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BC Corrections to boost hiring numbers with professionals passionate about making a difference
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BC Correctional Officer Rae-Lynn Hickerson appreciates the career opportunities BC Corrections provides, in addition to the ability to strike a work-life balance.

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.

㽶ƵֱI thought it was really interesting,㽶Ƶֱ 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.

㽶ƵֱOne of my passions is helping people so I saw it as a great opportunity to do that,㽶Ƶֱ Hickerson says, reflecting on the education and experience she calls upon in her work. 㽶ƵֱI get to take what I learned in sociology and psychology and I get to use it and implement it.㽶Ƶֱ

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㽶Ƶֱ Adult Custody Division plans to it typically hires 㽶Ƶֱ offering meaningful careers for men and women with the skills and personal qualities needed in today㽶Ƶֱs peace officers.

㽶ƵֱBC Corrections is very welcoming to all walks of life. There are all different types of inmates and everyone reacts differently to different people,㽶Ƶֱ Hickerson says, also pointing to the progressive training, with ongoing education and training opportunities that BC Corrections provides.

㽶ƵֱI have always said that our staff are our greatest asset,㽶Ƶֱ says Stephanie Macpherson, Provincial Director, BC Corrections. 㽶ƵֱWe are a 㽶Ƶֱpeople first㽶Ƶֱ organization 㽶Ƶֱ 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㽶Ƶֱs 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.㽶Ƶֱ

Work-life balance

At this point in her life, Hickerson enjoys the four-days-on, four-days-off schedule many Correctional Officers follow 㽶Ƶֱ it lets her enjoy all the Okanagan has to offer, or visit her hometown of Cranbrook, for example.

However, BC Corrections㽶Ƶֱ management also works to find the best options for Correctional Officers whose families㽶Ƶֱ 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㽶Ƶֱs also educational assistance and a good benefits package and pension plan.

㽶ƵֱThere are tons of opportunities to move up, if that㽶Ƶֱs what you want to do,㽶Ƶֱ Hickerson says.

Giving back

Today, Hickerson looks forward to returning to Lethbridge College㽶Ƶֱs networking day, this time representing BC Corrections and engaging others with the possibilities.

㽶ƵֱYou have a real opportunity to make a difference in someone㽶Ƶֱs life, to implement different programs and hopefully prevent them from coming back,㽶Ƶֱ Hickerson says.

㽶ƵֱI feel very lucky to be here.㽶Ƶֱ



About the Author: Black Press Media Staff

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