The hiring process
Applicants qualifying will be subject to an extensive selection process which may include, but not be limited to: evaluation of training and experience, interview, performance test, psychological evaluation, employment record, background check, medical examination, and drug screening. This process will assess the candidate in terms of their knowledge, skills, abilities, physical fitness, and personal attributes required for the successful performance of the job of an entry-level correctional officer in the Essex County Sheriff's Office. The entire selection and assessment process may be completed in 6 months.
It is important to note that failure to successfully complete any one of six (6) steps outlined below will eliminate the candidate from further participation in the selection process. The following is a summary of the selection process for the position of entry level Correctional Officer in the Essex County Sheriff's Department.
1. Physical Fitness Evaluation
Certified Correctional Officers can reasonably expect that it will be necessary to perform certain job-related tasks requiring physical dexterity. The twelve week Training Academy and the job of a correctional officer will require the ability to exert physical effort on occasions and some combination of climbing, stooping, kneeling, standing, sitting, running, or walking for long periods of time. This phase will be conducted by members of the Training and Staff Development Unit.
NOTE: Every person who takes the basic physical fitness test does so at his or her own risk. The Essex County Sheriff's Department assumes no responsibility for any injury or loss of any kind whatsoever sustained by any person while participating basic physical fitness testing. No person may enter the test course or field unless under the immediate supervision of a Training and Staff Development member.
2. Background Investigation
Background investigations are conducted on eligible candidates. Investigations will include verification of an applicant's qualifying credentials to include, at a minimum: educational requirements, employment history, job experience, residence and neighborhood check, age and citizenship, review of criminal history, driver's license history, at least three (3) personal references, credit history, moral character (includes controlled substance history) and military service, if any.
3. Oral Board Interview
Candidates will participate in a formally structured oral board interview, which is administered and evaluated by a panel of Certified Correctional Officers. Appropriate business attire is required. Candidates are evaluated on knowledge, skills, and abilities important to the Correctional Officers position, such as, but not limited to, communication skills, stress tolerance and skill in assessing situations quickly and objectively.
4. Psychological Evaluation
Pre-employment psychological evaluations are conducted by experienced, licensed psychologists contracted by ECSD for this purpose.
5. Medical Evaluation
Prior to taking the Qualifying Physical Evaluation, all candidates are required to successfully complete a job-related medical evaluation. This evaluation must be performed by a licensed physician. If you fail for temporary health or injury problems, you will be advised as to when you may re-apply. If the reason is for a permanent medical reason, you will be notified of the reason. If you fail the drug screen, which is also part of this examination, you will be ineligible for future tests.
6. Final File Review
The Final File Review is conducted by the sole appointing authority or his designee. An applicant's file is reviewed in totality, and in a competitive manner. Determination for acceptance of the best qualified candidates into the Correctional Academy is made from the pool of candidates who successfully complete the above Selection Process.
Please note: You will be required to sign a statement waiving any right to review information obtained in steps 1, 2, and 5. We make no exceptions to this rule. This is necessary to protect sources that participate in our selection process.
The Essex County Sheriff's Department is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, citizenship status, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.