Become a Correctional Program Specialist: Career Guide
The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is currently seeking a dedicated professional to serve as a Correctional Program Specialist (Supervisory Correctional Systems Specialist) in Fairton, New Jersey. This is an exceptional opportunity for those looking to advance into a supervisory capacity within the federal government while ensuring the security, safety, and legal integrity of our correctional facilities.
Job Responsibilities
As a Specialist, you will oversee essential administrative and security functions. Key duties include:
- Managing inmate intake and release processes.
- Ensuring the accuracy of sentence computations and legal documentation.
- Supervising records management and mailroom operations.
- Maintaining active liaison with federal and state courts, the FBI, and other law enforcement agencies.
- Ensuring staff compliance with institutional security and control protocols.
Requirements
- U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
- Education: A Master's degree or specialized graduate coursework in fields like criminology or psychology is preferred.
- Experience: Applicants must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
- Training: Successful completion of the "Introduction to Correctional Techniques" course at Glynco, GA, is required.
Salary and Comparison Table
The salary range for this position is $70,280 to $90,689 per annum. Below is a quick comparison of key role features:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Fairton, NJ |
| Pay Scale | GS |
| Grade | 9 |
| Promotion Potential | 11 |
| Travel Required | Occasional |
Benefits
Employees enjoy a comprehensive federal benefits package, which includes:
- Health, Dental, and Vision insurance.
- Retirement savings through the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Federal pension benefits.
- Paid time off including vacation and sick leave.
Application Tips
- Your resume must be two pages or less and include specific hours worked per week.
- Ensure your SF-50 is current and clearly highlights your grade and tenure.
- Respond honestly to all assessment questions, as they will be verified against your resume.
This role is vital to the operations of the Federal Prison System. If you are ready to apply your organizational and leadership skills to a high-impact federal role, we encourage you to submit your application through the official portal before the deadline.
Why This Correctional Program Specialist (Supervisory Correctional Systems Specialist) Job Matters
Advance your career in correctional administration with the Federal Bureau of Prisons—play a pivotal role in maintaining facility security, legal integrity, and inmate management.
Correctional Program Specialist (Supervisory Correctional Systems Specialist) Job Overview
The Bureau of Prisons is seeking a detail-oriented Correctional Program Specialist for a supervisory role in Fairton, New Jersey. This position is essential to maintaining the secure and lawful operation of our facility, focusing on records management, sentence computations, and institutional oversight. You will serve as a liaison between the prison and external legal bodies while mentoring staff and ensuring strict adherence to federal guidelines.
Requirements for Correctional Program Specialist (Supervisory Correctional Systems Specialist)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Ability to pass a comprehensive background investigation, urinalysis, and physical exam
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level
- Completion of the three-week 'Introduction to Correctional Techniques' training in Glynco, Georgia
- Age restriction: Maximum entry age of 36 for original appointment
- Satisfactory completion of a one-year supervisory probationary period
Preferred Qualifications for Correctional Program Specialist (Supervisory Correctional Systems Specialist)
- Master's degree or two years of progressively higher-level graduate education in criminology, psychology, social work, or related fields
- Possession of a J.D. or LL.B. degree
- Proven track record in managing inmate records, sentence computations, and institutional mailrooms
- Experience in coordinating inmate movement, transfers, and complex legal writs
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health insurance plans
- ✓Comprehensive life insurance coverage
- ✓Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) participation
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching
- ✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual
- ✓Professional development and training opportunities
💡 How to Apply Correctional Program Specialist (Supervisory Correctional Systems Specialist) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Correctional Program Specialist (Supervisory Correctional Systems Specialist) Job
- Create or update your profile on USAJOBS.gov
- Prepare a resume that specifically highlights hours worked per week and dates of relevant experience
- Gather supporting documents, including your most recent SF-50 and performance appraisals
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire via the provided link
- Submit your application and required documentation by the closing date
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume is limited to two pages and uses MM/YYYY format for all employment dates
- Do not use special characters in file names when uploading your documentation
- Double-check that your transcripts clearly display the school name, degree, and date awarded
- Clearly articulate how your experience matches the specialized duties outlined in the job description
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum age for appointment?
In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 3307, the maximum entry age for this position is 36 years old.
Is relocation assistance provided?
Relocation expenses are not offered for this position.
What kind of background checks are required?
Applicants must undergo a full background investigation, credit check, and drug screening, and may be required to qualify for firearm carry.
Job from Bureau Of Prisons/Federal Prison System
The Federal Bureau of Prisons is responsible for the custody and care of federal inmates. Our mission is to protect society by providing a safe, humane, and secure environment. Working with the BOP means joining a team dedicated to public safety and the successful reentry of individuals into the community.