Becoming a Correctional Officer in Vermont

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At the local and state tiers, Vermont has a need for both male and female corrections officers with appropriate qualifications, willingness to participate in on-the-job training, and to work as a partner in the prevention, control, and treatment of criminal behavior. Correctional facilities in Vermont are currently recruiting applicants who are committed to public safety, and who want to work in an atmosphere that respects the rights and dignity of all community stakeholders. There are currently 2,078 inmates in state and county jails who are being supervised by 868 correctional officers. Despite the stagnant growth of incarcerations, a new approach to rehabilitation means that there is still growth in the correctional officer industry. BLS states that correctional officer jobs within Vermont are trending upward at a steady 5% over the next few years and new opportunities in the corrections workforce are becoming available due to career change, retirement, and professional advancement. We invite you to read more information about becoming a correctional officer in the data below.

ProgramWebsite

Southern Vermont College

982 Mansion Drive, Bennington, VT 05201-6002
Phone: (802) 447-6324

Norwich University

158 Harmon Drive, Northfield, VT 05663-1035
Phone: (802) 485-2000

Community College of Vermont

1 Abenaki Way, Winooski, VT 05404-2245
Phone: (802) 828-2800

Castleton State College

62 Alumni Dr, Castleton, VT 05735
Phone: (802) 468-5611

Champlain College

246 S. Willard St, Burlington, VT 05401
Phone: (802) 860-2700

College of St Joseph

71 Clement Road, Rutland, VT 05701-3899
Phone: (802) 773-5900 x0

Lyndon State College

1001 College Rd, Lyndonville, VT 05851-0919
Phone: (802) 626-6200

Vermont Correctional Officer Certification Requirements

The state Department of Corrections in Vermont continually recruits men and women who want a dynamic career in corrections. There is a containing need for career-minded, professional candidates and the state has committed to only hiring the best candidates for the job. Eligibility requirements are the first stage of the process:

  • Proof of age and U.S. citizenship
  • Valid Vermont driver's license
  • No felony convictions
  • Proof of high school diploma/GED
  • Veterans to provide proof of honorable discharge
  • Negative drug test
  • Capability to handle and discharge firearms or other weapons

With these preliminary qualifications and a complete and accurate application form, candidates may be invited to the next phase of qualifying assessments. They are:

  • Fitness and agility assessment
  • Physical assessment
  • Mental health assessment
  • Extensive background check
  • Fingerprinting

If all assessments show that a candidate is a good fit for a corrections officer, he or she is interviewed and then offered conditional employment. Passing the final training phase at the state's academy removes the final employment condition and new personnel are considered 'certified' and will be posted as vacancies arise.

Vermont Department of Corrections

426 Industrial Ave
Williston, VT 05495
Phone: (802) 951-5003
http://www.doc.state.vt.us/

Vermont Correctional Officer Employment & Outlook

Vermont's State Department of Justice is committed to ensuring growth and development for the state's correctional officer field. The median income for this role throughout the state is $38,900 , compared to the national median income level of $39,800; that is, slightly lower than the national average. According to the employment profile for the state, published by CareerInfoNet.org at http://www.careerinfonet.org/occ_rep.asp?next=occ_rep&Level=&optstatus=011000000&jobfam=33&id=1&nodeid=2&soccode=333012&menuMode=&stfips=50&x=29&y=16 state and national trends predict a 13% increase and 5% increase respectively in correctional jobs by the year 2022. In Vermont, this translates to 20 jobs per year, in both newly created roles and existing vacancies.

Occupational Employment Statistics for Correctional Officers (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes333012.htm)