| Frequently Asked Questions |
|
|
 |
|
|
Correctional Officer and Security Positions
|
Correctional Non-Security Positions
|
| Correctional Officer and Security Positions |
|
How long does the application process take for correctional officer?
The time frame for completing the application process varies. It can take from four weeks to three months, depending on the volume of applications to be processed and the length of time it takes for the applicant to provide complete information. Listed below are the four phases of the application process:
1. Reviewing the application for completeness involves ensuring all forms are completed correctly and all documentation requested on the announcement has been included in the application package. If information or documentation is missing, the application package will be returned.
2. Criminal history and DMV check involves checking to ensure each applicant has met the criteria outlined in the job announcement and does not have any disqualifying factors. If any disqualifying factors are found, the applicant will be asked to provide additional documentation, such as a copy of a court disposition.
3. Work Style Behavior Survey and Correctional Officer Test is taken by the applicant after they receive written notification and instructions and have passed the previous two phases of the application process. The survey and multiple choice test must be taken within 2 weeks of notification via the Internet or by going to one of the designated Oregon Employment offices.
4. Scoring and reconciliation of test results for the Work Style Behavior Survey and Correctional Officer Test are done by an independent company. The Recruitment and Career Services Unit receives a weekly report containing the results of the surveys and tests taken by applicants that week. Recruitment then matches the results to the applicants and enters the information into our computer system. The computer generates an Application and Examination Notice to the applicant, notifying them of their results.
What am I supposed to do once I receive my test results?
Receiving your test results is the last phase in the application process. When you receive your Application and Examination Notice saying you received a passing score on the Correctional Officer Test, this is your notification that your name has been placed on the list of eligible applicants for correctional officer. All you can do now is be patient and wait for a prison to contact you for an interview.
What can I do if I fail the survey or multiple choice test?
If you receive an Application and Examination Notice stating you did not pass the Work Style Behavior Survey, you must wait one year to retake the survey. If the Application and Examination Notice states you did not pass the correctional officer multiple choice test, you must wait six months. Once you are eligible to retake either the survey or multiple choice test, you must request permission in writing by sending a letter, e-mail, or fax to the Recruitment and Career Services Unit. Be sure to include your name, social security number, the classification (correctional officer), and announcement number (LECO0101B).
How are applicants selected for interviews?
Applicants are placed on the list of eligible candidates according to their geographic choices and in order of the numerical score they received on the correctional officer multiple choice test. Prisons have the option of selecting a cut-off score. The extent the prison decides to interview usually depends on time constraints and the number of vacancies they have to fill. EXAMPLE: If a Salem prison has two correctional officer vacancies and there are 300 applicants on the Salem list with 75 of these applicants receiving a score of 100 or above (applicants may receive an additional 5 to 10 points if eligible for veterans preference points), the prison may choose to interview only applicants with a score of 100 or above.
What if I want to try and improve my score on the correctional officer multiple choice test?
If you are not satisfied with your test score, you may request to retake the multiple choice test 6 months after you initially took the test. You will receive a letter informing you of when you are eligible to retake the test. You must request permission in writing to retake the multiple choice test by sending a letter, e-mail, or fax to the Recruitment and Career Services Unit. Be sure to include your name, social security number, the classification (correctional officer), and announcement number (LECO0101B).
You should be aware that if you retake the multiple choice test and your second score is lower than the first, only the most recent test results will be reflected on your applicant record.
Who do I contact after the interview to inquire about my status?
Each prison does their own interviewing and hiring. If you have interviewed for a position, you will need to contact the prison to find out whether or not you are being considered further.
What is the length of my eligibility on the correctional officer list?
Your numeric score for correctional officer remains valid for one year from the date your scores are extended into the computer. The expiration date is shown in Box 27 of your Application and Examination Notice. Your name will be inactivated when:
1. you reach your expiration date;
2. you do not notify us of a new address and we get returned mail;
3. you fail to respond to any communications regarding interviews; or
4. you are appointed to a permanent position.
Is there anything I can do to extend my application beyond one year?
Yes. As long as your name remains active and the announcement is open for application, you may extend your initial application for correctional officer one time, for a period of twelve months. Your request for extension must be done in writing and received by the Recruitment and Career Services Unit prior to the expiration date. Your request must include your name, social security number, the classification (correctional officer), and announcement number (LECO0101B). Extension requests may be made via e-mail, fax, or by mail.
How do I make changes/corrections on my application?
If you need to make a change to your application, such as address, phone number, geographic availability, etc., you need to notify the Recruitment and Career Services Unit in writing, via fax, e-mail, or Please include your name, social security number, the classification (correctional officer), and announcement number (LECO0101B) in your request. mail.
| Where do I submit my written request/s? |
| You can send your requests to the following: |
| Mailing Address: |
Oregon Department of Corrections
Recruitment and Career Services
1793 13th Street, SE
Salem, OR 97302 |
| Fax Number: |
(503) 378-5449 |
| E-Mail Address: |
recruitment@doc.state.or.us |
I submitted my application, but didn´t keep a copy. Can I call DOC Recruitment and get a copy?
Copies are not provided. You will need to fill out a new application.
Click her for new application: Word application or Adobe pdf application
|
| Correctional Non-Security Positions |
|
How do I apply for non-security positions?
The application process for non-security positions can vary significantly by announcement. ODOC’s job announcements and the required application forms are available on this Web site. Most of the non-security classifications require the State of Oregon application form ( PD100), but read the “TO APPLY” section of the announcement carefully to ensure you are completing the correct materials.
Do I need a separate application form for each job announcement for which I apply?
Yes. You must submit one application for each job announcement unless the announcement specifies that you may apply for multiple jobs on one application form, as with our Office Specialist 1 and Office Specialist 2 announcement. Legible photocopies are acceptable, but be sure the “JOB APPLIED FOR,” the “CLASSIFICATION NUMBER,” and the ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER” boxes are changed to match the position of interest.
May I submit my resume in place of the State of Oregon Application?
A resume will not substitute. The information you provide on the State of Oregon Application will be used to evaluate whether you meet the minimum qualifications listed in the “TO QUALIFY” section of the recruitment announcement.
May I apply for jobs if I live out of the state or country?
For correctional security positions which require certification by the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training, our applicants must be United States Citizens. For non-security positions for which recruitments are in progress, ODOC accepts applications from all interested individuals who meet the minimum qualifications and have submitted the required documentation. If hired, the successful candidate must show proof of their authorization to work in the United States. Oregon Department of Corrections is an equal opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.
Do I have to provide my Social Security number?
Please provide your Social Security number. The state will use it for recruitment identification and tracking purposes as authorized by OAR 105-040-0001. In the event you are hired, your Social Security number will also be used for employee records, payroll and insurance purposes pursuant to OAR 105-040-00011 (1)(b) (A).; Providing your Social Security number is voluntary.
How do I receive veteran preference points?
As of October 23, 1999, Oregon Laws ORS 408.230 and 408.235 relating to Veterans’ Preference for public employment were amended. To obtain veterans’ preference points when applying with the State of Oregon, an applicant must meet all of the following criteria:
-
You must have served in the armed forces for a period of more than 180 consecutive days unless discharged because of a service-connected disability.
-
You must have been discharged or released from service within the last 15 years unless you are an eligible disabled veteran, in which case there is no time limit.
-
You must have been released or discharged with other than a dishonorable discharge.
-
You must attach a copy of your DD214/DD215 to your PD100 State Application Form.
If you are an eligible veteran, you may have five to ten additional points added to your passing test score.
Veterans’ preference points are only useful when submitted for a scored examination where the additional points will improve an applicant’s ranking on the hiring list.
Information regarding the State of Oregon veterans’ laws can be obtained by calling the Oregon Department of Veteran’s Affairs at (503) 373-2000 or 1-800-828-8801.
What type of testing methods does ODOC use for their non-security positions?
The following methods may be used to evaluate your related work experience, training, and/or education:
-
Qualified (QLF). You will be evaluated according to the minimum qualifications listed in the “TO QUALIFY” section of the announcement. You do not need to list all your employment history. Clearly describe, in the “Duties” section of the application, the experience that is relevant to the position for which you are applying. Your job titles can support the experience you describe, but they are not enough. Also, indicate the percentage of time you spent doing the duties that qualify you for this job if they were not your main function, especially if your job title is unrelated to the position for which you are applying.
-
Test Questions. You will be evaluated on your responses to one or more essay type questions included in the “THIS IS THE TEST” section of the job announcement or answers you mark on a supplemental examination form which is attached to the announcement. The test questions or supplemental examination will relate to the experience and/or training required for the position. The grades are based on your test responses only. They are separate from your application. Graders do not refer to the application when they are scoring test questions except to verify that the experience you are describing is from one of the jobs you have listed in your work history.
-
Desired Attributes. You will be evaluated on a cover letter that describes examples of your actions, and the results of those actions, which specifically demonstrate your possession of the attributes. If there are several parts to a desired attribute, answer each part separately. Your grammar and punctuation are very important in this exercise.
How long does the application process take for non-security positions?
For announcements that are open until further notice, applications will be reviewed and processed as hiring lists are requested for vacancies in locations that match your geographic availability. For announcements that have a close date, applications will be reviewed and processed in approximately a week of the close date.
How will I know if ODOC has received my application?
You will receive notification of the evaluation of your application after your application has been processed. The notification is called an Application and Examination Notice. Included in this notification will be your numerical score, qualified (QLF) score, or notice of denial. Carefully read the notice. Instructions for updating your records and other important information will be included. The accompanying letter will also explain the following:
-
how long your test score will remain valid;
-
when you can reapply or retest; and
-
how to change or update your records.
If the non-security announcement to which you are applying is open until further notice and you submitted your application to ODOC Recruitment and Career Services, you may call the phone number listed on the announcement to verify receipt. Because these applications are usually only graded as hiring lists are requested for the locations that match your geographic availability, your application could be on file for several months before processing. This way, your eligibility on the list is not ticking away while no hiring lists are being pulled that match your availability.
What am I supposed to do once I receive my test results?
When you receive your Application and Examination Notice saying you received a passing score or a qualified score, this is your notification that your name has been placed on the list of eligible applicants for the classification to which you applied. All you can do now is be patient and wait for a hiring manager to contact you for an interview.
What can I do if my application is rejected?
If you receive an Application and Examination Notice stating your application was rejected, the Application Review Letter will explain why your application was not accepted. The reason can be found by matching the code located in Box 24 of the notice to the codes listed on the letter. If the announcement is still open for application, and the error can be corrected or additional information can be provided, you may reapply.
How long will my name stay on the active hiring list?
Your score, either numeric or qualified, remains valid up to the expiration date shown in Box 27 of your Application and Examination Notice. Most scores are valid for six to twelve months. Your name will be inactivated when:
-
you reach your expiration date;
-
you do not notify us of a new address and we get returned mail;
-
you fail to respond to any communications regarding interviews; or
-
you are appointed to a permanent position.
How are applicants selected for interviews?
Applicants are placed on the list of eligibles according to their geographic choices and in order of the numerical score if there is a test on the announcement. Hiring supervisors have the option of selecting a cut-off score. How far down the list a supervisor decides to interview is usually dependent on time constraints and the size of the hiring list.
Some announcements may include skill codes. Having your name appear on these hiring lists would be dependent upon whether the skill codes you identified match the skill codes required for the position.
If the announcement has a qualified (QLF) score, all applicants that are found to be qualified will be invited to interview unless the hiring supervisor determines that further screening is necessary.
If I receive a passing score, how will I know where I am on the hiring list?
Recruitment Assistants are unable to advise where your name is on a recruitment list because it is not compiled until requested by the geographic location, availability, and skill codes. They are only able to look at individual applicant records, not a composite list.
How do I extend the expiration date on my active application?
As long as your name remains active and the announcement is open for application, you may extend your application on a numerically scored announcement for up to two years. Your request for extension must be done in writing and received by the Recruitment and Career Services Unit prior to the expiration date. Your request must include your name, social security number, the classification title, and announcement number. Extension requests may be made via e-mail, fax, or by mail.
A qualified (QLF) score cannot be extended. You must apply with a new application form, skills sheet, screening questionnaire, or any other attachments required, provided the job announcement is still open.
Who do I contact after the interview to inquire about my status?
Make sure that you note a contact name at the time of your interview. Supervisors do their own interviewing and hiring. If you have not received a notification within several weeks of the interview, you may get in touch with the supervisor or other contact person to find out whether or not you are being considered further.
How do I make changes/corrections on my application?
If you need to make a change to your application, such as address, phone number, geographic availability, etc., you need to notify the Recruitment and Career Services Unit in writing, via fax, e-mail, or mail. Please include your name, Social Security number, the classification, and announcement number in your request. Or, you can make a photocopy of your Application and Examination Notice indicating the changes needed.
| Where do I submit my written request/s? |
| You can send your requests to the following: |
| Mailing Address: |
Oregon Department of Corrections
Recruitment and Career Services
1793 13th Street, SE
Salem, OR 97302 |
| Fax Number: |
(503) 378-5449 |
| E-Mail Address: |
recruitment@doc.state.or.us |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
