Recruitment and Retention
We recognize the unique challenges of working in a correctional environment, where staff are responsible for law enforcement and rehabilitative functions simultaneously. Our goal is to enhance staff fulfillment through recruitment and retention of a qualified staff, encouragement of professional development, and by investing in wellness activities that specifically target corrections fatigue and trauma.
Recruiting and Retention
From February 2021 to August 2023, IDOC closely examined and addressed hiring and retention challenges, significantly reducing our correctional officer vacancy rates. We continue to refine our hiring strategies and improve retention rates.
PURPOSE in Action: Putting People First- is an effort that builds supervisory skills to create a culture focused on development, growth, and ultimately, retention. This initiative is launched in two prisons in June 2022 and will be rolled out statewide during FY23.
PURPOSE initiative is about getting clear on our direction and expectations, aligning our individual and agency goals, and finding the purpose in our work. We do this by getting to know each other, understanding staffs’ individual goals, and finding ways to turn those goals into reality. When staff have PURPOSE, it shows in their interactions with each other and with our stakeholders.
