Title: Corrections Officer (Canine Patrol Handler): River North Correctional Center #0338

State Role Title: Security Officer III

Hiring Range: $47,721.00 - $81,093.00

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Dept of Corr - Central Admin

Location: River North Corr Center

Agency Website: www.vadoc.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: Agency Employee Only - A

Job Duties

Provides daily canine support to the unit’s security operations. Provides security over adult inmates at the institution and while in transport; supervises the daily activities of inmates while observing and recording their behavior and movement to ensure their safe and secure confinement. Prepares reports and maintains logs. Provides escape prevention duties including supervising inmate movement and activities. Reports on inmate conduct and when necessary, testifies in court or at hearings. Continually maintains and ensures proper readiness of assigned security equipment. In addition to working security post, earns and maintains patrol canine handler certifications, keeps assigned canine in a state of readiness which includes training, exercising, and feeding. Conducts patrols in secure perimeter.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualified candidates must hold current certification as a Corrections Officer by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) and be legally eligible to possess a firearm in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Applicants should demonstrate a solid understanding of Department of Corrections policies and procedures, with the ability to interpret and apply them effectively. Strong written communication skills are essential, including the ability to prepare clear and accurate reports and documentation. Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office 365.

Additional Considerations

Advanced knowledge or coursework in criminal justice, as well as those with military-related training or experience. Applicants between 18–20 years old may be considered with a waiver from the Unit Head. Experience and demonstrated skill in canine training and handling are highly valued, along with a strong understanding of standard procedures for evidence gathering, seizure, and control.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

If selected as a finalist with the VADOC, candidates can expect the following:

Background Investigation Requirements: All applicants are subject to a background investigation. Investigations may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI); local agency checks; employment verification; verification of education (relevant to employment); credit checks; and other checks based on the position.

Drug Testing Requirements: Applicants applying to a designated safety sensitive position are subject to a pre-employment drug screen. Marijuana use is prohibited for positions that require possession of a firearm or a Commercial Driver’s License in the performance of official duties such as Corrections Officers, Probation Officers, Tractor Trailer Drivers and others.

Application Requirements: Application and/or résumé for this position are only accepted electronically through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Electronic Recruitment System. All applications should be submitted by 11:55pm on the closing date for the position. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and/or résumés will not be accepted. The decision to interview an applicant is based solely on the information received for this position from the electronic application and/or résumé.

Layoff Preferences: Applicants who possess an Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Form) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Form) as issued under the Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM) Policy 1.30 Layoff (Commonwealth of VA employees only) MUST attach these forms when submitting their state application and/or résumé.

VADOC is an EEO employer and is committed to supporting workforce diversity, equitable opportunities and inclusivity. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

VADOC values our Veterans and encourages all to apply and receive preference in the hiring process. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other nation service alumni are also encouraged to apply. Click here for more information: Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program - Virginia Department of Veterans Services

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: 276-773-1812

Email: EMAILED APPLICATIONS/RÉSUMÉS / WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR THIS POSITION

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.