A secure future for those who secure our communities
That’s what our security professionals gain when they join CCA. We've been around for more than a quarter-century. We founded the partnership corrections business, and we're the leading company of our kind. Plus, our jobs have earned the distinction of being described as "recession resistant."
CCA’s correctional centers are up-to-date, state-of-the-art facilities. They are safe and secure in every way - from the hardware and technologies that keep us, inmates and communities safe to the well-trained staff who always have each others' back. More than just cells and housing units, CCA facilities are like small towns. They feature classrooms, medical and dental clinics, maintenance areas, business offices, recreation areas and gymnasiums, laundry mats, vocational shops and dining facilities.
It takes a special kind of person to protect communities, serve inmates and keep security number one. It requires an individual who expects the best, from themselves and their careers.
From the front lines of managing inmates to training new colleagues and overseeing assignments, security professionals with CCA enjoy a challenging, dynamic and fulfilling career where no two days are the same.
Most of CCA's national work force of more than 17,500 is comprised of security professionals. They are our correctional officers, detention officers, assistant shift supervisors, shift supervisors, unit managers, correctional counselors and others. many join as entry-level correctional professionals and work their way up our ranks. With our company, corrections is a time-honored specialty, with opportunities for advancement, training and achievement at each step.
View our Security Careers brochure.
Correctional Officers
Correctional officers do more than watch inmates in cells. That's a stereotype that daily life within a CCA correctional facility proves wrong at every turn.
Our security staff complies daily post orders, which may include assignments to key control, perimeter, segregation, kitchen, recreation, central control, visitation, housing, transportation, work detail, intake, education, laundry or elsewhere. In addition to these specialized assignments, they also help maintain safety and security for inmates, fellow staff and the surrounding community.
Many of CCA’s professionals in security and other specialized areas, such as inmate programs, quality assurance, maintenance and training, began their career in the industry as correctional officers. It's the best foundation for success in this time-tested career.
Assistant Shift Supervisors
Assistant shift supervisors supervise correctional officers and work directly senior security management, communicating responsibilities and expectations, and promoting compliance with applicable policies, firm rules, strict regulations and standard procedures.
Assistant shift supervisors monitor health and safety standards within the facility and recommend corrective actions as necessary. They help to ensure the protection of inmates and their legal rights. They also supervise inmates counts and maintain proper key control procedures.
Shift Supervisors
Shift supervisors, captains and unit managers are responsible for a range of duties that support management in maintaining a safe, secure facility.
Shift supervisors oversee administrative and operational security activities during specific shifts. They manage staff during each assigned shift and ensure adequate security coverage, while also leading count procedures. Unit managers ensure quality supervision and caseload management, and help maintain proper sanitation and food service. They also work closely with case managers in developing and delivering rehabilitation programs. Captains oversee the custody, supervision and control of inmates. They also manage frontline security staff, assisting in controlling inmate movement and directing the use and issuance of keys, locks and security equipment.
Assistant Chiefs of Security
Assistant chiefs of security assist with the facility security plan and operations, including staffing and post assignments. They also promote compliance with all applicable policies, procedures, firm rules, strict regulations and high standards.
Assistant chiefs of security oversee other security department staff, including shift supervisors, captains and unit managers. They also research, compile, analyze and submit recommendations for security budgets, staffing patterns and other administrative activities. Assistant chiefs of security may also attend meetings on inmate care and treatment, participate in administrative decision-making and produce required reports.
Chiefs of Security and Chiefs of Unit Management
Chiefs of security and chiefs of unit management may oversee their own respective staffs of correctional officers and managers.
Chiefs of Unit Management maintain unit management teams, which are staffed by correctional officers. They also promote compliance with all applicable policies, procedures, rules, regulations and standards. Additionally, they supervise unit managers and ensure compliance with stated goals and objectives.
Chiefs of Security help develop and maintain the overall security plan and security operations, including staffing and post assignments. They promote compliance with all applicable policies, procedures, rules, regulations and standards, while addressing staff concerns, evaluating inmates and more.
Assistant Wardens
Assistant wardens are experienced corrections professionals who, when necessary, are capable of assuming some of the warden’s duties. They oversee mid-level and senior-level staff and ensure compliance with contractual mandates and legal directives, American Correctional Association accreditation standards and the requirements of various fire, building and health codes inspectors.
Assistant wardens address the administrative concerns of various departments and provide an accessible executive level of support that ranges from front line security to the health services clinic and beyond.
Wardens
Wardens have a great degree of financial, administrative, regulatory, legal, managerial and operational oversight and accountability. They address the needs of the human resources, maintenance, inmate programs, health services, security, education, food service and quality assurance departments, as well as general office concerns, with the ultimate goal of operating a safe and secure facility. They also develop and manage facility budgets, while ensuring contractual compliance.
Wardens are highly visible fixtures in a community. They work collaboratively with area law enforcement, local officials, nonprofit organizations, school systems, little league sports teams and others. They also attend local, regional and national conferences and training seminars, and work with the area media.
