Be the one changing lives. Work directly with individuals in our care and custody to assist in planning their successful reintegration back into society.
CAREER OVERVIEW
In British Columbia there are 10 provincial correctional centres. These centres along with the correctional officers who work in them play an important part in our criminal justice system.
Correctional officers are dedicated professionals who believe in fairness, dignity and respect. In their role, officers work directly with those individuals in their care and custody, supporting change in their lives and working toward successful reintegration into society.
Correctional officers supervise individuals in living units, programs, and work settings at the centre and in the community. Officers assist with case management, facilitate core programs and perform a range of specialized duties. In a centre, correctional officers rotate through a range of posts, carrying out somewhat different duties in each.
CAREER PROSPECTS
The career prospects within BC Corrections remain strong with a continual need for new correctional officers to replace those who will be retiring over the next decade. Roughly three-quarters of new jobs will be due to the retirement of existing staff. The career opportunities are primarily in the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, Cariboo and Thompson-Okanagan regions of the province where there are provincial correctional centres.
In addition to their diverse range of duties, after you have gained experience as a correctional officer there are opportunities for promotion to supervisory and management positions. A minimum of three years of experience or a completion of the Correctional Officer Learning and Development Certificate is required before becoming a correctional supervisor.
Corrections officers are afforded opportunities to work in different areas of the centre. Many officers work a number of posts like sentence management, health care or programs during their career.
For more information about a career as a correctional officer, visit the BC Corrections webpage.
Personal Qualifications
Preferred Qualities
- An ability to thrive in a demanding work environment
- Be highly motivated to work with individuals in custody
- A high degree of personal integrity and maturity
Good at problem solving and communications
Sound judgment and common sense
An ability to function well in a team environment
Flexible.
Desirable Qualities
Work experience involving a position of responsibility and trust
Activities or duties that involve significant interaction with the public
Volunteer experience in the community
Healthy work-life balance
Knowledge of a second language or culture
Ability and willingness to lead by example.
Minimum requirements (documentation required)
Minimum 19 years of age
Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Have completed Grade 12 or equivalent
Successfully passed a Canadian police records check and a Criminal Records Review Act check
Medical clearance to take the Correctional Officer Physical Abilities Test (COPAT)
Hold a valid Class 5 BC driver’s license
Driver’s extract for the last five years
Valid First Aid (OFA 1) certificate through a program endorsed by WorkSafeBC
Meet vision standards requirements for BC Corrections
Have completed English 12 with a final grade of at least 70% or equivalent
PROGRAMS
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