correctional officer

teacher

operating engineer

disability specialist

cook

New Jersey Department of Corrections

Money is not an issue here. The job is easy as long as you follow protocol and procedures. There are many people who you can learn from just make sure you learn from the right people (use good judgement). Firm, Fair and Consistent is the work culture you should lead with everyday if you want to work here. There are opportunties to do other things outside of being a housing offficer. Getting involved early in your career and networking is your best bet if you are looking to move within the department. The workplace culture is very clique-y.  You will learn a lot of you want and learn nothing if you want. It really depends on you. Learning a lot will help get you through some really sticky situations. The hardest part of the job is coming in. But once you are there it is an easy job. I can't tell you what the most enjoyable part of this job is because it really isn't that enjoyable. If you have a good group of people and you are sociable then, your coworkers can be the best part of your job. If you like action, that might be the best part. It really all depends. 

As Correctional Police Officers, you are charged with the Security and Safety of the Inmates, Custody, and Civilian personnel within the Prison you are assigned.  The job has it's stressors, but we are in the midst of a 4 year contract freeze that has put an undue stress on the personal lives of all the CPO's.  The morale is low, which ultimately makes the work environment a tough place to work in.  We are  told we are a Professional Law Enforcement entity, but are not compensated or treated as such. Our personal lives, to include spouse and children, have felt a direct result of this wave of change.  
If you are a 19 year old kid wanting to get his foot in the door and work on building up your resume and experience, then seize the opportunity.  If you are a family person, whether married or single, have a child/children, I would ask you to re-consider. The starting salary is honestly a "joke" at best, the pay-scale is laughable, and to make things worse you walk into a Contract Freeze that has been ongoing for 4 years now with no ending in sight. My personal opinion, look elsewhere.

I joined the New Jersey Department of Corrections to gain entry into law enforcement and ended up staying for seven years, including time in a specialized unit that was more rewarding than daily facility assignments. The academy was a two-and-a-half-month in-residency program with weekends off and provided a solid foundation for the job. The work itself was generally manageable, and I had the opportunity to develop valuable skills and work with some dedicated, professional officers and sergeants.

However, the lack of consistent support from administration and supervisors was concerning, and workplace culture varied greatly; some staff were excellent, while others were unprofessional and too familiar with incarcerated individuals. The most difficult part of the job was the near-daily mandatory overtime due to chronic understaffing, which made it nearly impossible to plan personal time or appointments. With no cellphones allowed inside facilities, staying in contact with family during extended shifts was also challenging. Based on my experience, I would not recommend this career to those seeking a stable, supportive work environment.

Working in the NJDOC-New Jersey Department of Corrections(Police) is a good experience and place to work. As a Correction Police Officer, I have gained managerial experience and knowledge, even though I am not a direct manager. As an office, I wear many hats (empowerment, teacher, social worker, guidance counselor, just to name a few).  I enjoy assisting the general population with redirecting their life.  I enjoy combatting recidivism. I really enjoy my job and coworkers.  Thus, although I work in a prison setting, it can be a happy go lucky day, but it only takes a minute to have a bad day with the general population.
      I am blessed to have a job with benefits.  But, it's time to gain more experience in the social work industry.  I am truly ready for a change of pace, and to  utilize my social work education and life experience to aid those who are in need of assistance.  With God's grace, and my passion to sustain life, I will eventually obtain a better job assignment with challenges for growth.
     Thank you in advance for assisting me with a part time job with benefits.

Supervise parolees who have been released from New Jersey and out of state institutions.  Conduct Pre-Parole investigations in order to coordinate the of fenders release.  Assess the parolees progress.  Refer parolees to health, substance abuse,  educational, and financial assistance programs.  Collect penalties and fines imposed by the courts.  Monitor the parolees’ compliance of special conditions and suggest additional conditions.  Formulate strategies involving evaluations of parolees’ background and progress in the attempt to modify the parolee’s behavior in order to successfully complete Parole and incorporate himself/herself into society.
Hardest part of the job was working with Parolees that at times did not want to change their criminal behavior.  The most enjoyable part of the job was keeping our communities safe, and assisting a Parolee to successfully integrate into society.

The department has undergone a cultural change that has left many leaving and unable to hire competent officers to replace due to state governments unwillingness to treat its Correctional Officers with respect and pay a competitive wage conducive to the cost of living in the state of New Jersey. The department has been forced to do more with less in terms of officers. The department does not pay appropriately to the cost of living within the state, and has failed to include cost of living adjustments to lower pay steps. For person living at home with no rent or major costs of  living, this department is good at the entry level. With the states ability to stop paying contracted pay increases that were decided by the civil service commission, the threat of being stuck at a base pay for years with the cost of living continually increasing adds extra stress on its officers that already deal with a high stress environment that affects their daily lives as is.

This is not a job, it’s a law enforcement career. The Academy is extremely difficult. If you graduate, you would then proceed to work in a correctional/prison environment. To be blunt, your best day in the jail will suck.  It’s one of the most stressful jobs you’ll ever work. Corrections has a suicide rate 39% higher then “ANY” other occupation. Think about that! A very highly divorce rate. That being said, if you don’t take your job home with you, you’ll be fine. Would I recommend Corrections as a career. Yes, for the person who is mentally stable, mature, and can follow orders and when the time comes, give orders by being fair firm and consistent. Treat staff and inmates like people, not as property. You’ll need a good sense of humor. Don’t take life too seriously. If you accept life as under the terms that you ultimately only have control over your emotions and no one else, again, you’ll be fine.

The Department Of Corrections Is a career. I recommend this to anyone wanting advancement in a long lasting career. I have been here for going on 5 years and it was the best decision I have made.
I had a great training experience. The work is not as difficult it was more of management and staff. I would recommend because of job security and benefits.
Long hours, career advancement available, post certified peace officer, training available, benefits available, experience for law enforcement, rotating shift.
Working for the DOC had it's advantages and disadvantages. Not having weekends off at the start of my career was a challenge. Everything was by seniority. The job could be difficult at times, though it was important not to bring those difficulties home

A typical day at work involves maintaining and securing the inmate count by the Ranking Custody personnel.

 Ensure the facility Engineer in Charge of Maintenance reports no issues.

 Ensure Programs and services are running effectively.

 All inmate court trips, and medical trips are coordinated and on time.

Civilian staff, and volunteers are safe and performing their contractual duties.

Report any issues in regard to the safety and  daily operations of the facility to the Administrator and the Director of Operations at Central Office Head Quarters.

enforce  rules and regulations as set by department protect life provide strict security assist in fire prevention provide medical assistance when needed also provide transportation of inmates to court appearances and hospital appointments or when need medical treatment insure safety of all staff provide cpr when needed secure working environment check on all equipment that is working properly prevent escape of inmates and treat everyone with fairness and respect assist when fights occur work with fellow officers and supervisors try to do my job to the best of my ability and if need help always seek advice from supervisor or fellow senior officers

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Correctional officer 4 salaries reported	$82,276 per year
Teacher 1 salary reported	$86,156 per year
Operating engineer 2 salaries reported	$54,856 per year
Disability specialist 1 salary reported	$77,160 per year
Cook 2 salaries reported	$57,815 per year

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