Correction Officer Jobs in Pennsylvania
A Correction Officer, also known as a Detention Officer, is a law enforcement professional who oversees individuals who have been arrested, are awaiting trial, or have been sentenced to serve time in jails or prisons. In this role, they are responsible for maintaining order within the correctional facility, supervising prisoner activities, and ensuring the safety and security of inmates and staff. They play an essential role in the criminal justice system by enforcing rules, preventing disturbances, and responding to emergencies, all while treating inmates with respect and dignity.
To excel in this role, a Correction Officer should possess strong interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills. They should be able to handle high-stress situations and exhibit patience, especially when dealing with difficult individuals. Moreover, physical fitness is also crucial as the job can be physically demanding. As for certifications, most states require Correction Officers to complete a training academy, followed by on-the-job training. They may also need to be certified in CPR and First Aid. Before becoming a Correction Officer, a person might have held roles such as a Security Guard, Police Officer, or Military Service Member, providing them with a strong background in law enforcement and security procedures.

Unarmed Security Guard – Event Staffing for Schools, Hotels & Community Venues
- G-Force Security Solutions LLC
- Gettysburg, PA
- 13 days ago
- G-Force Security Solutions LLC
- Gettysburg, PA
- 13 days ago
Whether you're new to security or looking to expand your experience, we offer meaningful opportunities to support public safety in a team-oriented, growth-focused environment....
Observing inmates and inmate behavior by making periodic and unannounced rounds, head counts, and security checks, and reporting anything unusual to a corrections officer....
Corrections Officer Trainee - SCI Albion This listing closes on 8/29/2025 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)....
Corrections Officer Trainee - SCI Chester This listing closes on 8/29/2025 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)....
Corrections Officer Trainee - SCI Muncy (Female Only)
- Elizabethtown, PA
- 3 days ago
- Elizabethtown, PA
- 3 days ago
Corrections Officer Trainee - SCI Muncy (Female Only) This listing closes on 8/29/2025 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)....
Corrections Officer Trainee - SCI Cambridge Springs - Female Only
- Cambridge Springs, PA
- 3 days ago
- Cambridge Springs, PA
- 3 days ago
Your level of responsibility. 10 Do you possess six months or more of full-time professional law enforcement experience with the power of arrest?...
Corrections Officer Trainee - SCI Somerset and SCI Laurel Highlands
- Somerset, PA
- 3 days ago
- Somerset, PA
- 3 days ago
Your level of responsibility. 09 Do you possess six months or more of full-time professional law enforcement experience with the power of arrest?...
Your level of responsibility. 09 Do you possess six months or more of full-time professional law enforcement experience with the power of arrest?...
Your level of responsibility. 10 Do you possess six months or more of full-time professional law enforcement experience with the power of arrest?...
the care, custody and control of inmates in a County correctional facility....
Physical ability to learn the proper use of weapons, restraining devices and all other equipment related to corrections. Mental stamina to work in a highly stressful environment....
WORK EXPERIENCE None required. 1 year work experience in corrections, law, enforcement or security is preferred....
Corrections Officer Trainee - SCI Coal Township
- Coal Township, PA
- 9 days ago
- Coal Township, PA
- 9 days ago
Your level of responsibility. 09 Do you possess six months or more of full-time professional law enforcement experience with the power of arrest?...
Your level of responsibility. 09 Do you possess six months or more of full-time professional law enforcement experience with the power of arrest?...
Corrections Officer Trainee - SCI Mercer This listing closes on 8/22/2025 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)....
Demographic Data for Pennsylvania
Moving to Pennsylvania? Find some basic demographic data about Pennsylvania below.
Correction Officer Online Courses and Training Opportunities
Salary for Correction Officer Jobs in Pennsylvania
Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Correction Officer positions.
Highest Education Level
Correction Officers in Pennsylvania offer the following education backgroundQualifications / Skill Sets
The following top skills are often required or desired to land a Correction Officer position
- Reporting
- Counseling
- Crisis Counseling
- Conflict Management
- CPR First Aid
- Sociology
- Juvenile Justice
- Firearms
- Public Safety
- Crime Prevention
- Patrol
- Weapons
- Taser
- Background Investigations
- Defensive Tactics
- Narcotics
- OC Spray
- Crowd Control
- Law Enforcement
- Special Weapons and Tactics
- Armed Security
- Criminal Justice
- Corrections
- Surveillance
- Crisis Intervention
- Report Writing
- Drug Testing
- Inspections
- Crisis Management
- First Aid
- Business Correspondence
- Closing
- Interviewing
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
- Background Checks
- Military Background
- High School Diploma
- Events
- Writing Skills
- Investigation
- Driving
- Education Experience
- Documentation
- Telephone Skills
- Filing
- Policy Development
- English
- Regulations
- Bilingual
- Staff Supervision
- Organization
- Customer Service
- Scheduling
- Leadership
- Communication Skills
Other Career Titles
Here are some other career titles that require similar skills
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