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Hiring Process

Hiring Process

1. EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS. 

  • Possession of a High School Diploma or G.E.D. and a minimum 18 years of age and;

Currently Possess:

  • At least 15 semester (or 23 term) college credit hours in any academic or degree prerequisite area or;
  • If you do not currently possess the minimum education, agree to obtain the required 15 semester (or 23 term) college credits within 24 months after hire or;
  • Two years of full-time corrections officer experience in another local, state, federal, or private correctional institution, and currently employed satisfactorily in a corrections officer position, or have left corrections officer employment in satisfactory status may be substituted for the education requirement or;
  • Completion of basic training in the uniformed services may be substituted for the education requirement.

2. CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECK. An applicant must provide criminal history information by completing a Department of Corrections Release of Information form and must pass the criminal history check prior to consideration for employment. Falsification of information will result in elimination from consideration for hire. The Department of Corrections may screen out job applicants who have been convicted of a felony in accordance with Public Act 191 of 2017. Applicants who have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony are ineligible for employment with the Department of Corrections until satisfactory completion of any sentence imposed, including parole or probation.  

3. INTERVIEW. The Department of Corrections will notify an applicant by email to advise him/her of a scheduled date and time for a structured interview. Interviews are conducted in a panel format consisting of Corrections supervisors and/or Recruitment personnel. An applicant will have two chances to pass the structured interview. Employer reference forms are sent with the interview information to be completed which will enable the Department of Corrections to verify employment history. 

4. PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST. Before being hired, an applicant must pass a physical fitness test given by the Michigan Department of Corrections which consists of:

< Event 1: 200 Yard Run

< Event 2: Stairs

< Event 3: Striking Techniques

< Event 4: Up/Downs

< Event 5: Clothed Body Search

< Event 6: 100 Yard Run and Equipment Carry

< Event 7: Locking Mechanism

< Event 8: Rescue Drag

< Event 9: CPR Compressions

< Event 10: Summoning Assistance

< Total Time Under 5 Minutes

5. PHYSICAL EXAM. Applicants passing Steps 1 through 5 will then receive notification regarding a medical physical, pulmonary function test and two step tuberculosis tests. An applicant must be able to wear a gas mask and a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) to be hired. Applicants with medical restrictions which would keep them from performing all essential job functions of the Corrections Officer's job cannot be hired. 

6. Once accepted into an academy, applicants must pass a MDOC pre-employment drug screen.

7. TRAINING. Training consists of attending a corrections officer training academy. Applicants will be paid MDOC employees at the start of the academy. Once individuals successfully complete the 8 weeks of training, they will begin two months of on-the-job training at their assigned facilities. The MDOC will pay for health screenings; lodging and meals will be provided to those recruits who are eligible. 

Any questions regarding this process should be directed to the Michigan Department of Corrections, Recruitment Section, P.O. Box 30003, Lansing, MI 48909, Phone 517-335-1874 or toll free 888-820-7129. 

The Michigan Department of Corrections is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

 

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Updated: 08/14/23