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Correctional Career Plans
By Carl ToersBijns, former deputy warden, ASPC Eyman, Florence AZ
Published: 04/08/2013

Stairstofuture2009mar09 If it is one thing that can be said about working in the prisons it’s the fact that opportunity is always lurking and knocking on doors for those willing to answer and open that door. If you are one of those correctional officers seeking career growth and challenges it is important that you recognize these chances to advance when they occur. Keeping your head under the sand like an ostrich is a sure way of missing out of these prospective gains and inefficiency in doing your job is another sure fire way of being ignored for such promotional opportunities.

First do the job you have been hired on to do. Don’t be an attention hog but keep yourself alert and vigilant for opportunities. Show them you are available for new tasks but don’t be an opportunist. Remember there is no “I” in the word “team.” Keep in mind your future is based on how you fit in the workplace. There will be many barriers as success is rarely a straight line to your ultimate goal. Showing your supervisors and managers you are flexible and willing to learn new things is the key to discover new experiences and skills. Many correctional officers have found this method of being willing to step up as a means to experiencing high success and rewards.

The second thing you need to remember is you don’t always need experience in one particular skill or field but you do need experiences. Although sometimes specific skills are desired, many workplaces will hire or select those with a diverse field of experiences that give them the confidence you can handle anything given to you because you are well-rounded and responsible. Showing your problem solving techniques, communication skills, and other innovative personality traits often impresses management enough to give you a shot at something different. It also helps you compete with others that may have the skill but lack the enthusiasm, energy, spirit and positivity to make the new challenge a good decision.

It is important while an officer; you improve your workplace skill patterns to include as many various tasks as possible. Your willingness to demonstrate your passion and personality plays a big part in management decision making who get the job and is often a deciding factor when others recommend you or share their positive feelings about you. Stay away from office politics and refrain from taking sides in the workplace where there are teams competing for the attention of the supervisors or unit managers.

Express your own values and execute them with self-confidence and reassurance that you know your job and are willing to share your experiences with others as well as taking on the challenge of learning new challenges with the same eagerness and courage.

Editor’s note: Carl ToersBijns (retired), worked in corrections for over 25 yrs He held positions of a Correctional Officer I, II, III [Captain] Chief of Security Mental Health Treatment Center – Program Director – Associate Warden - Deputy Warden of Administration & Operations. Car’s prison philosophy is all about the safety of the public, staff and inmates, "I believe my strongest quality is that I create strategies that are practical, functional and cost effective."

Other articles by ToersBijns:



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