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How to hire a corrections deputy

Corrections deputy hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring corrections deputies in the United States:

  • There are a total of 42,163 corrections deputies in the US, and there are currently 80,964 job openings in this field.
  • The median cost to hire a corrections deputy is $1,633.
  • Small businesses spend $1,105 per corrections deputy on training each year, while large companies spend $658.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • It takes approximately 12 weeks for a new employee to reach full productivity levels.
  • HR departments typically allocate 15% of their budget towards recruitment efforts.
  • Hurricane, UT, has the highest demand for corrections deputies, with 4 job openings.

How to hire a corrections deputy, step by step

To hire a corrections deputy, you need to identify the specific skills and experience you want in a candidate, allocate a budget for the position, and advertise the job opening to attract potential candidates. To hire a corrections deputy, you should follow these steps:

Here's a step-by-step corrections deputy hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a corrections deputy job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new corrections deputy
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a corrections deputy do?

A corrections deputy assists senior officers in overseeing the daily activities in jail or prisons and keeps order by enforcing strict rules and regulations. They must observe the inmates' behavior and progress in different programs, monitor any suspicious behavior, conduct routine inspections on cells, and coordinate with co-workers to maintain security. They may also participate in booking new inmates, conducting interviews, and obtaining fingerprints and photographs. They must report to senior officers regularly.

Learn more about the specifics of what a corrections deputy does
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    First, determine the employments status of the corrections deputy you need to hire. Certain corrections deputy roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a corrections deputy to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a corrections deputy that fits the bill.

    This list shows salaries for various types of corrections deputies.

    Type of Corrections DeputyDescriptionHourly rate
    Corrections DeputyCorrectional officers are responsible for overseeing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or who have been sentenced to serve time in jail or prison. Bailiffs are law enforcement officers who maintain safety and order in courtrooms.$15-29
    Custodial OfficerA custodial officer is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of facilities or buildings. They clean areas daily, conduct regular maintenance inspections, replace fixtures, perform basic repairs, rearrange furniture as necessary, and prepare facilities for public or private use... Show more$14-27
    CorporalA police corporal is a person who leads a team or squad depending on how many corporals are there in a platoon. Police corporals supervise the performance of the police personnel assigned under their command... Show more$14-42
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Booking
    • Emergency Situations
    • Direct Supervision
    • CPR
    • Patrol
    • Security Procedures
    • Correctional Facility
    • Emergency First Aid
    • Incident Reports
    • Firearms
    • Local Laws
    • Computer System
    • Defensive Tactics
    • Control Room
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Manage behavior modification and offender restoration rehabilitation.
    • Manage behavior modification and offender restoration rehabilitation.
    • Manage behavior modification and offender restoration rehabilitation.
    More corrections deputy duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your corrections deputy job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A corrections deputy salary can vary based on several factors:
    • Location. For example, corrections deputies' average salary in missouri is 63% less than in washington.
    • Seniority. Entry-level corrections deputies earn 48% less than senior-level corrections deputies.
    • Certifications. A corrections deputy with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a corrections deputy's salary.

    Average corrections deputy salary

    $45,103yearly

    $21.68 hourly rate

    Entry-level corrections deputy salary
    $32,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 17, 2025

    Average corrections deputy salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1Washington$69,169$33
    2California$55,114$27
    3Oregon$52,341$25
    4Minnesota$47,121$23
    5Michigan$45,484$22
    6Utah$41,562$20
    7Nebraska$41,106$20
    8Florida$37,230$18
    9South Carolina$37,192$18
    10Georgia$35,494$17

    Average corrections deputy salary by company

  4. Writing a corrections deputy job description

    A corrections deputy job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a corrections deputy job description:

    Corrections deputy job description example

    Announcement# 2022-031

    Closing Date : Open Until Filled.

    Salary : $3,990 - $5,846 per month, with additional pay for DPSST certification.

    The Columbia County Sheriff's Office is looking for experienced Corrections Deputies to be a part of the team dedicated to solving community problems, the reduction of crime, and the preservation of laws, ordinances and the constitutional rights of all people within our jurisdiction.

    The CORRECTIONS DEPUTY-LATERAL position is full-time, 40 hours (plus regular required overtime) on a rotating shift basis (day/swing/night), Civil Service, and Union Represented. Veterans and those who have never worked in the field are encouraged to apply. You must complete and successfully pass all portions of the required process in order to be considered.

    DUTIES : Perform all operations of the jail in the receipt, booking, custody and care of inmate under jurisdiction of the Sheriff in accordance with established directives, policies, procedures State and Federal law. Assure the fair and reasonable treatment of inmates and maintenance of proper discipline.

    EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE : High school graduate, preferably with additional college level education in the field of law enforcement, equivalent to an Associate's Degree. Preference given for work experience in a correctional setting. Candidates must have a current Oregon DPSST Basic Corrections or Police certification or have been certified within the last three years. Must have at least one year of corrections experience.

    SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS : Possession of, or ability to obtain within one (1) year of employment, DPSST certification as a Corrections Officer. Possession of, or ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment. Law Enforcement Data System Certification. Possession of, or ability to obtain within three (3) months of employment, a current first aid/CPR card. Possession of an appropriate Oregon motor vehicle operator's license and must be insurable under the County's liability coverage.

    SPECIAL NECESSARY QUALIFICATIONS : Must be 21 years of age and be a citizen of the United States. Must be free of criminal convictions which would affect DPSST certification or which would violate any other County policy. Successfully pass a hand gun qualification course two-four times per year or as dictated by the Sheriff.

    The hiring process includes a comprehensive personal history background inquiry as well as physical, psychological, and medical testing components.

    Candidates must meet and maintain all hiring and certification requirements as mandated by Oregon DPSST.

    Potential candidates must also complete the REACT test and the ORPAT test through National Testing Network (NTN) at www.nationaltestingnetwork.com or directly through the Columbia County Sheriff's Office. The REACT test also includes a physical testing component but, in Oregon, candidates must complete the specific ORPAT physical test in order to be accepted by the DPSST academy.

    KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY : Knowledge in the use of equipment used in identification of prisoners. Knowledge of the principles and techniques of modern inmate care, custody and control and related aspects of law enforcement.

    Familiarity with computers systems and their use.

    Ability to efficiently and effectively operate equipment used in the performance of duties assigned. Ability to operate equipment safely under adverse conditions. Ability to act effectively in emergency situations. Ability to effectively control suspects in all situations, including the ability to physically restrain unruly suspects. Ability to work with Canine Officers and their Handlers. Ability to prepare accurate and complete reports. Ability to maintain harmonious and effective working relationships with fellow employees, other agencies, County officials and the general public.

    Join our team - Columbia County online application must be completed - Apply today!

    www.ColumbiaCountyOR.gov

  5. Post your job

    There are a few common ways to find corrections deputies for your business:

    • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
    • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
    • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your corrections deputy job on Zippia to find and recruit corrections deputy candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    Recruiting corrections deputies requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

    It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new corrections deputy

    Once you've decided on a perfect corrections deputy candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

    It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

    Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new corrections deputy. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire a corrections deputy?

Before you start to hire corrections deputies, it pays to consider both the one-off costs like recruitment, job promotion, and onboarding, as well as the ongoing costs of an employee's salary and benefits. While most companies that hire corrections deputies pay close attention to the initial cost of hiring, ongoing costs are much more significant in the long run.

You can expect to pay around $45,103 per year for a corrections deputy, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for corrections deputies in the US typically range between $15 and $29 an hour.

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