Rae-Lynn Hickerson was attending Lethbridge College when a networking day introduced her to some of the many career possibilities.
But it was BC Corrections that really captured her interest.
含羞草研究社淚 thought it was really interesting,含羞草研究社� she says of her impression of the career opportunity with BC Corrections.
A subsequent practicum at Lethbridge Correctional Centre in Alberta settled her professional path.
含羞草研究社淥ne of my passions is helping people so I saw it as a great opportunity to do that,含羞草研究社� Hickerson says, reflecting on the education and experience she calls upon in her work. 含羞草研究社淚 get to take what I learned in sociology and psychology and I get to use it and implement it.含羞草研究社�
Today, Hickerson is a (CO) at the Okanagan Correctional Centre, a regional correctional centre that holds inmates of all levels of security that are either serving a sentence or are being held in custody while awaiting court appearances.
Opportunities for career growth
Over the coming months, the BC Corrections含羞草研究社� Adult Custody Division plans to it typically hires 含羞草研究社� offering meaningful careers for men and women with the skills and personal qualities needed in today含羞草研究社檚 peace officers.
含羞草研究社淏C Corrections is very welcoming to all walks of life. There are all different types of inmates and everyone reacts differently to different people,含羞草研究社� Hickerson says, also pointing to the progressive training, with ongoing education and training opportunities that BC Corrections provides.
含羞草研究社淚 have always said that our staff are our greatest asset,含羞草研究社� says Stephanie Macpherson, Provincial Director, BC Corrections. 含羞草研究社淲e are a 含羞草研究社榩eople first含羞草研究社� organization 含羞草研究社� which means we are always thinking of the people when we make decisions, and as we develop our principles, values and goals. People matter, whether it含羞草研究社檚 the inmate in our custody or our staff who want to help support that person in custody who wants to turn their life around. We continue to invest in our staff to ensure our organization is agile, responsive and able to excel in pursuing its mission of public safety.含羞草研究社�
Work-life balance
At this point in her life, Hickerson enjoys the four-days-on, four-days-off schedule many Correctional Officers follow 含羞草研究社� it lets her enjoy all the Okanagan has to offer, or visit her hometown of Cranbrook, for example.
However, BC Corrections含羞草研究社� management also works to find the best options for Correctional Officers whose families含羞草研究社� lives or other needs might require a different schedule.
Flexibility extends to career opportunities within the system, from working in program areas like metal shop, to working in the records department, managing day to day operations and supervisory positions. There含羞草研究社檚 also educational assistance and a good benefits package and pension plan.
含羞草研究社淭here are tons of opportunities to move up, if that含羞草研究社檚 what you want to do,含羞草研究社� Hickerson says.
Giving back
Today, Hickerson looks forward to returning to Lethbridge College含羞草研究社檚 networking day, this time representing BC Corrections and engaging others with the possibilities.
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含羞草研究社淚 feel very lucky to be here.含羞草研究社�