What are the responsibilities and job description for the Correctional Captain- Corrections position at Howard County Government?
Howard County:
Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.
Howard County Government:
Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2025, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 83 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the highest number of annual NACo awards achieved in the history of the State of Maryland, and the highest number of awards out of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 136 awards. NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.
What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government:
POSITION SUMMARY:
This is responsible supervisory and/ or mid-management level correctional work and is responsible for maintaining security, custody and care of incarcerated person in the Howard County Detention Center and Central Booking Facility.
STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE: $79,984 ANNUALLY/$38.45 HOURLY
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Performs senior supervisory and advanced level corrections operations work under general supervision from an administrative superior. Work includes assigning and supervising the activities of a shift of correctional officers and participating in maintaining order and discipline among inmates at the County Detention Center. Work may also include directing assigned administrative functions or programs within the department.Work and cooperate with co-workers and supervisors at all levels.
Learn and perform all essential job functions accurately.
Maintains security over inmates; observes inmate behavior; assigns and supervises the work activities of lower level correctional officers, inspects inmate living areas; work spaces, recreational areas, program areas for cleanliness and/or contraband, inspects the perimeter of the facility.
Directs the receiving and inspection of inmates delivered to the Detention Center/Central Booking Facility, the collecting and inspecting of personal items and issue of jail clothing.
Directs and records security rounds, formal and informal counts and inspections and searches for contraband. Prepares and maintains various records regarding the activities of the Detention Center and Central Booking Facility.
Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with staff and inmates.
Conducts investigations.
Coordinates the scheduling of employees for work assignments, training and days off.
Observes job performance; provides guidance and direction to subordinates.
Maintains records regarding employees use of leave, tardiness, sick leave, etc.
Completes performance evaluations.
Writes disciplinary/counseling reports for staff non-compliance with policy and procedures.
Shift Leader:
Conducts Roll Call and passing on valuable information of shift activities.
Makes post assignments.
Ensures daily inspections of the facility are conducted by a supervisor.
Completes schedules to provide 24-hour coverage for the Detention Center and Central Booking Facility.
Conducts security rounds to determine that the detention center is secure and there is a compliance with all rule and regulations.
Prepares, maintains and reviews various records covering activities of the detention center and its inmates.
Monitors staff compliance with requires Federal and State correctional standards as well as departmental policy.
Other related duties may be assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Directly supervises subordinate officers assigned to maintain security over inmates, participates in scheduling personnel to provide 24-hour overall coverage for the detention center. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and completing reports for disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.Associate's degree from an accredited school and three (3) years experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum Age of 21.
U.S. Citizenship or Resident Alien status.
REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:
Possession of a valid driver's license.
Successfully complete the training prescribed by the Correctional Training Commission for an Administrator.
Successful qualification with Department issued handgun and shotgun, or other long rifle.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
May be exposed to hostile situations where risk or physical injury is possible due to nature of the immediate working environment or possible exposure to communicable disease. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS, AND REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Ability to use a personal computer.
Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.
Howard County Government:
Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2025, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 83 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the highest number of annual NACo awards achieved in the history of the State of Maryland, and the highest number of awards out of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 136 awards. NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.
What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government:
- We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.
- We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!
- We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs.
- As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.
POSITION SUMMARY:
This is responsible supervisory and/ or mid-management level correctional work and is responsible for maintaining security, custody and care of incarcerated person in the Howard County Detention Center and Central Booking Facility.
STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE: $79,984 ANNUALLY/$38.45 HOURLY
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Performs senior supervisory and advanced level corrections operations work under general supervision from an administrative superior. Work includes assigning and supervising the activities of a shift of correctional officers and participating in maintaining order and discipline among inmates at the County Detention Center. Work may also include directing assigned administrative functions or programs within the department.Work and cooperate with co-workers and supervisors at all levels.
Learn and perform all essential job functions accurately.
Maintains security over inmates; observes inmate behavior; assigns and supervises the work activities of lower level correctional officers, inspects inmate living areas; work spaces, recreational areas, program areas for cleanliness and/or contraband, inspects the perimeter of the facility.
Directs the receiving and inspection of inmates delivered to the Detention Center/Central Booking Facility, the collecting and inspecting of personal items and issue of jail clothing.
Directs and records security rounds, formal and informal counts and inspections and searches for contraband. Prepares and maintains various records regarding the activities of the Detention Center and Central Booking Facility.
Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with staff and inmates.
Conducts investigations.
Coordinates the scheduling of employees for work assignments, training and days off.
Observes job performance; provides guidance and direction to subordinates.
Maintains records regarding employees use of leave, tardiness, sick leave, etc.
Completes performance evaluations.
Writes disciplinary/counseling reports for staff non-compliance with policy and procedures.
Shift Leader:
Conducts Roll Call and passing on valuable information of shift activities.
Makes post assignments.
Ensures daily inspections of the facility are conducted by a supervisor.
Completes schedules to provide 24-hour coverage for the Detention Center and Central Booking Facility.
Conducts security rounds to determine that the detention center is secure and there is a compliance with all rule and regulations.
Prepares, maintains and reviews various records covering activities of the detention center and its inmates.
Monitors staff compliance with requires Federal and State correctional standards as well as departmental policy.
Other related duties may be assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Directly supervises subordinate officers assigned to maintain security over inmates, participates in scheduling personnel to provide 24-hour overall coverage for the detention center. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and completing reports for disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.Associate's degree from an accredited school and three (3) years experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum Age of 21.
U.S. Citizenship or Resident Alien status.
REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:
Possession of a valid driver's license.
Successfully complete the training prescribed by the Correctional Training Commission for an Administrator.
Successful qualification with Department issued handgun and shotgun, or other long rifle.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
May be exposed to hostile situations where risk or physical injury is possible due to nature of the immediate working environment or possible exposure to communicable disease. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS, AND REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Ability to use a personal computer.
Salary : $79,984 - $143,484