Title: Corrections Officer (Canine Handler/Detection/Div1/East & Div2/West) #01915

State Role Title: Security Officer III - 69113

Hiring Range: $46,331.00 - $78,731.00

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Dept of Corr - Central Admin

Location: DOC Headquarters

Agency Website: https://vadoc.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: Agency Employee Only - A

Job Duties

Reporting to the Canine Detection Unit, these positions provide K-9 detection services to VADOC locations throughout Division 1/ Eastern Region (eastern half of the state) and Division 2/Western Region (western half of the state). The selected candidates will be required to live within their assigned region. There are thirteen (13) positions available. These positions are based out of Canine Detection Unit located in VADOC Headquarters in Richmond, Virginia. The selected candidates will be scheduled to attend the Winter Canine School beginning Monday, December 2nd, 2024.

Supports the organizational objective to enhance public safety of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Virginia Department of Corrections’ staff, and inmates by meeting re-entry objectives and by providing effective security, programming, custody and control of adult inmates through the use of Narcotic Detection Canines and proven interdiction methods to stem the flow narcotic contraband on properties owned and/or operated by the Department of Corrections and to provide valuable narcotic detection canine support to Federal, State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies.

The Canine Handler provides daily canine support to statewide security operations through the use of Narcotic Detection Canines. Observes and reports on inmate and visitor conduct and testifies in court or at hearings when necessary. Continually maintains and ensures proper readiness of assigned security equipment. Earns and maintains narcotic handler canine certifications; keeps assigned canine in a state of readiness that includes training, exercising and feeding. Prepares electronic reports and maintains logs.

The selected candidate(s) must have considerable continuous service as a DCJS certified Corrections Officer with a performance rating of contributor or above. The selected candidate(s) must live within their assigned region. There are thirteen (13) positions available; positions will be assigned to Division 1/Eastern Region or to the Division 2/Western Region based on agency operational need.

This long-term post assignment offers a $2,400 pay supplement to those who successfully complete all required training.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or equivalent. Valid Driver’s License. Considerable continuous service as a DCJS certified Corrections Officer. Working knowledge of Virginia Department of Corrections practices, policies, and procedures. Demonstrated ability to train and handle canines. Demonstrated skill as a canine handler (training, care and utilization). Working knowledge of the criminal justice system, basic investigatory techniques, and standard methods of evidence gathering, seizure, and control. Demonstrated ability to read and comprehend workplace policies and procedures and to prepare workplace reports and documentation using a computer.

The selected candidate must have the ability (physical) and willingness to work all shifts/posts as assigned. Ability to organize, plan, schedule, and implement detailed and complex assignments. Ability to work effectively with the general public, staff, inmates and other law enforcement agencies. Demonstrated ability to maintain composure in stressful situations, make responsible, honest, fair impartial, ethical and consistent decisions.

Additional Considerations

Considerable experience working as a patrol canine handler.
Formal experience or education on training and/or caring for canines.

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: 804-357-3445

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.