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ODOC Cadet Program for CTEC and Chemeketa Law Enforcement program students only (Salem)

Oregon Department of Corrections

About the Opportunity

Are you interested in a career in public safety or corrections?

The Oregon Department of Corrections (ODOC) Cadet Program offers a unique opportunity for students to gain hands-on exposure to correctional careers while developing the foundational knowledge and skills needed to pursue employment within the department.

This structured program is designed to prepare participants for future careers by providing real-world insight into correctional operations, professional expectations, and evidence-based practices used to support safety, rehabilitation, and successful reentry.

What You’ll Do

As a Cadet Program participant, you will engage in a series of interactive learning sessions and practical experiences that introduce you to key areas within corrections.

Participants will:

• Attend regularly scheduled training sessions (approximately 2 times per month) focused on correctional operations and professional development
• Learn about core correctional practices, including communication, report writing, use of force principles, and safety procedures
• Participate in hands-on demonstrations and scenario-based learning activities such as defensive tactics, search procedures, and equipment familiarization
• Gain exposure to specialized units such as Special Investigations Unit (SIU), Security Threat Management (STM), and ODOC Transport units.
• Develop an understanding of Dynamic Security, Trauma-Informed Care, and evidence-based practices such as the Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) model
• Practice professional communication, teamwork, and decision-making skills in a structured environment
• Engage with ODOC staff and leadership to learn about career pathways and opportunities within the department

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking students who are interested in careers in corrections, criminal justice, behavioral health, or public service, and who are motivated to learn and participate in a structured training environment. Ideal candidates will be able to communicate respectfully and professionally with diverse populations, follow direction, maintain professionalism, adhere to safety expectations, and demonstrate reliability by consistently attending scheduled program sessions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled in a participating program (e.g., CTEC or Chemeketa Community College Law Enforcement or currently in the ODOC Cadet Program)
• Must be at least 18 years old at the time of participation (or meet program eligibility requirements)
• Ability to pass any required orientation or facility access requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Interest in pursuing certification or employment in corrections, behavioral health, or law enforcement
• Coursework or experience related to criminal justice or human services

Program Details

• Schedule: Approximately 2 sessions per month (2–3 hours per session)
• Duration: Academic year (October–May), with potential multi-year participation
• Location: Salem area training facilities and participating institutions

Why Join the Cadet Program?

• Gain early exposure to careers in corrections

• Build knowledge and skills aligned with ODOC hiring expectations
• Connect with professionals and mentors in the field
• Strengthen your qualifications for future employment opportunities
• Participate in a structured workforce pipeline program designed to support long-term career success

Participation in the Cadet Program does not guarantee employment; however, it provides valuable experience and preparation for future opportunities within the Oregon Department of Corrections.

Additional Information

• In the Work Experience section of your application make sure to include the dates and duties of all relevant positions and details to support how you meet these attributes. If you do not include education or work experience meeting the minimum qualifications, you will not be considered for the position. Only the candidates whose experience most closely matches the qualifications and requested skills of this position will be invited to interview. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications on or before the job posting close date.
• The job posting closes at 11:59 PM (PDT/PST) on the close date. After you submit your application, be sure to respond to the two questionnaires relating to public records requests and veterans’ preference immediately following your submittal. These questions are necessary to complete the application process.
• Please monitor both your email and Workday account for updates regarding this recruitment.
• As part of our selection process, we may require additional assessment stages, such as written exercises, to further evaluate candidates’ qualifications. Meaningful participation in these exercises is required for all applicants moving forward in the process. Failure to complete the required exercise(s) within the specified timeframe will result in disqualification from consideration. All candidates who successfully complete these screening stages and meet the necessary requirements will advance to the next stage in the selection process.
• Please save a copy of this job announcement for reference, as it is not available for you to view after the announcement deadline.

Working Conditions

Activities are conducted in classroom, training, and controlled correctional environments. Participants may be exposed to institutional settings and must follow all applicable safety and security protocols.

Cadets will not have interactions with adults in custody (AIC)s.

Interactions with staff may occur in a supervised and structured manner.

About the Department

The Oregon Department of Corrections is responsible for over 12,000 adults in custody in 12 state prisons throughout Oregon. It advises and evaluates counties regarding administration of probation and parole programs supervising more than 24,000 offenders in Oregon communities. The mission is to protect communities, promote accountability, and transform lives.

The Oregon Department of Corrections serves a diverse and changing population of people who are incarcerated and on supervision. We commit to creating an organization both reflecting the diversity of the population we serve and ensuring all employees thrive in a culture of safety, trust, and belonging. We strive to be an anti-racist corrections system. Welcoming, inclusive, and respectful of all people. Free of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

The Department offers a variety of programs and opportunity to create a safe and healthy environment to for our staff, volunteers, and adults in custody. Joining the Oregon Department of Corrections is joining a team working for the benefit of our communities through innovative and proven correctional practices.

About the Process – What to Expect

• After the application deadline, a recruiter will review submissions for education and experience to identify candidates who best fit the minimum qualifications and requested skills.
• The Recruiters will review your application and schedule interviews.
• Interview will be held with a panel of stakeholders who have completed panel assessment training. Scores will be determined based on predetermined questions and scoring guides. Preferences points will be applied in compliance with relevant laws and bargaining agreements. There may be multiple rounds of interviews.
• Final candidates will have a background check, PREA check, and reference checks.
• A Cadet offer will be extended via email listed to the successful candidate. Congratulations, and welcome to the team!

Requirements for Employment

The successful candidate for this position must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility. Due to CJIS requirements related to system access, there may be some felony convictions that could disqualify you for this position. However, having a felony record does not exclusively restrict you from being considered as an applicant. CJIS clearance is done at the conditional job offer. If you have questions about whether or not your criminal record could disqualify for you, please contact the recruiter for more information.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDI&B) is embedded in the Department of Corrections core values. The department strives to be a model employer committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Ensuring legal compliance, efficiency, and exceeding expectations to deliver the best public services.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran or protected veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics. Additional information can be found from The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Know Your Rights.

The Oregon Department of Corrections is responsible for complying with the Federal Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA 42 U.S.C. 1997). PREA prohibits the Oregon Department of Corrections from hiring, promoting, or contracting with anyone, (that will have direct contact with residents), who has engaged in, been convicted of, or been civilly or administratively adjudicated for engaging in sexual abuse in confinement settings. Learn more about PREA.

Eligible Veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources. Please note – if you are a veteran, you will receive a task in Workday to upload your documents immediately after you submit your initial application. You will have up until 24 hours after the posted application deadline to submit the appropriate documentation.

The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.

Questions

If you have questions about the position, selection process, or need accommodations to participate in the recruitment process please contact the recruiter and reference the requisition number.

Recruiters:

Cynthia Rodriguez, [email protected] &

Stephanie Johnston, [email protected] 

Reference Number: 197677

• Workday will timeout after 15 minutes of inactivity. You may lose progress on your application.
• Workday performs weekly maintenance Friday evenings, and the system may be down for several hours.
• ODOC does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, applicants will be required to complete an I-9 and confirm authorization to work in the United States.
• This applicant list may be used to fill future vacancies. Application information may be used throughout the entire selection process. This process is subject to change without notice.
• This announcement is intended as a general descriptive recruitment guide and is subject to change. It does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract. The pay and benefits on all announcements may change without notice.