Correctional Officers are responsible for maintaining the safety and security of inmates, employees, visitors, and the correctional facility.
Experience Certified Officers - $51,823.21 - $63,477.66
New Recruits (No Experience) $49,830.01
Typical responsibilities include:
- Supervising inmates within a secure correctional environment
- Maintaining safety, security, and order within assigned areas
- Monitoring inmate movement and activities
- Conducting routine security and safety checks
- Monitoring cameras and surveillance equipment
- Conducting searches and inspections as required
- Responding to incidents, disturbances, emergencies, and other security situations
- Enforcing facility rules, policies, and procedures
- Preparing reports and maintaining accurate documentation
- Communicating professionally with inmates, coworkers, supervisors, visitors, and other criminal justice agencies
- Assisting with inmate transportation, movement, intake, release, and other correctional operations as assigned
- Participating in required training and maintaining certification
- Performing other duties necessary to maintain the safe and secure operation of the facility
Who Should Apply?
We are looking for individuals who are:
- Dependable and responsible
- Comfortable working as part of a team
- Able to communicate professionally
- Able to remain calm and make sound decisions in challenging situations
- Interested in public safety and serving their community
- Willing to learn and complete required training
- Able to work in a secure correctional environment
Experience in private security, military service, corrections, detention, law enforcement, emergency services, public safety, criminal justice, or other positions involving responsibility and public contact is helpful but not required.
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must:
- Be at least 20 years of age and meet applicable certification requirements
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Be a United States citizen
- Possess or obtain a valid Virginia driver's license as required
- Successfully complete required background and pre-employment screening
- Meet the physical and other requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation
- Successfully complete required training and certification requirements
Important Scheduling Requirements
Western Virginia Regional Jail operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Correctional Officers must be available to work their assigned schedule, which may include:
- Day or night shifts
- Fridays and Saturdays
- Weekends
- Holidays
- Mandatory overtime when required
- Emergency staffing assignments
- Schedule changes necessary to maintain safe facility staffing
Because maintaining appropriate staffing levels is essential to jail safety and security, regular weekend and holiday availability is an important requirement of this position.
WVRJ will consider requests for reasonable accommodation in accordance with applicable law.
Schedule
Correctional Officers generally work established 12-hour shifts, providing employees with a significant number of days away from work each month.
Full-time officers typically work approximately 13 days per month.
This schedule can be a great fit for individuals who enjoy having multiple days off while maintaining full-time employment and benefits.
Paid Training & Career Development
You do not need to already be a certified Correctional Officer to apply.
WVRJ provides required training to qualified new employees, including training necessary to obtain Virginia jail officer certification.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to transition from:
- Security
- Military service
- Criminal justice
- Customer service
- Manufacturing or industrial work
- Public safety
- Emergency services
- Other structured, team-oriented work environments
into a long-term career in corrections and law enforcement.
Veterans
Veterans are encouraged to apply. Eligible veterans may qualify for GI Bill/On-the-Job Training benefits while completing applicable training requirements.
Our Facility
Western Virginia Regional Jail serves the communities of Franklin County, Montgomery County, Roanoke County, and the City of Salem.
Our employees play an important role in maintaining a safe and professional correctional environment while serving the citizens of our region.
Serving with Purpose & Leading with Integrity
Ready to Start Your Career?
If you are looking for:
- A stable career
- Competitive pay and benefits
- Paid professional training
- A structured work schedule
- Opportunities for advancement
- A career in public safety
we encourage you to apply.
Qualified applicants will be contacted regarding the next steps in WVRJ's selection and testing process.
Western Virginia Regional Jail
5885 West River Road
Salem, VA 24153
Apply today to begin your career as a Correctional Officer.
Pay: $23.95 - $30.58 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- 403(b)
- 457(b)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Military leave
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Uniform allowance
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Are you willing to submit to a background check?
Work Location: In person
