Correctional Officer

Correctional Officer

Employer: Baltimore County

Salary: $52,657.00 - $60,121.00 Annually

Location: Towson, MD

Job Type: MERIT

Job Number: 10.114 02-2026

Department: CORRECTIONS

Opening Date: 02/02/2026

Closing Date: Continuous

Examples of Duties

Under general supervision, maintains care and custody of inmates, security, and order on and off the property of the Baltimore County Department of Corrections.

• Assists in the receiving or discharging of inmates;
• Assures that inmates are searched, bathed, clothed, and assigned to cells;
• Confines and releases inmates from cells;
• Monitors inmate activities;
• Drives a County vehicle to transport and escort inmates to and from medical facilities and other locations;
• Supervises inmates on work details;
• Patrols, on foot, the internal and external perimeters of the institution, making periodic inspections of conditions;
• Enforces rules and regulations governing the conduct of visitors;
• Examines packages to be received by inmates;
• Maintains discipline and orderly conduct;
• Breaks up fights among inmates, restrains disorderly inmates;
• Uses appropriate self-defense tactics to deflect assault by inmates;
• Administers CPR and first aid;
• Investigates and handles emergencies and disorders within the Department of Corrections;
• Operates radios, telephones, and other communication equipment;
• Prepares routine reports and records;
• Keeps inventory of various items;
• Attends State mandated training to achieve and maintain correctional officer certification.

Examples of Other Duties:

• Performs general clerical duties.
• Assists in training new officers.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications

Training and Experience: Possession of a high school diploma or an appropriate equivalent. To become a Correctional Officer, you must:

• Have a high school diploma or an appropriate equivalent;
• Be at least 18 years old by the time you are hired;
• Be a citizen or resident alien of the United States;
• Successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation;
• Successfully complete a psychological evaluation and a polygraph examination;
• Successfully complete a physical and medical examination.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Entry Level): Ability to count, to read, write, and speak the English language, to understand and carry out oral and written instructions, to operate a motor vehicle safely, to cope with situations in a firm and tactful manner with respect for the rights of others, to respond quickly and effectively, to make proper decisions under pressure, to learn from experience and apply knowledge gained effectively.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Full Performance): Knowledge of human relations, inmate character and habits, supervision of inmates, disciplinary, security, emergency, and safety policies and procedures, departmental rules and regulations, location of routine and emergency equipment, and appropriate terminology. Skill in record keeping and report writing, using effective verbal and non-verbal communication, CPR, first-aid, riot control equipment, restraining devices, fire extinguishers and other security and safety equipment, and driving a County vehicle while monitoring inmates. Ability to protect oneself and others, to handle hostile inmates with minimum amount of force, to observe and note unusual occurrences, to be aware of surroundings, to supervise inmates, to perform duties according to established policies, procedures, rules and regulations.

Age Requirements: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of appointment.

Citizenship Requirements: All applicants must be citizens or resident aliens of the United States at the time of application.

Character Requirements: All applicants must be of good moral character and emotionally and mentally stable, as determined by a comprehensive background investigation, a psychological examination, and a drug test. Persons appointed to this classification are subject to random screening.

Physical Requirements: Applicants must be able to safely perform the duties of the position without posing a threat to the health or safety of themselves or others, as determined by a test of physical ability. In addition, after accepting an appointment to a position within this classification, all candidates will be required to pass a physical examination.

Licenses and Certificates: Some assignments may require possession of a valid driver's license equivalent to a non-commercial Class C Maryland driver's license.

Examination Procedure: Applicants will be qualified based on the requirements, qualifications and answers to the supplemental questions. Once eligibility is established, candidates must pass a written examination to continue on in the hiring process.

Conditions of Employment

Personnel appointed to this position will be required to work an average scheduled workweek of 40 hours, which will includes Saturday, Sunday, and holidays. Employees in this classification will be required to work any of three shifts in order that twenty-four hour coverage is maintained. All employees are subject to call to duty and to overtime in emergencies with little or no notice. During the first year of employment, the employee must receive certification as a correctional officer from the Maryland Correctional Training Commission. Employees must pass retraining requirements as mandated throughout employment.

Physical and Environmental Conditions: The work of this classification entails frequent walking and standing. The work involves frequent interaction with an inmate population at the detention center. Some assignments may entail the operation of a motor vehicle.

Medical Examination and Employment Background Investigation: Applicants selected for employment with Baltimore County must successfully complete a physical examination, drug screening and employment investigation, including, but not limited to criminal background, education certification and fingerprinting checks.

Employment Benefits for Full-Time, Merit or Classified Employees

Baltimore County General Government offers the following benefits to full-time,merit or classified employees. Some benefits vary for sworn employees of the Police and Fire Departments. New employees are eligible for benefits upon hire, unless noted otherwise.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Baltimore County is an equal opportunity employer and encourages minority, female and disabled applicants.

Smoke free workplace: All Baltimore County offices are smoke free.

Drug free workplace: Baltimore County provides a drug free workplace. Prospective employees are required to submit to urinalysis drug testing as part of the pre-employment physical examination.

Salary: Annual Salary review - Step increases may be granted on anniversary date based on satisfactory job performance General Increases - Cost of living increases and adjustments may be granted as legislated. Longevity Increases - In accordance with the specific pay schedule, a full-time merit or classified employee may receive a longevity increase, equivalent to one step, upon completion of a certain number of years of classified service with the County.

Employee Assistance Program: Our Employee Assistance Program provides confidential and professional assessment and referral assistance for employees and eligible dependents in the household who are experiencing personal problems that may be affecting work performance, job satisfaction, or overall quality of life.

Health Insurance: Health Insurance benefits elected become effective the first day of the month following the date of hire if the employee has completed online enrollment prior to that date. New employees must enroll within thirty (30) calendar days of hire. Plans offered include: Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision insurance.

Flexible Spending Accounts: Opportunity to set aside pre-tax dollars, through payroll deduction, for eligible unreimbursed medical care expenses and/or dependent care costs.

Life Insurance: Employees may elect basic term life insurance for themselves equal to one time the employee's annual salary, rounded to the next higher $1,000. Employees contribute a portion of the premium through monthly payroll deductions. The County also offers an Additional/Employee paid Life Insurance plan with coverage up to $100,000.

Retirement: Employees are required to participate in the Baltimore County Employees' Retirement System (ERS), with very limited exceptions.

Paid Leave: Paid benefits listed below vary depending upon the Classification.

Sick Leave Vacation Leave Personal Leave Holidays Bereavement Leave Jury Leave Military Leave

Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union: Membership in Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union offers a full range of savings programs, loans, checking, direct deposit, payroll deduction, savings bonds, and other