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Frequently Asked Questions

Careers FAQ

Questions

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 Non-Security Positions

​A: A resume will not substitute for an application. 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. 

​A: The​ application process for non-security positions in the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) can vary significantly by announcement. DOC’s job announcements and the required application forms are available via Workday​. Most of the non-security classifications require the State of Oregon application form, but please read the how to apply section of the announcement carefully to ensure you are completing the correct materials. 

​A: The following methods may be used to evaluate your related work experience​, training, or education.

Qualified: 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 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. 

​A: 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, DOC 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. The Oregon Department of Corrections is an equal opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. ​

​A: Veterans’ Preference 

Applicants are eligible to use veterans’ preference when applying with the State of Oregon in accordance with ORS 408.225, 408.230, and 408.235; OAR 105-040-0010 and 105-040-0015. 

 5 points (Veteran): 

There is no limit to the number of times you can use these points within 15 years of discharge or release fro​m service. To receive 5 points you must have served on active duty in the Armed Forces: 

  • Hold a combat or campaign ribbon for service in the Armed Forces of the United States
  • For more than 178 consecutive days
  • For at least one day in a combat zone. 

“Combat Zone” means an area designated by the President of the United States by executive order in which, on the dates designated by executive order, the Armed Forces of the United States are or have engaged in combat. 

“Veteran” means a person who:  

Served on active duty with the Armed Forces of the United States: 

  • For a period of more than 178 consecutive days and was discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions.
  • For 178 days or less and was discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions because of a service-connected disability.
  • For at least one day in a combat zone and was discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions.
  • ​Received a combat or campaign ribbon for service in the Armed Forces of the United States.  

“Active duty” does not include attendance at a school under military orders, except schooling incident to an active enlistment or a regular tour of duty, or normal military training as a reserve officer or member of an organized reserve or a National Guard unit. 

10 points (Disabled Veteran): 

There is no limit to the number of times you can use these points. These points never expire.  

To receive 10 points you must be: 

  • A person whose discharge or release from active duty was for a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.
  • Entitled to disability compensation under laws administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
  • Awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat. 

“Disabled Veteran” means a person entitled to disability compensation under laws administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, a person whose discharge or release from active duty was for a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty or a person who was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat. 

Applicants must attach the following to their State Application:

  • A copy of your DD214/DD215 form.
  • A copy of your veterans’ disability preference letter from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. 
  • Veterans must provide appropriate documentation at the time of application to qualify for these additional preference points. 
  • Veterans must submit as verification of eligibility (a copy of the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214 or 215) with the State of Oregon Application). 

In addition, disabled veterans must supply a public employment preference letter from the United States Department of Veterans' Affairs. To order the letter, call 1-800-827-1000 and request a public employment preference letter. Contact a Veteran Service Officer or a Disabled Veterans Local Employment Representative should you need assistance. 

For record keeping, Veterans' should make copies of any and all documentation. Veterans' records contain private information and should be handled accordingly.  

For additional information on Veterans’ Preference eligibility, contact the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs at 1-800-692-9666 or online at ODVA's website.

​A: 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.  

​A: 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
  • 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 DOC 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. 

​A: 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. ​

A: ​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.  

​A: 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. 
  • You are appointed to a permanent position. ​

​A: Applicants are placed on the list of eligible​ applications 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.  

​A: 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. 

​A: 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 email, 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. 

​A: 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,  fax, email, or mail.

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. 

Submit your written requests to:  

Oregon Department of Corrections   
Recruitment and Background Investigations  
1793 13th Street, SE      
Salem, OR 97302   
Fax Number: (503) 378-5449  

E-Mail Address: recruitment@doc.state.or.us ​

​A: 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. 

Security Positions

 

​A: The minimum requirements to become a Correctional Officer are;

  • Possess a high school diploma or GED
  • Be 21 years of age or older
  • United States citizen or be in the process of becoming a US Citizen
  • Meet DPSST Physical Standards
  • Possess reading comprehension, report writing, and retention abilities
  • Must pass NTN REACT test with a minimum score of 70 percent in all areas
  • Have a good employee work history
  • Have a history of law abiding behavior OAR 259-008-0070
  • No evidence of substance abuse
  • Satisfactorily complete an ODOC background investigation OAR 259-008-0015
  • Pass a psychological evaluation and risk assessment as required by HB 2936
  • Proficient using computers
  • All applicants for, and employees in this classification/position, shall be subject to testing for the use of prohibited drugs.

A: ​The process to get hired and become a Correctional Officer can take anywhere between 2-4 months. A lot depends on the level of engagement you have as an applicant. Several things in the process are waiting on your response to your Background Investigator, your availability for an interview, and if you pass your interview the first time.​

​A: You will receive a notice in your your Workday application portal and personal email to take the Pre-employment test (NTN REACT test) before moving forward in the process. For a free voucher and a step-by-step guide on how to navigate the website, email odocjobs@doc.oregon.gov. Then register for the pre-employment test on the NTN REACT test site.  ​

​A: Notify the recruiter listed on the position you applied for with the changes to your application. At this time if you have to make changes to your email address you will need to work with the Workday helpdesk.​

​A: We encourage you to work with the Background Investigator assigned to and notify them of any changes. If you fail to communicate or become non-responsive to your Background Investigator, they may request your application be delayed for 1 year. ​ ​

​A: (Can we attach the reference guide again)
We will send you an email once you have completed the requirements in eSOPH. To do this, you will work with a background investigator to get all the information and documents needed then you will be reference to a Recruiter to be interviewed​

​A: Currently, we hold virtual interviews for most Correctional Officer positions via Microsoft Teams. The interview panel consists of staff around the state in a variety of classifications and divisions and takes 30 minutes or less. ​

​A: Yes, you are allowed to interview three times before we ask you take a break from the hiring process. After the third failed interview, we will defer your application for 90 days. ​

​A: Once you pass your interview, you will be assigned a new Background Investigator. They will reach out and connect with all the information you supplied in eSOPH. We have 30 days to compile a report. ​