Unlock a Rewarding Career: Join the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation Today!
This is your opportunity to make a difference in your community. Explore a stable and rewarding career with the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation (WV DCR).
New opportunities and incentives are available!
Join a Division with Purpose
As a correctional officer, you’ll play a pivotal role in ensuring public safety, upholding public trust and contributing to a higher purpose. You’ll be making a real impact on your community. The WV DCR oversees West Virginia’s 11 prisons, 10 regional jails, 10 juvenile centers and three work-release sites.
Higher Salaries Await You
Let’s talk about the financial benefits. The WV DCR values our correctional officers and staff. West Virginia recently passed legislation that reflects that commitment. From the moment you join us, you’ll enjoy a starting annual salary of $40,000. New Correctional Officers will also receive a $2,000 one-time retention incentive after their first year of service. After two years of dedicated service, your salary will climb to an impressive $48,000.
But it doesn’t stop there! Non-uniform staff members hired between October 2023 and February 2024 will receive a $2,294 retention incentive in Spring 2024. And qualifying correctional officers and non-uniform staff will receive an annual increase of $250. These incentives are designed to attract new talent and reward our dedicated team members.
Members of Our Team
Investing in Our Team
We understand the importance of recognizing hard work and dedication. That’s why we’re investing $25 million to supplement current correctional staff salaries, improve new recruits’ starting pay, improve training, and provide bonuses for non-uniformed staff employed by WV DCR. Join us. Be a part of a team. Be part of a community that cares about your success and well-being.
Become a Correctional Officer: see if it’s the right career for you
Getting started on this rewarding journey is simple. Here are the basic requirements to become a Correctional Officer 1 (CO 1):
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum of 18 years old
- Ability to pass a drug screening or test
- Ability to pass a criminal background check
- Ability to pass an agility test
- Valid Driver’s License
Training
Paid training is provided and has been recently redesigned to be more family-friendly. The training process now begins with two weeks of institutional familiarization, where new correctional officers work within the facility. A four-week basic training program follows this. Additionally, support staff now have the option of completing their basic training remotely, allowing them to stay with their families.
There are also opportunities for further specialization through Special Operations units, such as the Corrections Emergency Response Team, Canine Officers and the Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT), with correctional staff in these elite units eligible for a 10% pay differential. The Corrections Academy also offers ongoing professional development, with specialized training available at the Professional Development Center, located on the campus of Glenville State College, catering to various categories of staff within the DCR.
Advancement Opportunities
Most new WV DCR employees are hired as a CO 1 and advance to higher ranks over time. At the end of the first year, employees are promoted to CO 2. At the end of the second year, employees are promoted to CO3 (Corporal). Subsequent promotions to CO 4 (Sergeant), CO 5 (Lieutenant), CO 6 (Captain), and CO 7 (Major) are competitive.
While most individuals start at CO 1, there are exceptions. Veterans, current law enforcement professionals, and individuals who work in security, with qualifying experience, may be eligible to start at a higher rank.
As a Correctional Officer with the WV DCR, you have the ability to advance your career while continuing to serve your community and hone your skills. Automatic promotional opportunities extend up to CO 3 (Corporal); however, there are multiple career paths to explore within the Division. WV DCR offers positions in Programs (Unit Manager, Counselor, Substance Abuse Therapist), Maintenance (Facilities/Equipment Maintenance Technician, Building Grounds Manager), Business (Accounting Technicians, Business Managers) and advancement opportunities all the way up to Superintendent and beyond.
Enjoy a Life of Livability and Benefits
Working with WV DCR comes with a comprehensive benefits package valued at more than $13,776/year, which includes:
- Health Insurance
- Dental & Vision Insurance
- Term Life Insurance
- Benefit Pension Plan
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Sick and Vacation Days
Join Us and Serve with Purpose
We are a community of individuals working together for the greater good.
As you consider your career options, remember that public service is about public safety, public trust, and a career with a clear sense of purpose..
Embark on this aspirational journey. Be a part of a dedicated team and serve a higher purpose. Join the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation today!
Your future and your community will thank you.
For more information and to apply for this rewarding opportunity, check out these open positions to learn more and apply.