Correctional Officer

Correctional Officer

Do you have what it takes to be successful in this challenging, yet rewarding, career? For those interested in a career in criminal justice, there are a variety of opportunities at the Sheriff's office. If you're interested in a rewarding career where you can make a true difference in our community, look no further!

Correctional officers are required to be at least 21 years of age at the time of employment and have no felony or certain misdemeanor convictions. Upon employment, correctional officers are required to live in Champaign County or a surrounding county bordering Champaign County. Starting salary in 2022 for a correctional officer is approximately $44,491 in the first year, $47,029 after a year of service, and $51,958 by five years of service. (This contract is still being negotiated and the salary will likely increase for 2023.)

Entry-Level Applicants

To fill out an application and schedule a test, go to the National Testing Network website. This is an offsite link, select Corrections and sign up for the Champaign County Sheriff's Office. Completion of the application process includes reviewing all information related to the Sheriff's Office Correctional Officer position, including minimum requirements, salary and benefits. Detailed information about the testing process for the entry level test. Opportunity to take online practice tests at Schedule your own convenient test time. Tests are offered multiple times a week, including Saturdays. Take high quality job simulation tests in a standardized, fair testing environment. Upon completion of the entry level exam, all candidate scores are automatically forwarded to the Champaign County Sheriff's Office. Candidates who attain a passing score on the entry level exam will be placed on the department's eligibility list.

The Champaign County Sheriff's Office will contact candidates on the list and will invite them to continue to participate in other stages of the selection process as the opportunity arises, including an interview, physical agility test (for patrol deputy candidates), an in-depth background check, psychological exam, and medical exam, to include a drug screen (candidates must test negative for all illicit drugs, including marijuana).

Experienced/Lateral Applicants

Correctional officer applicants with at least one year of full-time corrections experience, may forego the written exam and move directly to the interview phase of the hiring process. Experienced/lateral applicants may also be able to start higher on the wage scale than an entry-level employee, based on the Collective Bargaining Agreement. To express interest as an experienced/lateral applicant, please e-mail a copy of your resume to Teresa Schleinz at View email address on click.appcast.io. or contact her at View phone number on click.appcast.io for more information or questions.