Correctional Career FAQ - CORP Return to Work

1. Who qualifies for this CORP Return to Work program?
   
   
   To qualify you would have had to retire prior to Jan. 1, 2006 under the CORP retirement plan.
   
   
   
2. I am drawing my pension from CORP, will that cease when I return to work.
   
   
   No, you will still draw your CORP pension and not have to contribute further into CORP. You will however begin contributing to ASRS.
   
   
   
3. What will my salary be?
   
   
   Salary will be based on your years of experience directly supervising incarcerated persons.
   
   There is an additional geographical stipend of $2,600 annually for Winslow Complex and Apache Unit.
   
   
   

   Experience	Starting Salary	Salary after Training
   0	$31,886	$32,916
   1	$33,106	$34,136
   2	$34,370	$35,400
   3	$35,034	$36,064
   4	$35,720	$36,750
   5	$36,427	$37,457
   6	$37,135	$38,165
   7	$37,885	$38,915
   8	$38,634	$39,664

   
   
   
4. What are the steps in your hiring process?
   
   
   The first thing you will need to do is contact your nearest recruiting office, advise them that you are a retiree wanting to return to work. File reviews from Personnel and the institution may need to be conducted. You may have to be schedule to take the psychological exam and possibly the Corrections Officer exam, dependent on how long you have been gone. On test day you will fill out all necessary paperwork, and be given a background questionnaire. Once you have completed your background questionnaire, and turned in all required documents, it is sent to Background Investigations Unit. From this point on we will keep you informed at each step of the process. Once clearing Background Investigations we will then schedule you for your medical/physical exam. Once you pass your medical/physical, we then send out your psychological exams (taken on day one). The psychological exams are scored, generally within 24 hrs we receive results. If you pass, you are then scheduled for your pre-employment drug screening, the final step in the process. Once you clear your drug screening you are placed in to a pool of other applicants for the prison you chose and as soon as we have an opening at that prison we will make you an offer.
   
   
   
5. How long will it take before I can begin work?
   
   
   House Bill 2482, “CORP Return to Work” goes into effect 90 days after the close of the legislative session, which will be, Sept. 23, 2006, If you have processed to return to work, you would be able to begin work Monday, Sept. 25th.
   
   
   
6. Do I have to go to the academy?
   
   
   If you left the Department less than two years ago, and you were in a position with direct supervision of incarcerated persons, the answer is no. If it has been more that two years since you left or you worked in a position that did not require you to supervise incarcerated persons, but was a CO at some time in your career, then you will have to attend an academy, but you may apply for a training waiver and attend a two week abbreviated academy.
   
   
   
7. How long is your academy?
   
   
   Our regular academy is nine weeks long, but if you qualify, you can attend the two week abbreviated academy. Correctional Officer Training Academy (COTA)
   
   
   
8. I left the Department as a Sgt. (Lt., Capt.), what rank will I return to?
   
   
   Everyone returns as a CO II
   
   
   
9. I started out as a CO and then went into maintenance, do I qualify for the CORP Return to work?
   
   
   Yes, if you retired in CORP, you qualify for this “Return to Work” program.
   
   
   
10. Do I qualify for benefits?
    
    
    Yes.
    
    
    
11. Will I be able to work a full 40 hour week?
    
    
    Yes, this is a full time position.  
    
    
    
12. What documents do I need to be prepared to provide?
    
    
    You will need to provide the following documents:

    • Proof of Age and United States Citizenship or lawful Permanent Residency i.e.: Birth Certificate, U.S. Passport or Immigration for I-1551
    • Your High School Diploma
    • You Military Discharge papers, showing type of discharge i.e, DD-214 long form

    
    

13. I retired from the Department while under investigation, am I able to return to work.
    
    
    You will have to clear a Background Investigation and if approved for hire, you will return under investigation.
    
    
    
14. Where will I work?
    
    
    You will select the institution of your choice on your initial application. You will not be able to specify a unit, that will be up to the needs of the Institution.
    
    

    STATE PRISON COMPLEXES				CONTRACTED PRISONS
    (A)	Perryville	(H)	Safford	(D)	Kingman
    (B)	Lewis	(I)	Eyman	(E)	Marana
    (C)	Yuma	(J)	Florence	(K)	Florence West
    (F)	Douglas	(L)	Phoenix	(N)	Phoenix West
    (G)	Tucson	(M)	Winslow	(0)	Navajo County Jail
    				(P)	Coconino County Jail

    
    
    
15. Will I have to contribute into CORP or another retirement fund?
    
    
    You will be contributing into ASRS.
    
    
    
16. Will this effect my Social Security income?
    
    
    This would best be answered by contacting the Social Security Administration. There are some stipulations on earnings that would affect your benefits.
    
    
    
17. What shift will I work?
    
    
    Shift assignments will be determined by Institutional needs.
    
    
    
18. Will I return to work with my time a ccumulation at the same rate as when I left?
    
    
    If you return to work within two years, you will receive credit for your prior service against your annual leave accrual rate.
    
    
    
19. Will I have seniority?
    
    
    No you will not, however, if you are a reinstatement you will retain your leave accruals.
    
    
    
20. Will I be eligible to promote?
    
    
    Yes, you would be able to promote under current promotional guidelines.