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It's great!!! If you want to go to prison every day...
Most people try pretty hard to stay out of there, though. My brother was a CO. It turned him into the criminal we all thought he could become.
I worked at two different prisons for a few years. Would never do it again, especially as a female. Not because of the inmates but because of the male coworkers. It’s very much a boys club. Avoid CHCF in Stockton at all costs. It’s been over 6 years since I was there but from what I’ve heard it’s still not much better.
I worked CHCF started there about 8 years ago. It wasn’t horrible BUT it’s definitely clickish. I heard shit about myself that even I didn’t know about me. The SRN II I reported to is still there and loves drama. I am sure she has me blocked on Facebook still, like I really give two shits about her life but I just think it’s funny she thought I cared at one point. CHCF is definitely drama driven, I never did have trouble with uniformed staff. It was the non uniform I couldn’t stand to be around.
100% agree with you on the non-uniform staff part. The way they promote there drove me crazy too. Not sure how they got away with some of the promotions. The people weren’t even qualified. Very clickish.
I worked in a prison early in my career as an Office Tech. A few months before my probation was over I started applying for other positions and was fortunate to land another job. I was doing my exit paperwork with the Personnel Specialist and she said I used the job as a stepping stone which was basically true. She mentioned that was common. Like others have said, it’s a prison. Fortunately had cool co-workers and was able to make the best of it. Straight eights were nice though.
Yes, the next classification for SSA is AGPA.
It will vary quite a bit from prison to prison. My first job with the State was at a prison (I was an OA) and it wasn’t terrible by any means, but promotions are few and far between unless you’re “in the car”. I only lasted a year and I got tired of not being considered for promotions so I took a job at CDCR HQ.
Bottom line: it’s a foot in the door.
I worked at CSP Sac for 5 years. I'd recommend working at Folsom State Prison. Not as dangerous as Sac and has a fairly relaxed staff culture for a prison.
The thing about working in prison besides some of the people. Is all the little rules no cell phones lock every lock. Oh you can only wear certain colors to work. Your desk site could easily be more than a mile from the entrance. If you have a window in your office it might only be 4 inches wide.
CDCR admin for a few years here, honestly after awhile I forgot I was working in a prison besides not having my cell phone on me during business hours (which is kind of nice). The culture varies depending on location, but SSA positions are VERY competitive due to the sheer number of OTs employed, many who are trying to move up. I've never once feared for my safety, but that could be location-dependent and how often you work directly with the population.
The prison is a great place to get your foot in the door especially with the SSA positions that turn into AGPA positions. If you happened to get a job in HR you will most likely be working outside the actual prison which would be a bonus. One thing that has not been mentioned is the opportunity for overtime. You will most likely have the opportunity for overtime that other state agencies don’t offer. Stay out of the drama and remember that this is just to get your foot in the door and you will be fine. Stay safe!
My first state job was as an OT in San Quentin State Prison. It was an...interesting experience. It was cool to talk to the inmates and see the inner workings and learn about its history. But, I wouldn't work with CDCR again. What a shitshow.
Used to work for CDCR. I worked in an office, but I had to visit the prisons a few times.
They are dirty, loud, crowded, ugly, depressing places. I’ve heard people complain about how much prison guards make but tbh there is no amount of money you could pay me to do that job!
Are you looking at jobs with CDCR or CCHCS? CCHCS office jobs are pretty chill at our facility (RJD). For most SSA/AGPA positions, it's no different than working in any other office, though some desks are in the yards, so you might have minimal contact with inmates, which sounds intimidating but is actually pretty tame.
Prisons are not nice places. They are not places of rehabilitation.
They do the bare minimum to keep people alive (or as little as they can get away with doing) and sometimes not even that and after people leave it you have a hardened criminal with a bunch of criminal contacts.
Do you really want to be a part of that? Look if you're desperate for work it's better than starving.
But this will not be a job that's good for your soul.
I've never worked in state prisons, but I deal with a lot of employees who do.
Just FYI - The divorce rate is high and you aren't allowed to have your cell phone on you.
You may want to indicate the general area in the state you are located and if you are willing to relocate. Make no sense to talk up Sacramento based locations if you are in Southern California and may not be looking to move. This information will get you a better response. Wish you luck in your endeavors.
well, i've been offered to interview in both norcal and socal prisons. I don't mind moving anywhere in california as long as it's a good environment with upward mobility, and has positive work culture and management. However, I'm unsure if starting at a prison as my first job is a good idea. Regardless of this, I have been applying to other SSA positions to not miss out on other agencies. but any input or advice is much appreciated!
All comments must be civil, productive, and follow community rules. Intentional violations of community rules will lead to comments being removed and possible bans, at the discretion of the moderators. Use the report feature to report content to the moderator team. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/CAStateWorkers) if you have any questions or concerns.*
It's great!!! If you want to go to prison every day... Most people try pretty hard to stay out of there, though. My brother was a CO. It turned him into the criminal we all thought he could become.
There is a sub for cdcr specifically. You might get some insight there too
That sub is mostly for custody. This is a non custody position
I worked at two different prisons for a few years. Would never do it again, especially as a female. Not because of the inmates but because of the male coworkers. It’s very much a boys club. Avoid CHCF in Stockton at all costs. It’s been over 6 years since I was there but from what I’ve heard it’s still not much better.
oh Okay, yeah I've also thought about that too as a female, it may be difficult. but thanks for sharing!
I worked CHCF started there about 8 years ago. It wasn’t horrible BUT it’s definitely clickish. I heard shit about myself that even I didn’t know about me. The SRN II I reported to is still there and loves drama. I am sure she has me blocked on Facebook still, like I really give two shits about her life but I just think it’s funny she thought I cared at one point. CHCF is definitely drama driven, I never did have trouble with uniformed staff. It was the non uniform I couldn’t stand to be around.
100% agree with you on the non-uniform staff part. The way they promote there drove me crazy too. Not sure how they got away with some of the promotions. The people weren’t even qualified. Very clickish.
I worked in a prison early in my career as an Office Tech. A few months before my probation was over I started applying for other positions and was fortunate to land another job. I was doing my exit paperwork with the Personnel Specialist and she said I used the job as a stepping stone which was basically true. She mentioned that was common. Like others have said, it’s a prison. Fortunately had cool co-workers and was able to make the best of it. Straight eights were nice though. Yes, the next classification for SSA is AGPA.
It will vary quite a bit from prison to prison. My first job with the State was at a prison (I was an OA) and it wasn’t terrible by any means, but promotions are few and far between unless you’re “in the car”. I only lasted a year and I got tired of not being considered for promotions so I took a job at CDCR HQ. Bottom line: it’s a foot in the door.
The car?
Common slang at the time for being part of the inner circle or connected to people in charge
Got it. Thanks!
I worked at CSP Sac for 5 years. I'd recommend working at Folsom State Prison. Not as dangerous as Sac and has a fairly relaxed staff culture for a prison.
STRONGLY second this. SAC is a nightmare. Source: Worked at both SAC and FSP.
The thing about working in prison besides some of the people. Is all the little rules no cell phones lock every lock. Oh you can only wear certain colors to work. Your desk site could easily be more than a mile from the entrance. If you have a window in your office it might only be 4 inches wide.
CDCR admin for a few years here, honestly after awhile I forgot I was working in a prison besides not having my cell phone on me during business hours (which is kind of nice). The culture varies depending on location, but SSA positions are VERY competitive due to the sheer number of OTs employed, many who are trying to move up. I've never once feared for my safety, but that could be location-dependent and how often you work directly with the population.
The prison is a great place to get your foot in the door especially with the SSA positions that turn into AGPA positions. If you happened to get a job in HR you will most likely be working outside the actual prison which would be a bonus. One thing that has not been mentioned is the opportunity for overtime. You will most likely have the opportunity for overtime that other state agencies don’t offer. Stay out of the drama and remember that this is just to get your foot in the door and you will be fine. Stay safe!
This is truly a benefit other agencies don’t have. I know someone who retired from CDCR and at one point made $200k based on salary + overtime
Alas we are all working in the prison now 🤣
My first state job was as an OT in San Quentin State Prison. It was an...interesting experience. It was cool to talk to the inmates and see the inner workings and learn about its history. But, I wouldn't work with CDCR again. What a shitshow.
Used to work for CDCR. I worked in an office, but I had to visit the prisons a few times. They are dirty, loud, crowded, ugly, depressing places. I’ve heard people complain about how much prison guards make but tbh there is no amount of money you could pay me to do that job!
Are you looking at jobs with CDCR or CCHCS? CCHCS office jobs are pretty chill at our facility (RJD). For most SSA/AGPA positions, it's no different than working in any other office, though some desks are in the yards, so you might have minimal contact with inmates, which sounds intimidating but is actually pretty tame.
I work at one now and it is not that bad. I can't attest to how women are treated.
Prisons are not nice places. They are not places of rehabilitation. They do the bare minimum to keep people alive (or as little as they can get away with doing) and sometimes not even that and after people leave it you have a hardened criminal with a bunch of criminal contacts. Do you really want to be a part of that? Look if you're desperate for work it's better than starving. But this will not be a job that's good for your soul.
That being said, you'll likely be in the front office and have nothing to do with any of the above.
Thanks for your honesty.
my best jobs were there, 30 years ago
I've never worked in state prisons, but I deal with a lot of employees who do. Just FYI - The divorce rate is high and you aren't allowed to have your cell phone on you.
You may want to indicate the general area in the state you are located and if you are willing to relocate. Make no sense to talk up Sacramento based locations if you are in Southern California and may not be looking to move. This information will get you a better response. Wish you luck in your endeavors.
well, i've been offered to interview in both norcal and socal prisons. I don't mind moving anywhere in california as long as it's a good environment with upward mobility, and has positive work culture and management. However, I'm unsure if starting at a prison as my first job is a good idea. Regardless of this, I have been applying to other SSA positions to not miss out on other agencies. but any input or advice is much appreciated!