Becoming a Correctional Officer in West Virginia

West Virginia Correctional Officer Certification Requirements

The State Department of Corrections in West Virginia has continuous job postings for corrections officers. Due to changing demand as well as veteran officers' promotions and retirements, the state is continually seeking career-minded men and women for these roles. The DOC is committed to hiring only the best candidates for these roles, and a multi-phase hiring process ensures this. Candidates will first be required to show the following:

• High School Graduate or GED Certificate
• Valid Driver's License for the state of West Virginia
• Proof of age (21+)
• No Felony or domestic violence convictions
• U.S. Citizenship or proof of naturalization
• If former military, a discharge "Under Honorable Conditions"

When candidates have submitted the aforementioned proof along with a completed application, the are eligible for the following state tests:

• Written Examination
• Fingerprinting and extensive background check
• Drug Screening
• Medical Examination
• Physical Ability Test based on sex and age

If all assessment scores are satisfactory, candidates will be invited for an interview, and to enroll in Correctional Officer Training. COT is designed to assist new officers acquire the skills that they will need to work in the corrections environment. Successfully passing the final training phase means that recruits will be will be awarded the status of correctional officer and be assigned a duty location.

West Virgina Division of Corrections

P.O. Box 850, 100 High Street
Glenville, WV 26351
Phone: (304)
http://www.wvdoc.com/wvdoc/

West Virginia Correctional Officer Employment & Outlook

The state of West Virginia is committed to serve and support correctional facilities in the state by encouraging growth in the field. At this time, the median income for front-line correctional officers throughout the state is considerably lower at $29,200 than the median national income of $39,800, however professional development opportunities can remediate this gap. CareerInfoNet.org has published state and national trends at http://www.careerinfonet.org/occ_rep.asp?next=occ_rep&Level=&optstatus=011000000&jobfam=33&id=1&nodeid=2&soccode=333012&menuMode=&stfips=54&x=30&y=11 which predict that growth in West Virginia at par with national averages from now until 2022. This predicted rate of growth translates into positive job growth in the form of newly created openings and existing vacancies over the next decade.

Occupational Employment Statistics for Correctional Officers (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes333012.htm)

West Virginia Correctional Officer Salaries By Area

The table below lists career information obtained from the BLS for correctional officers in West Virginia. The table is sorted by total employment, with the largest metropolitan areas listed first.