Corrections Officer - Cadet Academy (Sponsorship) - January 2027

Corrections Officer - Cadet Academy (Sponsorship) - January 2027

Salary

$23.17 Hourly

Location

402 Simpson Road, Kissimmee, FL

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

03032

Department

CORRECTIONS

Opening Date

09/02/2026

Closing Date

10/12/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

General Description of Duties

Correctional Academy Sponsorship

Starting Salary: $23.17 per hour

After Passing State Exam: $26.28 per hour

Position subject to close at any time

Mandatory Requirements for Acceptance into the Correctional Academy

Correctional Academy Physical Assessment Test (PAT) Requirement:

Selected candidates will be sponsored to attend Valencia College's School of Public Safety located at 8600 Valencia College Lane, Orlando, FL 32825. To qualify for the sponsorship program, you must successfully pass the Correctional Academy Physical Assessment Test (PAT). The minimum requirements for the test are as follows:

• Complete a 1.5-mile run in under 18 minutes
• Perform at least 25 sit-ups in 1 minute
• Perform at least 15 standard push-ups in 1 minute (no modified versions)

Criminal Justice Basic Ability Test (CJBAT) Requirement:

For consideration, candidates are required to pass the Correctional Criminal Justice Basic Ability Test (CJBAT). For additional details about the CJBAT and study resources, please visit https://home.pearsonvue.com/fdle/bat. Please note that the County will cover the $39 exam fee upon successful completion of the Correctional Academy Physical Assessment Test (PAT) Requirement.

Additionally, candidates must attend a Valencia College Criminal Justice Institute Informational Session, which provides an overview of the Academy and the Corrections profession.

NOTE TO INTERNAL APPLICANTS: INTERNAL CANDIDATES IN THE SAME CLASSIFICATION AND/OR PAYGRADE AS THE POSITION POSTED WILL NOT RECEIVE A PAY ADJUSTMENT IF SELECTED

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR CORRECTIONS OFFICER CADET ACADEMY:

• Must be at least 18 years old and be a United States Citizen.
• Must have a High School Diploma or GED; supplemented by a demonstrated ability to perform the physically demanding corrections work within a potentially psychologically stressful environment.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Drivers license, (CDL license with passenger endorsement required prior to transporting inmates).
• Must be able to complete and pass testing for CPR and First Aid Certifications.
• Must not have been convicted of any felony or a misdemeanor which involves perjury or false statement, regardless of withholding of adjudication or suspended sentence.
• Must be able to pass the CJBATCO, Physical Assessment Test (PAT), extensive background check, polygraph, psychological exam and comprehensive physical exam.
• Must be able to attend and complete the Corrections Officer Academy.
• Must be able to work all shifts and overtime once becoming a Certified Corrections Officer.

Under direct supervisor of Certified Correctional Staff, the purpose of the position is to direct, supervise and monitor inmates housed in the Osceola Correctional facility in accordance with all departmental policies, procedures and regulatory requirements applicable to the work. Employees in this classification perform at journey professional level, and are responsible for the custody, control and care of inmates within the detention facility and while transporting inmates to and from the facility. Objective is to support safe, efficient and effective facility operations.

Essential Job Functions

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

• Provides highly responsible care, custody and control of criminal offenders in a detention/correctional institution; observes, interacts and supervises the activities of the inmates on assigned post to enforce order and discipline; monitors inmate housing, job and program assignments. Will observe nudity and possible lewd acts.
• Performs all work in compliance with all laws, rules and regulatory standards governing the operations of the detention/correctional facilities and programs, and the confinement, safety, health and protection of criminal offenders.
• Performs scheduled and unscheduled rounds of assigned area; performs scheduled and unscheduled inspections of the assigned area to ensure security, safety and sanitation are maintained; searches inmates and cells for contraband articles; reports observations to superiors.
• Performs critical inmate classification, count and control while maintaining fire safety, key control, perimeter security.
• Bears assigned firearm and hand weapons; Follows all prescribed procedures relevant to the assigned function for the purpose of safeguarding all Corrections staff, property, and facilities within scope of responsibility; screens inmate visitors.
• Supervises, communicates, and promotes positive behavior among inmates; resolves behavioral problems through counseling and problem solving skills.
• Employs force to maintain order among inmates as prescribed by departmental rules and regulations as necessary; escorts and secures inmates within the facility.
• Transports inmates to and from various locations as directed, e.g., correctional facilities, courtrooms, prisons, medical facilities, work programs.
• Attends and participates in all scheduled Defensive Tactics training, Firearm qualifications and First Aid/CPR training for certification as required; attends meetings to keep up with trends in probation issues, legislative changes and safety.
• Maintains a variety of detailed legal records and reports; collects and prepares various information; prepares legal documentation as required, e.g., activity logs, incident reports.
• Performs duties as assigned/necessary which are related, or logical in assignment to the position.

Minimum Qualifications

See above.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions; ability to clearly communicate information both verbally and in writing.
• Knowledge of correctional facility operations; skill in the use and operation of handguns, and other hand held weapons.
• Knowledge of adult inmate care, custody and control principles, practices, procedures and systems; knowledge of law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment.
• Knowledge of pertinent federal, state and local rules, regulations, ordinances, and other regulatory standards applicable to the work.
• Skill in reading, analyzing and interpreting professional periodicals and journals, technical procedures, and legal documentation.
• Knowledge of the signs and symptoms of substance abuse.
• Capable to work under stressful conditions; ability to analytically observe, and objectively and clearly report routine and non-routine, emergency and non-emergency activities; skill in safe First Aid methods, procedures and practices.
• Skill in the principles and techniques of customer relations skills; ability to deal diplomatically with irate, violent or frantic individuals; ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Ability to work independently in an office and correctional environment; ability to prioritize work, organize and make sound judgments in inmate supervision; skill in analyzing and developing effective solutions; ability to investigate complaints.
• Must be able to perform intermittent physically demanding work; must be able to sit, stand, walk or climb stairs for extended periods of time.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and communications with inmates, social service agencies, co-workers, department management, security and classification staff, members of the judiciary, and the general public.
• Ability to operate basic office and communications equipment, e.g., radio. computer terminals, printers, copy machines, telephone systems, facsimile machines.

Physical Demand Requirements:

• Physical Demand: Very Heavy
• 100 pounds maximum lifting
• Frequent (up to 2/3 of work time) lifting, carrying up to 50 pounds
• If mostly sitting is involved will require push/pull on arm and leg controls.
• Expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken word or perceiving sound by ear
• Good eye sight for production or safety of self and others.
• Walk, run, stoop, bend and climb stairs.
• Must be able to walk, sit, stand, or climb stairs for extended periods of time.
• Capable of working under stressful conditions.

Employee Benefits

Welcome to a workplace that values you. Osceola County offers a comprehensive benefits package to fit your needs and the needs of your family.

Join us in making a difference in our community, knowing we're here to support you every step of the way.

Group Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance

Medical and Dental Insurance at no cost to the employee. In addition, the County contributes 83% to the dependent(s) premium coverage.

Deductions Per Paycheck - HRA Base Plan

Coverage

Employee

Employee + 1

Family

Health-HRA Base

$0.00

$140.89

$219.17

HRA Buy-Up

$40.60

$188.28

$292.88

Dental Base

$0.00

$13.10

$24.12

Dental Buy-Up

$3.45

$19.82

$33.61

Vision

$3.42

$6.84

$9.15

Short-Term Disability

$0.00

N/A

N/A

Long-Term Disability

$0.00

N/A

N/A

Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

At no cost to the employee. The County offers Short-Term and Long-Term Disability at 60% of the employee's weekly base salary. The employee has the option to purchase an additional 10% coverage.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

EAP provides confidential counseling and referral services to employees and their family members at no cost.

Employee Wellness Program

Employee Wellness Program promotes a variety of activities to encourage total well-being including physical, emotional, and financial health. Rewards can be earned.

Gym Membership Reimbursement

Gym Membership Reimbursement, up to $20.00 per month.

Basic Life Insurance Policy

At no cost to the employee, equal to one time the employee's annual salary, rounded to the next thousand dollars. Employees can opt to buy additional Life Insurance.

Employee Health Center

The County provides a private health center for County Employees and eligible dependents. The Employee Health Center offers an array of primary care services, including sick visits, enhanced by x-ray services, pulmonary tests, lab work, and a dispensary offering over 200 generic medications onsite. Services at the Health Center are offered at no cost to the employees and their eligible dependents.

Employees who are enrolled on the County's Medical plan have access to the Employee Health Center on day one of employment. The Health Center is available to patients 8 years of age and older.

Vacation & Sick Leave Accruals

Service Time

Accruals Per Month

1 month - 5 years

8 hours

5 years and 1 month - 10 years

10 hours

10 years and 1 month - 15 years

12 hours

15 years and 1 month - 20 years

13.34 hours

20 years and over

16.66 hours

Sick Leave Accruals

Classification

Accruals Per Month

Full time employees

8 hours

Part time employees

4 hours

Paid Holidays

Paid Holidays + 1 Floating Holiday (to be chosen by the Employee)

• New Years Day
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Thanksgiving - Day After
• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day

Administrative Leave

40 hours of Administrative Leave per fiscal year for Exempt employees.

Sick Leave Bank

Available to employees experiencing a catastrophic medical related event, with up to 240 hours per fiscal year. Enrollment required.

Vacation/Sick Leave Buy-Back Program

Eligible employees may sell back up to eighty (80) hours of accrued leave per fiscal year. (This program is subject to availability of funds and may be amended or terminated at any time without notice.)

Paid Bereavement Leave

Up to five (5) working days off.

Tuition Reimbursement

Up to $1,600 per Fiscal Year, for degree seeking employees. Degree must be related to employee's current position.

Membership in the Florida Retirement System

The County is a Florida Retirement System Employer! For Fiscal Year 2026-2027, County contribution for Regular Class members is 13.59%, subject to a mandatory 3% employee contribution. Rates and Contributions are set by Florida Legislation.

A 457b Deferred Compensation Program

A 457b Deferred Compensation Program is also available to help employees boost their retirement saving goals, with pre-tax and post-tax contributions, as well as IRA plan options. Employee sponsored.

Employee Recognition Program

We see your hard work, and we celebrate it! Through our Employee Appreciation Committee and the "Youve Been Caught Doing Good" program, we recognize outstanding performance or accomplishments with prizes including monetary rewards and merchandise.

01

Do you understand that you must provide all previous employment history for the past (10) years and all GAPS of employment must be documented in this online application. (Please note that Incomplete applications and just attaching a resume without completing the application will not be considered.)

• Yes
• No

02

Have you taken and passed the Correctional Criminal Justice Basic Abilities Test (CJBAT)? If yes, please upload the passing score sheet.

• Yes
• No

03

If you have not taken the Correctional Criminal Justice Basic Abilities Test (CJBAT) exam, do you understand that you MUST pass the Correctional CJBAT exam to be considered? For additional information and study resources about the CJBATCO, please visit https://home.pearsonvue.com/fdle/bat

• Yes
• No

04

Do you understand that you will be REQUIRED to pass a Physical Assessment Test (PAT) before being accepted into the Correctional Academy. The PAT Fitness Standards consists of: • 1.5 mile run under 18 minutes • 25 Sit ups or more in a minute • 15 Push-ups or more in a minute (Standard push-ups, no modified versions)

• Yes
• No

05

Once certified, this position will require a work schedule of twelve (12) hours shift, which includes weekends and holidays. You may be required to work overtime, which means staying beyond your scheduled work hours (cannot leave) or be called in and report to work due to short staffing. Please Note: Night shift is a likely assignment for new employees. Schedules are as follows: • Day Shift - 5:15am to 5:30pm • Night Shift - 5:15pm to 5:30am Are you able to work ANY required schedule?

06

Do you possess a High School Diploma or GED? (Please Note: Official Transcripts will be requested by our agency and Valencia College)

• Yes
• No

07

In accordance with Florida Statute 943.13, applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Do you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

08

In accordance with Florida Statute 943.13, applicants must be a citizen of the United States. Do you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

09

Do you understand that you will be required to pass an extensive background check, polygraph, psychological, and comprehensive physical exam?

• Yes
• No

10

Do you possess a valid Drivers License? If so, from what State?

11

Are you a U.S. Military Veteran?

• Yes
• No

12

Are you electing to claim Veterans Preference? (If electing to claim Veterans Preference, please make sure to complete the Veterans Preference Eligibility Form located on the home page of NeoGov.)

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Osceola County

Address 1 Courthouse Square, Suite 4200

Kissimmee, Florida, 34741

Phone 407-742-1200

Website http://www.osceola.org