Correctional officer

What to expect in this role

• a unique work environment;
• working to ensure the safety and security of inmates and our communities 24 hours a day, seven days a week;
• as first responders, correctional officers work nights, weekends and holidays – we offer a variety of work schedules to ensure staff coverage is consistent;  
• one of the best benefits and retirement plan packages, including medical and dental, uniform allowance, a fitness and training facility, Employee and Family Assistance Program, among other benefits;
• a competitive salary of $26.68 to $40.70 hourly.  
• tools to support your career including extensive and ongoing training, resources and development opportunities; and  
• a supportive team of experienced officers and a network of technology to stay connected within the facility.  

What we do

The Whitehorse Correctional Centre (WCC) balances the safety of inmates, the public and staff. The correctional centre provides safe and humane services and programming to support pro-social inmate behaviour, rehabilitation and healing. WCC is a multi-level correctional facility for adults from across Yukon, using a direct supervision inmate management model.

The Whitehorse Correctional Centre team carries out operational and programs to support the rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals in custody. Our team is responsible and carries a high standard for maintaining security, safety and good order of the institution while modelling safe, ethical, legal and fair behaviours. These behaviours must be carried out in line with the values of dignity, respect and guided by the principle of least restrictive measures. 

Pay and benefits

• Correctional Officer I annual salary ranging from $77,617 - $89,913;
• Correctional Officer II annual salary ranging from  $81,258 - $94,165;
• pay grid for Yukon Employees Union employees; and
• see this page for benefits and leave information.

Job description

As a correctional officer beginning your career, you can expect to work in a living unit – ensuring safe and secure custody of inmates, assisting the inmates through their daily routines, and providing support with various requests.  

Throughout your career, you may want to experience and work in other areas of the correctional centre. Many officers have the opportunity to work a number of positions such as admissions and discharge, arrest and processing Unit, programs and case management.

Correctional officers are peace officers who work as a part of a team that work together with inmates and the community. To be successful as a correctional officer, you must possess a high level of integrity. Successful correctional officers are flexible, good at problem solving, communication and are willing to lead by example.  

The most important competencies for a correctional officer are:

• integrity;
• leadership;
• listening, understanding and responding;
• conflict management;
• problem- solving and judgment;
• self-confidence;
• teamwork and cooperation; and  
• developing others. 

Training

Newly hired correctional officers undergo a significant amount of training during their early weeks of employment, including 200 hours or 28 days, in Correctional Officer Basic Training.  

They are required to make a significant commitment to this training, including the following:

• reviewing a significant amount of knowledge content as homework;
• ongoing skill and knowledge testing;  
• completing the on-site orientation training checklist under the supervision of selected trainers; and
• completing the final exam prior to the end of the course with a mark of at least 80% to pass.  

The Correctional Officer Basic Training (COBT) program includes four weeks of in-class learning and theory in the following subject areas:

• 2009 Corrections Act;
• mental health training;
• introduction to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Society Yukon (FASSY);
• introduction to the history of Yukon First Nations;
• baton training;
• OC Spray (pepper spray) training; and  
• use of force training.

Mentoring program

This voluntary program is designed to support new employees through a mentor-mentee partnership, which will enhance their knowledge and confidence and promote a team atmosphere where all staff can grow and develop. This program assists new employees to adapt to the work environment, reduce stress, improve morale, promote a positive work environment, and create a positive network of support for all staff.  

Recruiting process

1. Learning about the job and its requirements.
2. Applying – complete your online profile and submit your resume on Yukon.ca.
3. Testing – if you successfully pass through our preliminary screening, we will ask you to complete the Correctional officer physical abilities test (COPAT). This is a timed physical test to determine whether applicants have the physical ability to carry out the duties of a correctional officer. Prior to taking the COPAT, applicants will be required to have a medical clearance form signed and dated by a physician.  
4. Interview – once you have passed testing, you will be offered a competency based behavioural interview.  
5. Checks and screening – if you pass your interview, we will check your references and complete a medical check from a doctor or registered medical clinic.  
6. Job offer – once we receive confirmation that you have passed all security screening and checks, we will send you an offer letter.
7. Onboarding – as a new employee, you will have a range of forms to fill out and information to review.  
8. Training – in your early weeks of employment, you will undergo a significant amount of training including 200 hours or 28 days of Correctional Officer Basic Training.  

Job requirements

In order to be considered for a correctional officer position, you must:

• be a Canadian Citizen or permanent resident;
• have completed Grade 12 or equivalent;
• possess a valid Class 5 driver’s licence;
• possess a valid Occupational First Aid certificate;
• provide a security clearance, including vulnerable sector check; and
• provide medical clearance for the corrections officer physical abilities test. 

Whitehorse Correctional Centre

A correctional institution is quite unique from other work environments. To have a better understanding of a correctional centre, you could think of it as a small community within the territory. All aspects of an inmate’s life such as food, shelter, healthcare, education, life skills, traditional and spiritual supports are provided within the correctional centre.  

Our team in the Adult Custody Division has over 100 employees who work as:

• Correctional officers;
• First Nations liaisons;
• managers;
• medical staff;
• administrative and business staff;
• instructors; and  
• chaplains.

Contact

The correctional centre is located at 25 University Drive in Whitehorse. It’s open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm except for statutory holidays. If you have questions about the Whitehorse Correctional Centre, phone 867-455-2900, or toll free in the Yukon 1-800-661-0408, extension 2900.