Correctional Officer- Corrections

Howard County:

Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.

Howard County Government:

Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2025, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 83 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the highest number of annual NACo awards achieved in the history of the State of Maryland, and the highest number of awards out of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 136 awards. NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.

What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government:

• We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.
• We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!
• We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs.
• As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Performs correctional work at the full performance level as a certified Correctional Officer under supervision from a technical superior and is responsible for maintaining security, care and custody of incarcerated persons in the Howard County Detention Center.

STARTING SALARY AT HIRE IS $58,535 ANNUALLY/$28.14 HOURLY

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

Performs technical level corrections operations work under regular supervision from a technical superior. Work includes maintaining security and discipline of inmates both on and off the property of the Howard County Detention Center on an assigned shift. Work also includes guarding inmates at an assigned location and in cell blocks; and participating in counseling and rehabilitation programs as assigned. An individual in this class will serve a 12-month probationary period during which time they must attend and satisfactorily complete correctional classroom and field training.

• This is a Classified position, meaning that it is a part of the Howard County Classified Service upon completion of a probationary period of at least six (6) months*Collaboration:

Works and cooperates with co-workers and supervisors at all levels.

Inmate Supervision & Security:

Maintains security over inmates; observes behavior; supervises work assignments, recreational and housing activities; searches inmates and living/work/program areas for cleanliness, safety, and contraband.

Security Rounds & Inspections:

Conducts and records security rounds, formal and informal counts, and inspections.

Intake & Release Processing:

May process inmate intake and discharge; reviews legal, court, and official documents; issues and receives clothing, property, and funds under supervision.

Professional Relationships:

Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with staff, volunteers, and inmates.

Inmate Transport:

May transport inmates and provide security outside the detention center.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum age of 21 years
• U.S. Citizenship or Resident Alien status
• Eligibility for certification by the Maryland Correctional Training Commission and possession of such certificate within one (1) year of appointment.
• Valid Class C driver's license or equivalent issued by State of residence.
• Successful qualification with Department issued handgun and shotgun or other long rifle.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Computer and word processing skills.
• Prior military, security, counseling, or public safety experience.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, with diverse populations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and outside weather conditions. May have contact with approved departmental chemical agents. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. There is a risk of physical injury or possible exposure to communicable diseases, use of physical force required upon occasion.

LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS, AND REASONING ABILITIES:

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.