CLASSIFICATION OFFICER APPRENTICE, DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

Code: 62244 State Competitive Range: P19 (FY 2027) Work week NE: FLSA coveredOvertime table (4A:3, Appx. A)

Salary: $60,876.32 - $88,742.92/year FY 2027 schedule (last updated 2026-07-27)

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under the close supervision of a Classification Officer 3 or other supervisory official in the Department of Corrections, in a three-year training program, receives formal and on-the-job training to learn to apply appropriate state and federal laws and department regulations governing the level of security, status, transfer, and involuntary commitment of inmates; learns to classify inmates using the Objective Classification System; coordinates inmate records, checks inmate progress, calculates sentence expirations, and prepares materials for use by the Bureau of Parole, the State Parole Board, and other committees; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

As an apprentice and productive worker: Learns to interview inmates at the onset of incarceration and explain the department classification process; prepares case histories, case analyses, and classification summaries. Learns to organize relevant information and inmate histories to be presented at weekly meetings of the Institutional Classification Committee, including reports received from the educational, custodial, psychological, psychiatric, social service, and other staff members. Learns to prepare and maintain classification materials for all inmates received at the institution. Learns to arrange for the transfer of inmates to other institutions, including preparation of transfer orders. Learns to prepare inmate histories and other materials for the Institutional Classification Committee and/or Parole Authority. Learns to prepare and present data for submission to the State Parole Board regarding inmates to be recommended for discharge from parole. Learns to arrange for the release of individuals scheduled for parole; determines whether all warrants filed against inmates have been cleared prior to the release. Learns to maintain liaison between the interdepartmental institutions, State Parole Board, and central office. Responds to correspondence. Reads and interprets criminal history reports and other law enforcement summaries to apply objective classification scoring criteria. Learns to calculate sentence expirations by applying allowances for work performed, minimum credits earned, and other factors. Learns to arrange for the registration of potential parolees whose convictions fall within the parameters of community notification statutes. Learns to prepare the Objective Classification System scoring instrument; interprets the scoring instrument to assist the Institutional Classification Committee in determining the most appropriate inmate level of security. Learns to apply appropriate federal and state laws and department regulations governing the level of security, status, transfer, and involuntary commitments of inmates. Learns to provide recommendations regarding referrals for involuntary commitments of sex offenders. Confers with a member of administration on classifications records, summaries, progress reports, reclassifications, parole cases, and parole violators. Prepares reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Establishes and maintains essential records and files. Learns to prepare recommendations for the type of housing, work, education, and other assignments to be given to individual inmates, upon assignment to a specific institution. Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording techniques and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Knowledge of correction and parole methods and practices after a period of training. Knowledge of the structure and operations of the correctional and parole systems after a period of training. Knowledge of the methods used to conduct research. Knowledge of interview techniques after a period of training. Knowledge of the Objective Classification System and scoring criteria after a period of training. Ability to read, interpret, and apply the federal and state laws and regulations, policies, and procedures of the department regarding the level of security, rehabilitation, status, transfer, release, and parole of inmates. Ability to learn to organize and present material before pre-parole and classification committees, and to prepare recommendations for their use. Ability to learn to interview inmates, compile materials, and prepare accurate and complete classification records, summaries, and social histories of inmates. Ability to learn to prepare and provide recommendations regarding housing, work, education, and other inmate assignments. Ability to provide information in written and oral formats to the appropriate boards and committees to facilitate their decision-making process. Ability to learn to facilitate arrangements for the release and transfer of inmates in accordance with Department of Corrections policies. Ability to prepare correspondence. Ability to prepare clear, technically sound, accurate and informative reports of classification matters containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to establish and maintain essential records and files. Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible. ADVANCEMENT: Appointee's work performance will be reviewed and rated semi-annually during each twelve (12) months of the three (3) year apprenticeship program. Upon successful completion of the thirty-six (36) month apprenticeship program, appointees will be eligible for advancement to the title of Classification Officer 2, Department of Corrections (DOC), in accordance with Civil Service Commission procedures. The inability of an employee in the Apprentice title to attain the required level of performance stipulated in each of the twelve (12) month training periods shall be considered cause for separation from employment.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Four (4) years of professional experience in program delivery or development in providing education, rehabilitative, or social services for persons with emotional, social or behavioral problems, or experience in the review of records and classification of inmates which shall have included providing recommendations for vocational and other rehabilitation programs, and/or probation or parole work with inmates of a penal or correctional facility, including or supplemented by twenty-four (24) semester hour credits in a combination of any of the following areas: criminal justice, legal research, law, sociology, psychology, or other related areas of the behavioral or social sciences. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, including or supplemented by twenty-four (24) semester hour credits in a combination of any of the following areas: criminal justice, legal research, law, sociology, psychology, or other related areas of the behavioral or social sciences. "Professional experience" refers to work that is analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range of basic knowledge of the profession's concepts and practices; and is performed with the authority to act and make accurate and informed decisions.