HOFFMAN – An opportunity to apply for an invigorating career with the North Carolina Department of Corrections is coming to town.
Diane Soileau, Career Readiness Coach for the Central Region of North Carolina, recently discussed the upcoming local career fair that will be held on Friday, October 20, at Morrison Correctional Institution located at 1573 McDonald Church Road in Hoffman., N.C.
The job fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Simultaneously, the event will be held at Hoke, Lumberton, Southern and Scotland locations. According to Soileau, interested individuals can go to any of the facilities to apply, and are considered system-wide for opportunities that exist in all the locations. The career fair will include a tour of the facility to allow applicants to see firsthand what the environment is like.
The opportunities being offered through this career fair include Correctional Officer I, II and III. Soileau noted that starting salaries for these positions range from $30,856 – $34,190, depending on experience and qualifications. Benefits offered include: healthcare, retirement plans, paid vacation and holidays.
First round successful candidates will be required to go through the required Correctional Officer Physical Abilities Test (COPAT) at a later date. This strenuous test ensures the necessary physical capabilities to work safely within the correctional environment. Videos online prepare applicants for what is required.
Asked if there is an age limit for correctional applicants Soileau said, “No, in fact we had a sixty-something year old man who aced the COPAT. He went straight through it and had time left at the end”.
Once an individual is hired, new employees are put through a four-week basic training course before they ever enter a prison to work. This helps to ensure they are ready to face the challenges of the job.
For the day of the event, Soileau noted, the following requirements to enter the facility: no tobacco products or lighters, no cell phones, no weapons, no purses or containers. Also bring a valid photo ID and wear appropriate attire.
“I have two kids I’ve raised and I’ve worked my way up to making more (money) than I’ve ever made,” Soileau, an 18-year employee of the system said.au “You don’t just start out (at a high level) you have to work your way up. It’s a good job with opportunity to move up.”
Soileau noted for those willing to work hard and learn there is plenty of growth potential.
For more information and to preregister go to: https://www.ncdps.gov/career-fair-morrison-correctional-institution
To view the COPAT preparedness video go to: http://www.ncdps.gov/copat
