CLASSIFICATION OFFICER 1, DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Career Family: CLASSIFICATION OFFICER
Classification Officer 1, Department of Corrections sits in the competitive class of New Jersey's state civil service, so reaching it runs through testing and an eligible list instead of a straight hire.
It lists a bachelor's degree as the baseline, with an experience-based path open to those who do not hold the degree. Pay on the FY 2027 schedule runs $63,663 to $92,953, and state payroll currently lists 8 people in the title, most of them at Corrections.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
See every real route in, and where to apply. One agency employs it. We don't track live vacancies.
See where to apply for this title →Who employs this title
Classification Officer 1, Department of Corrections appears on the State payroll at one department, Department of Corrections.
State departments
| Employer | Employees |
|---|---|
| Department of Corrections | 8 |
State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.
Pay ladder: Classification Officer series
- Classification Officer 1 — $63,663 – $92,953
- Classification Officer 2 — $72,896 – $106,798
- Classification Officer 3 — $83,582 – $122,832
Its top salary lands around the 35th percentile of all NJ civil service titles that publish a range.
Rungs are ordered by FY 2027 pay. NJ level numbers are not always sequential, so ordering follows salary rather than the title number.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 8 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $64,203. The agencies employing the most are:
- Corrections (8)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
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 limited supervision of a Classification Officer 3 or other supervisory official in the Department of Corrections, applies appropriate state and federal laws and department regulations governing the level of security, status, transfer, and involuntary commitment of inmates; classifies 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
Interviews inmates at the onset of incarceration and explains the department classification process; prepares case histories, case analyses, and classification summaries. Organizes 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. Prepares and maintains classification materials for all inmates received at the institution. Arranges for the transfer of inmates to other institutions, including preparation of transfer orders. Prepares inmate histories and other materials for the Institutional Classification Committee and/or Parole Authority. Prepares and presents data for submission to the State Parole Board regarding inmates to be recommended for discharge from parole. Arranges for the release of individuals scheduled for parole; determines whether all warrants filed against inmates have been cleared prior to release. Maintains 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. Calculates sentence expirations by applying allowances for work performed, minimum credits earned, and other factors. Arranges for the registration of potential parolees whose convictions fall within the parameters of community notification statutes. Assists in preparing 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. Applies appropriate federal and state laws and department regulations governing the level of security, status, transfer, and involuntary commitments of inmates. May provide recommendations regarding referrals for involuntary commitments of sex offenders. Confers with a member of administration on classification records, summaries, progress reports, reclassifications, parole cases, and parole violators. Prepares reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Upon assignment to a specific institution, prepares recommendations for the type of housing, work, education, and other assignments to be given to individual inmates. Establishes and maintains essential records and files. Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording 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. Knowledge of the structure and operations of correction and parole systems. Knowledge of research and interviewing techniques. Knowledge of the Objective Classification System and scoring criteria. 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 organize and present material before pre-parole and classification committees, and to prepare recommendations for their use. Ability to interview inmates, compile materials, and prepare accurate and complete classification records, summaries, and social histories of inmates. Ability 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 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.
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. Six (6) 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/or 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. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. "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.