CRANSTON, R.I. – April 21, 2009 – Men and women who are looking for a challenging career opportunity are invited to consider becoming a Correctional Officer. The Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC) will officially kick off the recruitment period for its next Correctional Officer Training Academy on Wednesday, April 22, 2009, at 10:00 a.m., at the netWORKri office at One Reservoir Ave., Providence. The kickoff event is open to the public and members of the press are encouraged to attend.
Cheryl Burrell, program administrator with the Human Resources Outreach and Diversity Office, will emcee the event. Anastasia Williams, President of the Rhode Island Legislative Black and Latin Caucus, will deliver opening remarks. Directors Sandra M. Powell (DLT) and A.T. Wall, II (RIDOC) will share brief remarks as will Cliff Montiero, President of the NAACP’s Providence Branch; Ramon Martinez, Executive Director of Progreso Latino, and M.J. Daley, Director of Fund Development, Public Relations and Marketing for the Urban League of Rhode Island. Partner agencies in the recruiting effort include the Department of Labor and Training, the NAACP Providence Branch, the NAACP Newport County Branch, the Narragansett Indian Tribe, Progreso Latino, Rhode Island Affirmative Action Professionals, Rhode Island Young Professionals, the Socio-Economic Development Center for Southeast Asians, and the Urban League of Rhode Island.
Applications for the Academy will be accepted between April 19 and May 10, 2009. Two-hour Correctional Officer Training Academy information sessions will be conducted on:
Thursday, April 23, 2009 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm Saturday, April 25, 2009 10:00 am to 12:00 pm Tuesday, April 28, 2009 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Thursday, April 30, 2009 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm Saturday, May 2, 2009 10:00 am to 12:00 pm Tuesday, May 5, 2009 5:00pm to 7:00pm Thursday, May 7, 2009 4:00pm-6:00pm
These information sessions will address the following topics: The Mission of the Rhode Island Department of Corrections Corrections philosophy Correctional Officer duties The application and selection process, including physical fitness requirements The testing process
Interested individuals should pre-register by calling RIDOC’s Training Academy at (401) 462-2697 at least two (2) days prior to the session you wish to attend.
Individuals interested in applying for a spot in the Training Academy for Class 78 can fill out an application on line at www.netWORKri.org. The RIDOC is an equal opportunity/diversity employer, and women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted through May 10th and may also be obtained by calling the Training Academy at 401-462-JOBS. The dates for the Academy are October 5th – December 4th, 2009.
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, possess a valid photo ID, have a Social Security card or alien registration card, be a high school graduate or have a GED, and be fluent in English. The Rhode Island residency requirement no longer applies.
The selection process includes a written and video-based examination, BCI/NCIC, a physical fitness test, a background investigation, an appointment with the Director’s Interview Board, a psychological assessment, and a medical screening.
Those who are selected for the 9-week Training Academy will receive a weekly stipend of $500. The paramilitary training will include instruction on the following: security procedures, supervision of inmates, suicide signs/precautions, use of force, report writing, inmate rules and regulations, inmate rights, fire and emergency procedures, safety procedures, firearms training, defensive tactics, CPR/First-aid certification, baton certification, physical training, O.C. certification, key and tool control, communication skills, inmate lifestyles, and stress management.
Correctional Officer duties include the supervision, custody, and control of adult inmates incarcerated at the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI) in Cranston. Upon appointment, the starting salary is $37,217, and benefits include health, dental and vision coverage, pension plan, paid vacations, paid personal days, paid holidays, sick leave benefit, step pay increases, college incentive pay, and clothing maintenance allowance.
For further information about the Training Academy or the Department of Corrections, please visit www.doc.ri.gov.