CDOC Corrections Officer I - Temporary Aide - Facility Support - Denver

Colorado; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Colorado Department of Corrections is seeking dedicated individuals for the Correctional Officer I position. This role involves maintaining safety and security within correctional facilities, supporting inmate reentry, and ensuring effective communication with staff and inmates. The position offers career advancement opportunities and comprehensive benefits, including retirement plans, health coverage, and paid leave. Ideal candidates will demonstrate strong ethics, judgment, and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

Distinctive career advancement opportunities

Strong retirement benefits

Medical and dental health plans

Short and long term disability coverage

Paid life insurance

11 paid holidays per year

Wellness program

Tuition reimbursement

Qualifications

• Positions require cooperation with staff and managing diverse inmate populations.
• Ability to work under stress and respond quickly to emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Maintain safety and security of prison facilities.
• Monitor and control access to the facility.
• Conduct searches for contraband.

Skills

Strong work ethic

Accountability

Integrity

Dependability

Sound judgment

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

Attention to detail

Ability to communicate in English

Physical ability

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

This Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) posting will be used to fill vacant positions assigned to the Denver Complex, located in Denver. The Denver Complex includes the Denver Reception and Diagnostic Center (DRDC) and Denver Women's Correctional Facility (DWCF). There are endless opportunities with the CDOC.

Current CDOC CO I employees are encouraged to apply for transfers through the posted Central Transfer Process job announcement.

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.

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 communicate respectfully with inmates and their families, coworkers, supervisors, managers, and the public; presenting a professional and dependable workforce. Positions require cooperation with other staff members and working 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;
• Manage 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 (including 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;
• Respond appropriately to emergency situations such as fights, medical emergencies, fires, and escapes;
• Follow established tool and key control protocols, ensuring proper storage and documentation;
• Attend roll call;
• Document incidents using established reporting practices;
• Communicate pertinent information to coworkers and supervisors.

Positions may require working additional hours and/or shifts to ensure safety and security of facilities that operate 24/7.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION: High School Diploma or GED certificate.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES:

• Strong work ethic, accountability, integrity, and dependability;
• Sound judgment, reasoning, and decision-making skills;
• Self-control and ability to work under stress;
• Strong interpersonal skills to cooperate effectively and foster teamwork;
• Excellent customer service and attention to detail;
• Ability to read, comprehend, and communicate fluently in English, both verbally and in writing;
• Ability to observe and hear to detect changes, hazards, or security breaches and communicate effectively;
• Knowledge of criminal justice systems, including relevant statutes, regulations, and policies;
• Intermediate computer skills and ability to communicate via email;
• Ability to study information and document events clearly and comprehensively;
• Understanding and application of correctional methods to prepare inmates for reentry;
• Ability to communicate respectfully with inmate families and the public;
• Ability to work with inmates across various situations;
• Ability to control, instruct, and manage inmates;
• Willingness to work in diverse populations and challenging environments;
• Alertness and vigilance during shifts;
• Ability to conduct searches and operate security equipment safely;
• Willingness to learn and use firearms, restraints, and security devices professionally;
• Ability to use chemical agents (e.g., pepper spray);
• Ability to operate communication devices professionally;
• Physical ability to perform job duties, including climbing stairs and working outdoors in various weather conditions;
• Willingness to work various shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays;
• Ability to respond quickly to emergencies and use physical force when necessary.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bilingual skills;
• Experience mentoring or volunteering.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the U.S. and pass a background check;
• Must be at least 18 years old;
• Possess a valid Colorado driver’s license and maintain a clean driving record;
• Disclose any prior disciplinary actions or terminations;
• No felony convictions or disqualifying criminal activity;
• Successful completion of a background investigation and health screening;
• Complete the Department’s Basic Training modules, including Defensive Tactics;
• Ability to operate and respond to security and emergency equipment and situations;
• Willingness to work various shifts and in various conditions, including outdoor environments.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Your application will be reviewed for minimum qualifications and ranked accordingly. Use complete, detailed descriptions of your work experience. Rehired employees may be eligible for pay adjustments based on their previous service. Upload relevant documentation such as transcripts or licenses. All applicants must provide at least 10 years of recent work experience unless experience is more recent and relevant. Contact NEOGOV support for technical issues. Please ensure your email address is current and checked regularly for notifications.

The CDOC values diversity and inclusion and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We are committed to providing accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Our facilities are tobacco-free. We strongly encourage protected classes to apply.