City of Atlanta Corrections Jobs: How to Start a Career in Atlanta’s Correctional System

Looking for City of Atlanta corrections jobs and not sure where to begin? In Atlanta, “corrections” jobs can fall under several agencies and facilities, and the hiring process can be confusing if you’re new to it. This guide focuses on corrections careers that directly affect Atlanta residents, how they’re organized locally, and how to apply.

How Corrections Jobs Work in Atlanta

In the Atlanta area, corrections positions are mainly divided among three levels of government:

• City of Atlanta – Municipal detention and city government roles
• Fulton County (and sometimes DeKalb County) – County jails and courts that serve parts of Atlanta
• State of Georgia – State prisons and probation/parole offices in and around the city

When people say “City of Atlanta corrections jobs,” they’re usually interested in:

• Working at the Atlanta City Detention Center
• Working in Fulton County Jail or other local detention facilities that serve Atlanta
• Supporting corrections through court, probation, or reentry services located in Atlanta

Understanding who runs what will help you look in the right place for job openings.

Main Employers for Corrections Jobs in Atlanta

1. City of Atlanta – Department of Corrections / Detention

Atlanta historically operated the Atlanta City Detention Center (ACDC) in downtown Atlanta. The city has been in the process of reducing and transforming this facility away from long-term detention toward services and diversion programs, but corrections-related roles may still exist through:

• City of Atlanta Department of Corrections / Detention & Diversion Services
• Other public safety and justice departments that overlap with corrections (e.g., court services, office of violence reduction, reentry support)

Typical local city-related roles may include:

• Detention or correctional officers (when positions are active)
• Intake and processing staff
• Case managers and social services staff
• Administrative and records staff
• Program coordinators for diversion or reentry programs

Where to look:
Job postings are typically found through the City of Atlanta Human Resources employment portal or “Careers” page. If you prefer in-person guidance, you can visit:

City of Atlanta – Department of Human Resources
Atlanta City Hall
55 Trinity Ave SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main City Hall line: (404) 330-6000

Ask for information about public safety or corrections-related openings.

2. Fulton County Sheriff’s Office & Fulton County Jail

A large share of “corrections” work that impacts Atlanta residents is actually handled by Fulton County, since much of the city is in Fulton County.

Corrections-related employment here is primarily through the:

• Fulton County Sheriff’s Office – oversees Fulton County Jail and other detention operations
• Fulton County Government – support roles like administration, health, and mental health services within the jail system

Common positions include:

• Detention Officer / Correctional Officer
• Deputy Sheriff – Jail operations
• Booking and intake staff
• Medical and mental health professionals (RNs, LPNs, counselors)
• Food service and facilities staff
• Transport officers

Work location (primary jail facility):
Fulton County Jail
901 Rice St NW
Atlanta, GA 30318

Where to look for jobs:

• Fulton County Sheriff’s Office recruitment (often listed under “Careers,” “Employment,” or similar)
• Fulton County Government job listings for Justice & Public Safety or Health Services within the jail

You can also call for general info and ask for Recruitment / Human Resources:

Fulton County Sheriff’s Office (main)
185 Central Ave SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main line: (404) 612-5100

3. State of Georgia – Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC)

The Georgia Department of Corrections runs state prisons and transitional centers across Georgia, including facilities and offices that directly serve Atlanta residents, such as:

• Probation and parole offices in or near Atlanta
• Transitional centers and reentry-focused facilities
• State facilities that Atlanta residents may commute to from the metro area

Common state corrections roles that may be based in or around Atlanta include:

• Correctional Officers (state prisons)
• Probation Officers
• Counselors, case workers, and reentry specialists
• Maintenance, food service, and administrative staff

If you live in Atlanta, you might commute to a nearby state prison, probation office, or transition center in the metro region. Job postings are usually centralized through the State of Georgia careers system under the Georgia Department of Corrections.

4. Federal Corrections in the Atlanta Area

Depending on how broadly you define “Atlanta corrections jobs,” you might also consider federal facilities and partner agencies, such as:

• United States Penitentiary (USP) Atlanta – a federal prison in southeast Atlanta
• Federal probation and pretrial services offices located in the downtown federal courthouse area

These jobs are typically listed through federal government employment systems, but the work is done here in the city.

USP Atlanta location:
United States Penitentiary Atlanta
601 McDonough Blvd SE
Atlanta, GA 30315

Common Types of Corrections Jobs in Atlanta

Corrections work in Atlanta covers more than just “guards.” Roles often fall into these categories:

Security & Custody

• Correctional / Detention Officer
• Deputy Sheriff (Jail Division)
• Transport Officer

Key duties typically include:

• Supervising individuals in custody
• Conducting headcounts and inspections
• Enforcing facility rules and safety procedures
• Escorting individuals within the facility or to court/medical appointments

Support & Operations

• Intake / Booking Clerk
• Records Technician
• Dispatcher / Communications Operator
• Facilities and maintenance staff
• Food service workers and supervisors

These roles keep the day-to-day operations of Atlanta-area facilities running smoothly.

Clinical, Rehabilitation, and Reentry

• Licensed counselors, social workers, and case managers
• Substance use counselors
• Mental health professionals
• Reentry coordinators and program specialists

You may see these roles posted by:

• Fulton County (for jail-based services)
• State of Georgia (for prison and probation services)
• City of Atlanta programs focused on diversion and reentry

Administrative & Leadership

• Lieutenants, captains, and other supervisory ranks
• Facility administrators
• Policy, training, and compliance staff

These positions typically require experience in corrections or law enforcement and sometimes specific degrees or certifications.

Basic Requirements for Corrections Jobs in Atlanta

Exact requirements vary by agency, but most corrections jobs in the Atlanta area share several common standards.

Typical Minimum Requirements

Most entry-level corrections officer or detention officer positions in and around Atlanta generally expect:

• Minimum age: Often 18 or 21, depending on the agency
• Education: High school diploma or GED
• Background check: No disqualifying criminal history
• Drug screening
• U.S. citizenship or legal work authorization
• Valid driver’s license (often required for officers, especially if transport is involved)

Some positions, especially in probation, counseling, or management, may also require:

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree, often in criminal justice, psychology, social work, or a related field
• Relevant professional licensure (for clinical roles)

Physical and Training Requirements

Security-related corrections jobs typically include:

• Physical ability testing (running, lifting, obstacle course, etc., depending on agency)

• Medical exam

• Completion of basic corrections training through:

  • A state academy (for state and some county positions)
  • A sheriff’s office or local academy (for county jail roles)
  • City or agency-specific training (for municipal positions)

If you’re in Atlanta and considering corrections work, it can help to improve your fitness, communication skills, and stress management before applying, as these areas are commonly evaluated.

How to Find and Apply for Corrections Jobs in Atlanta

1. City of Atlanta Positions

To target City of Atlanta corrections or detention-related jobs:

1. Visit the City of Atlanta’s official jobs portal (search for “City of Atlanta careers”).
2. Filter by categories such as:
   • Public Safety
   • Justice / Courts / Human Services
3. Look for job titles like:
   • “Detention Officer”
   • “Corrections Officer”
   • “Program Coordinator – Diversion or Reentry”
4. Follow the online application instructions and submit:
   • Resume
   • Any required documents (driver’s license, diplomas, certifications)

For questions, you can contact or visit:

Atlanta City Hall – Human Resources
55 Trinity Ave SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main line: (404) 330-6000

Ask where to find current corrections or detention job postings and whether the city is actively hiring in that area.

2. Fulton County Corrections Roles (Highly Relevant to Atlanta)

Fulton County is often the largest source of corrections jobs affecting Atlanta residents.

To apply:

1. Search online for “Fulton County Sheriff employment” or “Fulton County careers”.
2. On the county jobs site, filter by:
   • “Public Safety”
   • “Sheriff’s Office”
   • “Justice System”
3. Look for positions such as:
   • “Detention Officer”
   • “Deputy Sheriff – Jail”
   • “Jail Nurse,” “Jail Mental Health Counselor,” etc.

You can also call for recruitment info:

Fulton County Sheriff’s Office
185 Central Ave SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main line: (404) 612-5100

Ask to be directed to Recruitment or Human Resources for current jail/corrections openings.

3. State of Georgia Corrections Jobs Accessible from Atlanta

If you live in Atlanta and are open to working at a state prison or probation office in the metropolitan area:

1. Search for “Georgia Department of Corrections jobs” or “Team Georgia Careers.”
2. Filter by:
   • Location: Atlanta or nearby counties
   • Department: Georgia Department of Corrections
3. Look for roles like:
   • “Correctional Officer”
   • “Probation Officer”
   • “Counselor”
   • “Food Service Supervisor”

Many people in Atlanta commute to nearby facilities for stable, full-time state employment.

4. Federal Corrections Jobs in Atlanta

For federal roles:

1. Search federal jobs websites using keywords like:
   • “Correctional Officer Atlanta”
   • “USP Atlanta”
2. Filter by Location: Atlanta, GA or McDonough Blvd SE for USP Atlanta positions.

This path can be more competitive but often includes federal pay scales and benefits.

Quick Comparison: Where to Look for Atlanta Corrections Jobs

Tips for Standing Out as a Corrections Job Applicant in Atlanta

A few practical ways to improve your chances:

• Start with a clean, accurate resume.
  Highlight any experience in security, customer service, military, or human services, since these are often valued in corrections.

• Emphasize communication skills.
  Atlanta-area agencies often look for people who can de-escalate conflict, follow procedures, and work with diverse populations.

• Prepare for the background process.
  Be honest and complete on all forms. Incomplete or misleading information can be more damaging than a minor past issue.

• Get familiar with shift work.
  Many corrections jobs in Atlanta involve nights, weekends, and holidays. Showing you’re prepared for rotating shifts can help.

• Ask about career paths.
  During interviews or information sessions, ask about:

  • Promotion tracks (e.g., officer to sergeant)
  • Opportunities to move into probation, investigations, or training roles
  • Education incentives or tuition assistance

If You’re New to Corrections and Live in Atlanta

If you’re in Atlanta and just exploring this field:

• Look at entry-level county jail roles (often the most consistently available).
• Consider community-focused positions with the City of Atlanta in diversion, reentry, or public safety support if you’re drawn to the service and rehabilitation side.
• Explore state corrections if you want a broader range of locations and long-term career options.

You can also visit local career centers or workforce development offices in Atlanta to get help preparing your resume, practicing interviews, and understanding the hiring steps for public safety and corrections roles.

This approach will help you find the right corrections job in or around Atlanta, understand which agency fits your goals, and navigate the application process with confidence.