The Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) is committed to ensuring that all staff, stakeholders, partners, and incarcerated individuals feel welcomed and included. It is the goal of the IDOC to drive cultural change across the agency by increasing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We celebrate the wide array of races, national origins, abilities, ages, religions, sexual orientations, gender identities, and political views in our communities and facilities. We recognize that diverse perspectives are required to fulfill our department’s mission of returning productive citizens to Hoosier communities.
IDOC employs more than 5,500 Hoosiers across the state. While correctional officer positions are most common, we are always looking for medical staff, parole officers, and administrators interested in the field of corrections.
Career Paths
- Correctional Officers
Correctional Officers are responsible for upholding orders and supervising offenders in a safe correctional environment. The officer will advise and instruct offenders in their adjustment to institutional living. Correctional officers are assigned to any one of several security posts on any of the established shifts.
Qualifications
- Possession of a High School Diploma or High School Equivalent.
- At least eighteen (18) years of age.
- A valid driver's license.
- Test negative on all drug tests.
Job Duties
- Monitor assigned areas at various intervals for the security of offenders, count of offenders, and security of buildings and grounds.
Follow and ensure compliance with established security procedures. - Manage offenders in various work details including general clean-up of institutional grounds and buildings.
- Escort offenders to and from various locations across the facility like for food, medicines, work assignment, and recreation.
- Keep records and make reports on such matters as offender’s movements, activities, and rule violations.
- Search offender housing areas and visitors for possible unauthorized items.
- The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time.
Selection Process
The selection process involves a review of each applicant's employment application and resume, to identify those who appear to possess the relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. Candidates who successfully pass this first step will be asked to come in for an interview. If a candidate is selected, they will then go through the background check process. Along with the background check process, the candidate will be asked to participate in a job shadow at the facility. Upon completion of the job shadow, and once all background checks are clear, the candidate will be made a final offer.
- On-site Job Shadow
- Background check- check your inbox for two (2) e-mails
- Background Verification Unit (verify@spd.in.gov)
- Barada Inc.
Both background checks are required before moving forward with employment. A final offer will be made once each step above is completed.
Pay
Pay cycles are bi-weekly, meaning you will work 7 shifts for a total of 85.75 regular hours during each pay period.
Shift Schedules
There are 4 different groups/brackets. 2 Morning shifts and 2 Night shifts that work a rotating monthly schedule.
- Group H and Group I would work 5:45 am – 6:00 pm
- Group J and Group K would work 5:45 pm – 6:00 am
- Each shift would be 12.25 hours to include roll call.
- Case Managers
Correctional Officer - Example Career Path (Casework)
- Correctional Caseworker - Starting $42,900 per year
- Casework Manager - Starting $47,320 per year
- Correctional Unit Team Manager - Starting $53,222 per year
- Deputy Warden - Starting $75,010 per year
- Warden - Starting $93,002 per year
- Parole Officers
Parole officers in Indiana, through the state’s 10 parole districts, are responsible for more than 10,000 adults and juveniles on parole supervision. The Department of Corrections currently employs about 75 parole officers and casework managers
All parole officers in Indiana are assigned to a specific geographical area, where they often work alongside local officials, employers, law enforcement, and families.
All new parole officers must successfully complete training through the Correctional Training Academy. Parole officers must complete the four-week parole reserve academy upon being hired.
Qualifications
- Five (5) years of full-time professional experience in correctional counseling, criminology, parole/probation work, law enforcement, social work, or a related area.
- Possession of a valid driver’s license from state of a residence comparable to an Indiana Operator’s license required.
- Substitutions: Five years of full-time experience in protective services may substitute for the required experience only.
- Accredited college training may substitute for the required experience on a year for year basis.
- Special Requirements: Must successfully complete the Correctional Training Academy and all required training prior to granting permanent status.
- Must qualify and maintain firearm certification, as well as carry a firearm in the performance of duties.
Individuals with college training may substitute experience on a year-by-year basis. For example, individuals with a four-year degree in one of the above fields may need just one year of professional experience to qualify for parole officer jobs in Indiana.