Correctional Officer 1

Job Description

Correctional Officer 1

Department: Department of Correction

Location: Nashville, TN (Lois M. DeBerry Special Needs Facility, Davidson County)

Job Type: Full-Time

Positions Available: 5

Opening Date/Time: 02/24/2026 12:00 AM Central Time

Closing Date/Time: 03/09/2026 11:59 PM Central Time

This is an on-site only position.

Salary Information

• Approved Starting Salary: $4,267.00 per month / $51,204.00 per year
• General Salary Range (Monthly): $3,631.00 – $4,533.00
• General Salary Range (Annually): $43,572.00 – $54,396.00

Sign-On Bonus

Newly hired Correctional Officers are eligible for a $5,000 sign-on bonus, payable over an 18-month period.

Overview

The Correctional Officer 1 is an entry-level position responsible for correctional work of average difficulty within a state penal institution. This role involves the custody, transport, and rehabilitation of inmates, ensuring the safety and security of the facility and its residents. Employees in this class may be assigned to any shift and will perform a variety of duties related to inmate supervision and facility operations. This position differs from a Correctional Corporal, who acts as a minor supervisor.

Career Progression

Upon successful completion of a mandatory one-year training period, an applicant appointed to this class will be automatically reclassified to the Correctional Officer 2. Inadequate or marginal performance during the training period will result in automatic demotion or termination.

Work Environment & Expectations

Correctional security employees can expect to be assigned to any one of three different work shifts and various post assignments throughout their careers. While employee work preferences are considered, there is no guarantee that an employee will remain assigned to any specific shift and/or post assignment.

Responsibilities and Work Activities

• Supervises inmate activities across various areas, including housing units, dining areas, recreation, and work areas.
• Attends to the medical, visitation, personal property, and recreational needs of inmates.
• Inspects and patrols facility grounds for contraband, unauthorized personnel, and other security risks.
• Manages the intake process for new inmates, which includes assigning accommodations, searching for contraband, issuing clothing, and storing personal property.
• Observes inmate behavior, provides counseling to inmates and families regarding problems, and evaluates inmates on room and personal hygiene and attitudes towards staff and other inmates, submitting these evaluations to the counseling department.
• Attends a variety of meetings, such as staff meetings, disciplinary board meetings, and training sessions for riot control, escape prevention, and first aid.
• Prepares and maintains various reports, including daily logs, disciplinary reports, records of inmates’ jobs and pay, daily inmate counts, and requisitions for office supplies.
• Operates and utilizes a variety of equipment, including two-way radios, firearms, mace, electronic gates, and television cameras. May also operate motor vehicles.
• Ensures the safety of residents through diligent supervision of their daily activities.
• Intervenes in and de-escalates fights or other potentially dangerous situations, using persuasion or physical force as necessary.
• Carries out and effectively explains existing policies and procedures to others.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Education equivalent to graduation from a standard high school.

Necessary Special Qualifications

Applicants for this class must meet the following criteria:

• Be willing and able to qualify with, carry, and use assigned weapons.
• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age on the date of application.
• Be a citizen of the United States.
• Possess good moral character, as determined by investigation.
• Complete a criminal history disclosure form in a manner approved by the appointing authority.
• Agree to release all records involving their criminal history to the appointing authority.
• Supply a fingerprint sample in a manner prescribed by the TBI for a fingerprint-based criminal history records check.
• Have no conviction for a felony or have been discharged under any other than honorable conditions from any branch of the United States armed forces.
• Pass a physical examination administered by a licensed physician that is consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and relates to the essential functions of the position.
• Pass a psychological evaluation administered by a licensed mental health professional that is consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and relates to the essential functions of the position.
• Submit to and pass a pre-employment screening test for the use of illegal drugs.
• Possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license at the time of appointment (required for some positions).
• Upon appointment, successfully complete a prescribed course of instruction at the Tennessee Correction Academy.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• A Motor Vehicle Records screening will be conducted prior to employment.
• A pre-employment drug screening is required prior to employment.
• This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.

For More Information

Visit the Tennessee Department of Correction website: www.tn.gov/correction.html