Applying to Correctional Service Canada

[SupahDuck]

After reading the posts lately and the immense research I have been doing I am feeling anxious. I never assumed this would be a safe job or that I, personally, would be "rehabilitating and reintigrating" the offenders that I came into contact with. I was clear about the shit, piss other bodily fluids that may come flying at me in the course of a day. All that I feel I am prepared for (well, as much as one can be prepared for that :s).

What I was not prepared for was the co-worker struggles. In the last month while completing my training I have learned (through various sources) that there isn't a big sense of solidarity and, in fact, if you aren't liked (for a million reasons) your job will be hell. Plain and simple.

I normally don't have a problem fitting in but this is a completely different culture and it worries me. What if people don't trust that I can compentently do my job, what if people look at me, as a woman, and decide I am not strong enough to provide them with enough backup to make them feel secure on a shift.... what if, what if, what if.

I suppose the point of my post is to pose the question... Is it normal to feel nervous about these things or is the fact that I am even thinking about this a sign that I can't "hack" it.

smacd, I think Striker said everything I was originally going to say, so I won't repeat it. What I will add, though, are three rules that I was taught when I first started:

1) A closed door is a good door. (Especially important at Kingston Pen, where we can electrically open doors remotely, but we have to physically swing them shut).

2) Hurry up and wait! (Especially important when that nitwit non-CX staff member is yelling at you to open the barrier they're waiting at, not realizing that you may have a good reason for keeping them behind it, for their own safety). Also applicable to the CTP process, too!

and finally

3) ALWAYS ASK QUESTIONS! Never ever EVER ever assume that you know the answer to something, because that will get people hurt. Period. I have five years in the Service now, and I'm STILL learning about aspects of the job that I consider myself a rookie in. And I go ask my senior officers the questions I have, and thankfully, nearly all of them are willing to share their wisdom and experience with me. THAT'S what makes the workplace tolerable, that we all take care of each other.

Have the humility, courage and integrity to acknowledge that Corrections is a serious business, and a unique one, and you're going to have to learn a lot, very quickly. Yes, you'll bring your own skills and knowledge to the table, but there are things that not even CTP can prepare you for. Be open, willing to learn, and QUESTIONING. Use your ears and eyes, and ASK! If your fellow officers are worth their salt, they'll gladly answer.

Thankfully, both of the institutions I've worked at (Collins Bay and Kingston Pen) have had plenty of senior officers who were excellent mentors and friends!

For the most part, you'll find that wherever you go. Just be aware that in an organization as large and complex as CSC, there's always going to be grumpy bad apples, but they'll be few and far between. The old days of "shut your mouth and do your time" are gone..... that sort of attitude is unsafe and unprofessional.

You've got the right attitude, and the right approach..... just keep on going!

[GeeGee]

Got a call for a CPO position interview this coming monday in Kingston!!!!!!!!!!
ANXIOUS!!!!!!!

[MB_CVE]

I interviewed for the CPO National Posting in Winnipeg on February 8, 2012. HR indicated to me that since it is a national posting all the regions will have to conduct their interviews, hold their selection committees, then send the results off to NHQ for them to weigh in on all the applicants from across Canada. My references were contacted back in February. I don't expect to hear anything for awhile. Just a quick heads up to take things slowly!

[CJ20]

Have my Parole Officer interview on Monday. Nervous and anxious as well!

[smarshall]

So basically shes mad because her son didn't make it because either a) he failed and got 3 strikesor b) he was an idiot... im guessing it was B, or else she wouldn't be here mad and crying about how people backstab eachother on CORE. Now, shes trying to convice other people how bad the job is... get a life. If you have such a HIGH education, why do you sound like you barely passed high school? I know shes banned but.. damn..

And to peeps who are currently on CORE or in the process, so far - I love CSC and everything that comes with it - i have only been on for about 5 months now. Yes there are shitty times, but the coworkers i work with are top notch. Don't listen to people like SpoiledBrat who have never even stepped inside the fence.

Anyways.. im done

It was B, trust me I know the details but can't share them

[Fides]

Got a call for a CPO position interview this coming monday in Kingston!!!!!!!!!!
ANXIOUS!!!!!!!

Good luck with your interview.
What does CPO stand for?

[darwin]

Correctional program officer.

[Fides]

Correctional program officer.

Thanks.

[Commish.]

no doubt....I always start at the last post and work my way back....

I normaly do to, but this time I had a brain fart.

[noob01]

have an interview in 2 weeks...Kingston!! I think I put down I would relocate but I am not too sure.. I'd like to stay in Ontario

[salsun]

Have my Parole Officer interview on Monday. Nervous and anxious as well!

Congratulations!

[salsun]

have an interview in 2 weeks...Kingston!! I think I put down I would relocate but I am not too sure.. I'd like to stay in Ontario

Congratulations!

[salsun]

Got a call for a CPO position interview this coming monday in Kingston!!!!!!!!!!
ANXIOUS!!!!!!!

Congratulations!

[sonikstorm]

The lady's nickname was spoiled_brat.. I have no idea why it went for 3 pages..

Anyways.. I'm looking at postings for an RCMP detention guard, I'm assuming its pretrial
If not, what's the difference between that and a CO?

I ask cause the posting is not on the CSC website, it's on a security site.