The primary role of a Parole/Probation Officer (“Field Agent”) is to protect the public by guiding felony offenders through terms of supervision ordered by the Parole Board for eligible prisoners deemed ready for reentry into the community or by the courts for offenders placed on probation in lieu of incarceration. Agents collaborate with law enforcement agencies, human services providers, employers and offenders’ families to reduce recidivism and improve the quality of life in their communities.
The conditions under which parolees and probationers are afforded their freedom vary from case to case. Counseling, educational programming, community service, curfews, electronic monitoring, drug and alcohol testing and victim restitution are often required. Prohibitions include possession of firearms and other unlawful behavior and may include driving, contact with certain persons, consumption of alcohol, etc. Skills in interviewing, case management, report writing, investigation, substance abuse testing and self-defense are important in most agent assignments but some require specialized training. Field Agents play an important part in correcting the behavior, thinking and values of offenders. When offenders are held accountable by authorities genuinely invested in their success and constantly encouraged to live up to the expectations of the Parole Board or the courts, many are motivated to change. Turning lives around for the better is the reward of this challenging occupation.
The Michigan Department of Corrections employs Health Care Professionals in several fields.
NURSING: Nursing services is the foundation of health care delivery in the MDOC. Nurses enjoy the ability to practice autonomously in a structured and secure environment. A career in Nursing with the MDOC offers a broad scope of practice with a great deal of professional growth and job satisfaction.
MENTAL HEALTH: MDOC Mental Health Services offer a rewarding career experience providing mental health care to prisoners, that also supports the Michigan Department of Correction's mission to keep Michigan communities safe. MDOC Mental Health Services provide treatments that range from brief counseling to inpatient residential treatment, and also provides services to prisoners preparing to return to their local communities.
DENTAL: Correctional dentistry focuses on dental exams, diagnostic processes, restorative care, periodontal procedures, oral surgery, and dentures. Correctional dentists also focus on preventative care through dental and oral health education. Correctional dentists have the opportunity to focus solely on patient care instead of business decision making, and they work structured hours without on-call.
HEALTH CARE OPPORTUNITIES:
Those interested in a health care position within the Department of Corrections can contact the MDOC Health Care Recruitment team at BHCS-Recruitment-Mailbox@michigan.gov.
Career Opportunities: Qualified Mental Health Professional
Career Opportunities: Registered Nurse
Career Opportunities: Other Health Care Vacancies
Would you like to be part of a team that is making a difference?
Research shows that providing access to education is one of the most effective ways to reduce future crime and improve individual outcomes. That is why Michigan is a national leader in correctional education. From adult basic education and special education to vocational trades and post-secondary degrees, the MDOC is committed to helping individuals achieve their educational goals. Each prison in Michigan has a school overseen by a principal, with certified teachers, employment counselors, vocational instructors, and support staff.
Thousands of students are in MDOC’s classrooms each day, focused on learning and bettering their lives. Their success hinges on our talented and dedicated staff of teachers, instructors, and non-instructional staff. If you are looking for an opportunity to truly make a difference as an educator, please consider joining the MDOC’s Education team.
Updated: 07/01/24
The Michigan Department of Corrections hires more than just officers, nurses, and agents.
Each prison operates like a small city so there are needs for a wide array of positions from plumbers, electricians, and maintenance workers to teachers, food service workers, counselors, accountants, mental health professionals, dental assistants, librarians, secretaries, and more. We have more than 12,000 employees who work in prisons or offices in every county in the state. Please check out the jobs link below to see what exciting career in your area awaits you in the MDOC.
Because of their military service, Veterans bring a unique set of skills, experiences, and values to the workforce. The Michigan Department of Corrections is focused on recruiting and hiring individuals with military experience.
The MDOC is proud to be recognized as a Gold-level Veteran-Friendly Employer by The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA). The MVAA’s Veteran-Friendly Employer program aims to address veteran unemployment by encouraging Michigan employers to actively recruit and hire veterans, reducing barriers to their successful transition to civilian careers.
