CDOC - Community Programs Specialist III (Re-Entry)

State of Colorado; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension benefits

Medical/Dental plans

Disability coverage

Paid holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Training opportunities

Job summary

State of Colorado is seeking a Community Re-Entry Specialist III to assess re-entry needs and develop transition plans for offenders in parole settings. You will provide individualized case management, link clients to housing, employment, and community resources, and collaborate with multiple agencies to enhance public safety.

Responsibilities include data analysis, program delivery, and participation in multi-agency staffing, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based practices and pro-social

Qualifications

• Six (6) years of professional experience working directly with a hard to serve / high needs client population in a correctional / human services environment providing casework, coordination of services and identifying needs, and referring to appropriate resources as your primary assignment.

Responsibilities

• Assess re-entry needs, barriers and strengths using formal and informal assessment tools.
• Develop individualized transition plans based on assessed criminogenic needs and risks.
• Deliver individualized case management and instruction in housing, employment, repairing family support systems, identifying thinking errors, and developing decision making skills for pro-social change.
• Facilitate interactive group modules using evidence based curriculum and technology.
• Provide transitional services for high needs and homeless in release transition meetings.
• Work as part of the region/office or facility work team and adhere to policies and procedures.
• Attend multi-agency case staffing and meetings to plan and implement Re-Entry goals.
• Develop partnerships with community organizations to connect individuals with re-entry resources.
• Maintain and analyze data, collect feedback and evaluate service delivery.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job description

Benefits and Perks

• Distinctive career advancement opportunities throughout the state system;
• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401K and 457 plans.
• Medical and dental health plans;
• Short and long term disability coverage;
• Paid life insurance;
• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave;
• Wellness program, tuition reimbursement, training opportunities and more;
• Visit State of Colorado Employee Benefits for more information;
• This position is compensated on a bi-weekly pay cycle.

Community Re-Entry Specialists work within assigned parole offices. This position will assess the re-entry needs of individuals, develop and implement transitional plans, provide case management to parolees to set goals and remove barriers, build community resources/support, provide linkages to other agencies and organizations, and maintain/analyze data concerning service provision. The position works in close coordination with Community Parole Officers, Parole Release Case Managers, Education staff, state/local agency staff, community and faith-based organizations, and other individuals/groups providing services to offenders in order to enhance public safety.

Primary Job Duties

• Assess re-entry needs, barriers and strengths using formal and informal assessment tools;
• Develop individualized transition plans based on assessed criminogenic needs and risks;
• Deliver individualized case management and instruction in areas such as housing, employment, repairing family support systems, identifying thinking errors, and developing decision making skills for pro-social change;
• Facilitate interactive group modules using evidence based curriculum and technology;
• Provide transitional services for high needs and homeless in release transition meetings;
• Work as part of the region/office or facility work team and become familiar with and adhere to all policies, processes, and procedures;
• Attend multi-agency case staffing and meetings with professionals to plan, develop, and implement Re-Entry goals and objectives;
• Develop partnerships and collaborate with community organizations and otheragencies to connect individuals with resources and services specific to their re-entry needs;
• Maintain and analyze data, collect feedback and evaluate transitional service delivery and utilize information systems to maintain chronological records for re-entry planning;
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.

Residency Requirement

This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.

Class Code & Classification Description

H1O3XX Community Programs Specialist III

Minimum Qualifications

Six (6) years of*professional experience* working directly with a **hard to serve / high needs client population** in a correctional / human services environment providing casework, coordination of services and identifying needs, and referring to appropriate resources as your primary assignment.

(Experience MUST be described in detail on your application to receive credit. Any work experience less than full time will be prorated).

Experience may also include working with a hard to serve needs client population providing components of offender management exhibited by involvement and familiarity with processes that directly affect offender classification, programming, or daily living which provide progressive opportunities for appropriate placement to include involvement in: Internal Classification Committees (ICC), Classification Hearings, Job Placement and Supervision, Individualized Program Instruction/Tutoring, Multi-Disciplinary Staffing, Responding to Offender Grievances and Resolving Offender Issues, Offender Housing Placement and Movement, Intelligence Gathering and Processing, as well as Role Modeling Pro-Social Behaviors while maintaining Positive Professional Communications by providing the offender population with Crisis Intervention. Additional components may include components such as aiding offenders in locating housing, help with acquiring employment, and community resources/ support to include regular meetings with clients, coordination of services and/or assessing client's needs and referring to appropriate program intervention. Experience may also include aiding clients with over coming barriers for stability in reaching re-entry goals.

NOTE: Entry level officers and clerical support experience does not have the authority outlined in the minimum qualifications to perform components of offender management as it relates to classification hearings, ICC, Multi disciplinary staffing, vetting responses to offender grievances etc. Therefore, experience as an entry level officer and clerical support does not meet the definition of offender management as outlined in the minimum qualifications.

Or Education and Experience

A combination of degree coursework from an accredited college or university and/or professional experience as defined above equal to six (6) years.

(You must submit a copy of your unofficial college transcript with your name, college name, degree, and date conferred to receive credit for the education).

*Professional experience involves exercising discretion, analytical skill, judgment, and personal accountability and responsibility for creating, developing, integrating, applying, and sharing an organized body of knowledge that characteristically is: uniquely acquired through an intense education or training regimen at a recognized college or university; equivalent to the curriculum requirements for a bachelor's or higher degree with major study in or pertinent to the specialized field and continuously studied to explore, extend and use additional discoveries, interpretations, and application and to improve data, materials equipment, applications, and methods.

**hard to serve or high needs client population is defined as providing components of case planning exhibited by involvement and familiarity with processes that directly a impact stabilization and behavioral needs to include: Locating shelter, jobs, and community resources/support to include regular meetings with clients, coordination of services and/or identifying needs and referring to appropriate resources. Experience may also include, but is not limited to, helping clients overcome barriers for community stability. (Experience MUST be described in detail on your application to receive credit.)

If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications, you MUST attach a copy of your unofficial college transcript to this application that include your name, name of the institution, degree, and date conferred (in pdf or jpg format). ONLY APPLICANTS WHO MEET THE MINIMUM AND SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS PROCESS.

Ensure that the Work Experience section of the application is complete and contains all relevant work experience related to the position. That information will be used to help determine compensation for the position. See resume statements cannot be accepted in lieu of the work experience section of the application. Additional work experience will not be accepted after the job announcement close date for compensation purposes.

Required Competencies

• Self-control, a strong sense of ability to work in stressful, potentially violent situations;
• Ability to remain alert, emotionally stable, and mentally resilient under pressure and observant throughout their shift;
• Tolerance to stress, confinement, and high-stakes interaction;
• Significant interpersonal/customer service skills;
• Strong written and oral communication skills;
• Highly effective critical thinking/decision making/problem solving skills;
• Demonstrated ability to organize, plan and prioritize;
• Keen ability to multi-task and demonstrate flexibility;
• Strong self-motivation;
• Compelling attention to detail;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite (Gmail, Sheets, Docs);
• Ability to read and comprehend the English language;
• Ability to effectively communicate fluently in English both verbally and in writing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with incarcerated individuals;
• Thorough knowledge of Evidence Based Practices and Interventions for the successful re-entry of incarcerated individuals;
• Experience with Motivational Interviewing;
• Proven ability to provide efficient and effective service to hard to serve clients with medium/highrisk needs;
• Excellent ability to coordinate services and cooperate with others toward a common goal.

Important Information

The Assessment Process: Your application will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum Qualifications (MQ's). Applicants that meet MQ’s will be included in the Comparative Analysis process. Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted through a comparative analysis which may include, but is not limited to, a suitability screening, Online Assessment, oral assessment, written performance assessment or it may include a review of your application material and your responses to any supplemental questions by a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to assess and rank applicants in order to establish an eligible list for referral to the hiring manager for final consideration.

Be sure the Work Experience section of your application is complete and specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, and accomplishments as they relate to the Description of the Job, Minimum Qualifications, Required Competencies and Preferred Qualifications as listed above. Resumes and see resume statements will not be accepted in lieu of the work experience section of the application. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions by the closing date may result in your application not being accepted and/or may affect your score, rank or inclusion in the final pool of eligible applicants.

Conditions of Employment

• Must be 21 years of age
• Possess a valid driver’s license. Drivers must maintain a valid, non-restricted Colorado driver’s license, obey traffic laws, and be able to safely operate a motor vehicle. State drivers are expected to maintain a safe driving record consistent with Colorado Division of Human Resources Universal Policy Driving Standards. Eligibility to drive a State-owned vehicle, includes holding a valid Colorado driver’s license within 30 days of employment or residency change and meeting specific driving record criteria. Serious traffic violations, including DUIs or reckless driving, can disqualify drivers for up to seven years. All State Vehicles are monitored by telematics for safe operation and employees have no reasonable expectation of privacy while using an agency State Fleet vehicle.
• Possess a high school diploma or GED
• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination are required to:
  • Disclose the details of the prior termination or resignation on the application.
  • Explain why the circumstances of the prior separation should not disqualify them from the current position.
  • Provide your employee number from your prior State employment. Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination and failure to provide this information will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDOC.
• Have NO felony convictions, to include any actions defined in 5 U.S.C. 301; U.S.C. 509, 510; 42 U.S.C. 15601-15609. The CDOC shall not hire nor promote anyone who may have contact with an offender who has engaged in sexual abuse which includes acts, activity, and sexual behavior, in a prison or other institution as defined in 42 U.S.C. 1997; or has been convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse, or has been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in the activity described in the above paragraph. The agency shall consider any incidents of sexual harassment in determining whether to hire anyone who may have contact with offenders or residents.
• Applicants must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of application; DOC cannot provide H-1B sponsorship at this time.
• Successfully pass all modules of the six-week Colorado Department of Corrections Basic Training, to include English reading comprehension, relevant competency assessments and written/practical exams in Defensive Tactics.
• Possess the physical ability to successfully complete Defensive Tactics:
  • Lift arms above head and kick as high as own waist
  • Stabilize another person to accomplish a controlled take down
  • Use arms, palms of hands, shins, and feet to deliver blows
  • Withstand impact (slow speed or with a safety bag) on own body from strikes/blows
  • Swing a baton in a striking technique
  • Rotate body 90 degrees with feet planted for striking with foot or using a defensive tactic;
  • Get down on one or both knees and up again with multiple repetitions
• Will be exposed to Oleoresin Capsicum during Basic Training and will be exposed while on assignment
• Must be able to see and hear in order to observe, address and respond to potential breaches in safety and security
• Seize, hold, control or subdue violent or assaultive persons and defend oneself or others to prevent injury
• Demonstrate body agility, strength of all four limbs and the ability to walk and climb stairs consistently
• Work in situations involving assaultive behavior, physical control of another person and/or restraint situations
• Deal with individuals with a range of moods and behaviors, utilizing tactfulness and a congenial, personable manner
• Work with people of the opposite sex, diverse racial ethnic groups, mentally ill and emotionally disturbed offenders
• Communicate by talking, listening and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information, assignments
• Work in an environment with fluctuating noise and temperature (hot and cold) which may include working outdoors in inclement weather and/or concrete floor/wall work settings
• Willing and able to travel
• Willing and able to work various shifts, days, afternoons, graveyards (nights) which includes a rotating shift schedule
• TB (tuberculosis) screening is required of all new employees upon hire

Successful completion of a background investigation is required. Should applicant’s background reveal criminal charges, it shall be the responsibility of the applicant to provide the Department of Corrections with written/official disposition of any charges.

The CDOC is committed to a work environment free from illegal drugs and alcohol. Employees may use marijuana in their personal time but are prohibited from working while under the influence of any substance, including marijuana. A drug test will be administered to all new employees; employees must successfully pass. Random drug screening will occur throughout employment.

Exception: Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified employees are prohibited from the use of marijuana. Health care professionals must check their licensing requirements regarding marijuana use.

Appeal Rights

As an applicant who has been removed from consideration during the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board and/or request a review by the State Personnel Director. A standard appeal form is available on the State Personnel Board website, https://spb.colorado.gov/forms-and-filing. If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within ten (10) days of your receipt of this notice: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: [phone]. Phone: [phone]. Email address: [e-mail]. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available at spb.colorado.gov.

After submitting an application, you should receive an email acknowledging your submission. If you do not get the email, please check to ensure you have actually submitted the application and typed the correct email address on the application.