CDOC Correctional Officer I - Ark Valley Correctional Facility.

State of Colorado; Colorado; On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Distinctive career advancement

PERA retirement benefits

401K and 457 plans

Medical and dental health plans

Disability coverage

Paid life insurance

Holidays and leave

Tuition reimbursement

Training opportunities

Job summary

The Correctional Officer I (CO I) at the Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility is responsible for maintaining safety and security within a Colorado Department of Corrections prison facility. The role involves direct inmate contact, monitoring access, and operating security equipment, with duties expanding to escorting inmates and responding to emergencies.

Applicants must have a High School Diploma or GED and be prepared for shifts that ensure round-the-clock coverage.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Residency policies allow both Colorado residents and non-residents to apply.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with inmates in a locked facility.
• Monitor and control access to the facility and restricted areas.
• Operate a variety of security devices, doors, alarms and cameras.
• Escort and transport inmates in state vehicles.
• Document incidents and communicate pertinent information to coworkers and supervisors.

Skills

Strong work ethic

Integrity

Teamwork

English communication

Attention to detail

Customer service

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Department Information

Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility (AVCF) opened in August 1987. The facility is located just off of Highway 96 four miles west of Ordway and 40 miles east of Pueblo. AVCF is a Level III facility that manages a diverse population of medium custody inmates. If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference and builds greater public confidence in good government, consider joining the dedicated people of the State of Colorado. Our professionals strive to support state government and the citizens of Colorado. Customer service is a key component for every position in state government as is the focus on ideas and ways to redesign the delivery of services in making state government more effective and efficient.

In addition to a great agency and rewarding, meaningful work, we offer:

• 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. Member Contribution Rates . Correctional Officers I-IV qualify as "Safety Officers" and are eligible for increased PERA benefits;
• 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.

A residency waiver has been granted for this announcement. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.

The resulting eligibility list may be used to fill future vacancies at this location.

Work Location

12750 CO-96 #13, Ordway, CO 81063, USA

Description Of Job

The Correctional Officer I (CO I) position maintains the safety and security of Colorado Department of Corrections' (CDOC) prison facilities throughout the state. Correctional Officers support the CDOC Mission, Vision and Values with integrity and commitment while preparing inmates for community reentry. Correctional Officers respectfully communicate with inmates and their families, coworkers, supervisors, managers and the public; presenting a professional and dependable workforce. Positions must cooperate with other staff members and work as a cohesive team, while managing a diverse inmate population. Positions maintain the safety and security of the general public, staff and inmates. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Work directly with inmates in a locked facility;
• Monitor and control access to the facility and restricted areas;
• Man an armed post (this requires annual firearms certification);
• Monitor facility perimeter, detain unidentified pedestrians and/or vehicles;
• Operate a variety of mechanical doors, security devices, equipment and alarms;
• Control movement of inmates throughout the daily schedule;
• Escort and transport inmates in authorized state vehicles;
• Monitor visiting areas;
• Conduct formal, informal and emergency counts;
• Cross check and maintain movement logs;
• Conduct searches for contraband (this may include canine, metal detector, pat, perimeter, strip and vehicle searches);
• Inspect facility and cells to maintain health, safety and sanitation standards;
• Inspect inmate mail and property;
• Utilize proper protocols when responding to emergency situations, such as fights, medical emergencies, fires and escapes;
• Follow established tool and key control, ensure proper storage and documentation;
• Attend roll call;
• Document incidents utilize established reporting practices;
• Communicate pertinent information to coworkers and supervisors.

Positions are subject to working additional hours and/or shifts to maintain safety and security of facilities that are open 24/7.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or a GED certificate.

Be advised: In accordance with State Personnel Rule 4-39 (C)(9), acceptance of a Correctional Officer I (CO I) position may result in your removal from consideration for all other CO I vacancies. Additionally for transfers per Administrator Regulation (AR) 1450-09 IV (A) (5) (a). When an employee has completed one year at their current facility/office and/or classification, the employee is eligible to request a transfer.

Required Competencies

• Strong work ethic, accountability, integrity and dependability;
• Sound judgment, reasoning and decision making skills;
• Self control, strong sense of ability to work in stressful situations;
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively cooperate with other staff members and inspire teamwork;
• Excellent customer service and attention to detail;
• Ability to read and comprehend the English language;
• Ability to effectively communicate fluently in English both verbally and in writing;
• Ability to visually observe and audibly hear in order to observe changes, inappropriate activity, hazards or potential security breeches and verbally communicate pertinent information;
• Ability to visually observe and monitor inmate whereabouts and maintain an accurate count in assigned areas;
• Ability to verbally communicate clearly and willingness to do so respectfully;
• Knowledge of criminal justice systems regarding treatment of inmates and/or incarcerated individuals, which includes state statutes, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA); and department Administrative Regulations, policy, standards and guidelines;
• Ability to perform intermediate computer keyboarding skills and communicate via computer based email;
• Ability to study information and recount events in a written, comprehensive, legible method;
• Ability to incorporate the CDOC mission statement while completing daily job duties;
• Knowledge of and willingness to apply effective correctional methods to prepare inmates for community reentry;
• Willingness and ability to respectfully communicate with inmate families and the public;
• Ability to effectively communicate and work with inmates through daily monitoring in a variety of situations;
• Ability to control, direct and instruct inmates individually and in groups;
• Willingness to respectfully work with a diverse population;
• Ability to remain alert and observant throughout shift;
• Ability to conduct searches (canine, general area, metal detector, pat, perimeter, strip or vehicle);
• Ability to detect attributes of objects such as size, shape and texture during searches and to manipulate security equipment;
• Ability to safely operate and monitor ingress and egress mechanical doors;
• Ability to learn about and utilize firearms, restraints and security devices in a safe and professional manner;
• Ability to use and be exposed to chemical agents (e.g. pepper spray);
• Ability to learn to operate communications equipment in a professional manner (e.g., two-way radio, telephone switchboard, public address equipment);
• Ability to seize, hold, grasp and turn objects;
• Willingness to follow chain of command and established safety and security protocols;
• Ability to quickly respond to emergencies (such as fights, medical emergencies, fires or escapes);
• Ability to use physical force to control a situation;
• Ability to climb stairs and walk on hard surfaces throughout shift;
• Willingness and ability to work outside during inclement weather;
• Willingness and ability to adhere to the CDOC Drug Deterrence Program
• 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.

Preferred Qualification

• Bilingual
• Mentoring others and/or volunteer work

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.

Employees who are rehired or reinstated within six months of their separation will return at either their previous pay rate if hired into the same class level or based on their time in the class series, whichever is higher. Those rehired or reinstated after six months' separation will be calculated using the same formula for new hires and promotions.

Please note that while this change in role may constitute a change in title and/or responsibility, salary adjustments are not guaranteed and may be influenced by factors such as internal pay equity, budget constraints, market benchmarks, or the individual’s current compensation level. Any changes to compensation will be determined separately and communicated accordingly.