Corrections officers sometimes counsel inmates. While psychiatrists do most of the counseling, the officers may help. Usually the officers help inmates solve problems or look for jobs. Corrections Officers is in the Protective Services Career Cluster. Worker Characteristics Ability to use words clearly when talking to others Ability to see detail in objects or people, such as when observing inmates Ability to move the hands skillfully, such as putting a key in a lock Ability to coordinate the movement of hands and eyes Desire to protect people Willingness to work in stressful situations Physical Demands Frequently use arms and hands to reach for and handle objects, such as keys Frequently talk and listen to inmates Occasionally need to see nearby objects clearly, as when reading a list of inmates Occasionally need to exert force to shut heavy gates Occasionally use fingers to pick up small objects, such as pebbles Occasionally use fingers to feel the temperature or pulse of an inmate Occasionally need to see distant objects clearly, such as inmates in the exercise yard Occasionally need to observe a large area, such as a prison yard, while focusing on a given point, such as a gate Work Setting Corrections officers may work indoors or outdoors, depending on their duties.
Some indoor areas are well heated and ventilated, but others are overcrowded.
Outdoors officers are exposed to the weather. Corrections officers usually work 40 hours a week. Security in jails and prisons is provided around the clock, so some officers work weekends, holidays, and nights. Officers must be constantly alert and watchful. They may be verbally assaulted or harassed in other ways.