Individuals seeking to become correctional officers must be of high moral character, have excellent communication abilities both orally and written, and possess strong interpersonal skills.

To be considered for employment with the WVDOC, you must first meet a set of minimum requirements prior to becoming a correctional officer. These requirements include:

• Be a High School Graduate or equivalent (GED)
• Have a Valid Driver’s License
• Have a minimum of 1-Year of work experience of any type
• Be able to pass a Drug Screening Test
• Be able to pass a Pre-Agility Exam and a Physical Agility Test
• Submit to a Psychological Assessment

Please be aware that there is a 12-Month Probationary period that new employees of the WVDOC must complete.

Training

If you are offered a position with the WV Dept. of Corrections, you will be required to attend the division’s Training Academy. This academy is located in Glenville, WV, offers 2 Basic Training classes per quarter of a training year running alongside each other. The Academy runs for 6-Weeks in a residential setup, 8-Hours day learning side by side with their peers. Upon completion of the training academy, students should have a good understanding of the knowledge, skills and abilities required to be successful as a correctional officer in WV.

Additionally, all staff of the WVDOC must complete a minimum number of continuing education hours annually.

Application Process

To apply, visit the WV Division of Personnel’s website, select “Jobs Open for Public Application”, and next search for the “Corrections” category to pull up all of the open and available careers in corrections.

Applications are only accepted online. If you need a step-by-step guide on the application process, Download the Online Application Guide, or call 304-558-3950 ext. 0 during normal business hours.

Please note, Do Not Apply online until you are ready to take the online assessment within 90 days. The online behavioral assessment or Corrections Selection Inventory (CSI) is required for the position Correctional Officer 1, although no special prep is required but bring along your photo ID.

Additionally, a 1-Year waiting period is in place to re-take the assessment as scores expire one year from the date of eligibility.

For more information, visit the West Virginia Division of Corrections website at www.wvdoc.com/wvdoc.