aging, Social Services for Children & Youth, Drug & Alcohol, and Mental Health/Intellectual Disabilities. The county also operates Dauphin County Prison and the Judicial Center.
About the Role

LOOKING FOR BETTER PAY AND BENEFITS?  We've got you covered.

Our starting pay and step increases are already among the best among our peers - and getting even better.  But we also want you to build a career with us.  That's why we offer the highest career pay rates of similar correctional facilities in our region.

READY TO SERVE AND LEAD?  Apply today to be our next Correctional Officer.

What would you do as a Correctional Officer at Dauphin County Prison?  You would serve the Dauphin County community by ensuring the security and safety of prison staff, incarcerated individuals, visitors and community members.  In short, you are responsible for keeping the prison facility and property safe and secure.

Never worked in a prison before?  We've got you covered.  At Dauphin County Prison, we offer education and on-the-job training to ensure you are successful.

RATE:

Starting $54,080/year plus overtime and incentives. 

THE DETAILS:

Under the supervision of senior personnel, the Correctional Officer directs the activities of incarcerated individuals in cell blocks, housing units, work areas, and dining and recreation areas.  The Correctional Officer observes incarcerated individuals from posted watch stations, and in corridors and visiting areas, ensuring security and adherence to Prison rules; and provides advice and informal guidance to incarcerated individuals.  Work may vary from shift to shift and station to station.  8 Hour shifts available (6am-2pm, 2pm-10pm, and 10pm-6am.)  He/she is responsible for performing the following job duties:

  • Inspects living areas of incarcerated individuals for cleanliness, contraband, or stolen goods and escape implements or plans.
  • Observes behavior of incarcerated individuals, paying particular attention to signs of duress or intention to escape, or indications that the individual may harm him/herself.
  • Quells disturbances (according to established procedures) and reports incarcerated individuals involved to designated authority.
  • Assesses, and reports, according to established directions, extraordinary events and disturbances.

The Correctional Officer position requires the successful completion of a probationary period, including completing, with passing grades, an agenda of formal and informal instruction and practice.

OUR MISSION & VALUES:

Dauphin County Prison's mission is to professionally and proudly serve to improve our core values:  Professionalism, Transparency, Compassion, Excellence and Pride.

READY TO SERVE?  APPLY TODAY!

Click the APPLY Button or call us at 717-780-6800 for more information.

DCP-ServeWithUs

MINIMUM EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:

Graduation from high school or an accredited equivalency program.  The qualified candidate must be at least 18 years of age by the date of hire.  Following hire, successful completion and maintenance of accreditation/certification in First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, use of automatic external defibrillator (AED), and satisfactory completion of Basic Training at the PA Department of Corrections or its equivalent is required.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

A valid Pennsylvania Driver's License, favorable criminal background check, child abuse and FBI clearances are required.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

It is expected that all applicants for this position will achieve and maintain certification in the use, handling, and care of weapons and gas equipment for continued appointment.  

Dauphin County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an inclusive workplace free of discrimination and harassment. Dauphin County prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Key Skills
SecurityObservationCommunicationConflict ResolutionFirst AidCPRTeamworkLeadershipProblem SolvingTrainingGuidanceInspectionReportingCrisis ManagementPublic SafetyCompassionProfessionalism
Categories
Government & Public SectorSecurity & SafetySocial Services
Job Information
📋Core Responsibilities
As a Correctional Officer, you will ensure the security and safety of prison staff, incarcerated individuals, visitors, and community members. You will direct activities in various areas of the prison and respond to disturbances while maintaining adherence to prison rules.
📋Job Type
full time
📊Experience Level
0-2
💼Company Size
296
📊Visa Sponsorship
No
💼Language
English
🏢Working Hours
40 hours
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