By Carl Kieke
San Angelo Standard-Times
TEXAS — The Texas prison system is hoping the ebbing economy will push potential employees its way and help ease staffing shortages.
Workers who have recently lost their jobs have an opportunity to begin training for a career as correctional officers with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
While training, they may qualify for extra financial assistance from Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas. And if they agree to work at certain units, they could receive a $1,500 bonus.
A statement released by the West Central Texas Workforce Development Board states that in an effort to respond to people losing their jobs in West Texas, Western Texas College in Snyder, Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice-Institutional Division are partnering to provide a rapid employment option.
For those who qualify, Workforce Solutions will provide some financial assistance for temporary housing, meals and some travel mileage while the applicant is training. Acceptance into the program by TDCJ qualifies the person for salary and benefits and, under certain conditions, a sign-on bonus.
The TDCJ Web site (www.tdcj.state.tx.us) listed 15 units around the state as being a priority for needing to fill vacancies. Among those are the Wallace and Ware units in Colorado City, the Daniel unit in Snyder and the Fort Stockton unit.
Jayson Clark, TDCJ public relations officer, said the Wallace and Daniel units were at a 67 percent staffing level and the Ware unit at 69 percent. The Robertson and Middleton units north of Abilene were at 95 percent and 96 percent, respectively, and are not on the priority list.
“We are hiring correctional officers throughout the state, particularly for those units that are chronically understaffed,” Clark said. As of the end of January, 2,354 officer positions were open, he said.
Clark said the state had made significant gains over the past few months, helped by a Board of Criminal Justice decision late last year to authorize $1,500 bonuses for officers signing up for understaffed units.
“They also shortened the career ladder, meaning correctional officers can move up the ranks quicker,” Clark said.
According to figures from the TDCJ Web site, a starting correctional officer will receive $2,168 per month, with a raise to $2,295 possible after two months. By 15 months, the pay could reach $2,567 per month.
With a bachelor’s degree or two years active military service, the applicant may qualify for the accelerated pay scale, which begins at $2,428 per month. Salaries rise to $2,567 after at least six months of employment.
Clark said that the department also has requested funding for a significant raise for officers from the Texas Legislature.
To qualify as a correctional officer for TDCJ, an applicant must:
n Be a U.S. citizen or an alien authorized to work in the U.S.
n Be at least 18.
n Have a high school diploma or equivalent, or a General Education Development certificate.
n Not be on active duty in the military, unless on terminal leave. (Applicants may screen if they are within six months of eligibility.)
n Never have been convicted of a felony.
n Never have been convicted of a drug-related offense.
n Never have been convicted of an offense involving domestic violence.
n Not have had a Class A or B misdemeanor conviction within the past five years.
n Not be on probation for any criminal offense.
n Not have any criminal charges pending or an outstanding warrant.
n Be able to perform the duties of a correctional officer, with or without reasonable accommodation.
n Pass a pre-employment test and drug test.
n If a male applicant age 18 through 25, provide proof of Selective Service registration or exemption from Selective Service registration.
Copyright 2009 San Angelo Standard-Times