CORRECTIONAL OFFICER I - SCCF

State of Colorado; Pueblo (CO); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team at a prominent state facility focused on the rehabilitation of individuals with severe behavioral health issues. This role as a Correctional Officer I offers a unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of incarcerated individuals while ensuring safety and security within a correctional environment. You will engage with a diverse population, support inmates in their journey towards community reentry, and work collaboratively with a committed team. The position comes with excellent career advancement opportunities and comprehensive benefits, making it a fulfilling career choice for those looking to contribute positively to public service.

Benefits

Career advancement opportunities

Flexible retirement benefits

Medical and dental health plans

Short and long term disability coverage

Paid life insurance

Paid holidays and vacation

Wellness program

Tuition reimbursement

Training opportunities

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Strong work ethic and integrity are essential for this role.

Responsibilities

• Maintain safety and security of the facility and inmates.
• Monitor inmate movement and conduct searches for contraband.
• Respond to emergency situations and document incidents.

Skills

Strong work ethic

Accountability

Integrity

Dependability

Sound judgment

Decision making skills

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

Ability to work in stressful situations

Ability to communicate fluently in English

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Computer keyboarding skills

Communication equipment

Job description

This Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) posting will be used to fill vacant positions at our San Carlos Correctional Facility. There are endless opportunities with the CDOC.

San Carlos Correctional Facility (SCCF) opened in July 1995 and currently provides the Colorado Department of Corrections with 255 beds for incarcerated people who exhibit the most severe and persistent behavioral health issues. SCCF is a Level 5 security facility that houses a mixed custody level of people who are incarcerated; SCCF uses a multi-disciplinary approach to manage incarcerated individuals.

The San Carlos Correctional Facility (SCCF) is a Residential Treatment Program (RTP) designed to assess and treat incarcerated people with acute serious mental illness and intellectual and developmental disabilities. SCCF uses a planned incentive level system and multi-disciplinary team approach to assist the incarcerated individuals in reaching treatment goals and preparing them for successful community transition. As an RTP, SCCF provides incarcerated people with mental illness and/or intellectual and developmental disabilities with individual and group therapy, educational programs, recreation therapy and recreational activities needed to promote their program success and successful transition into the community or into a general population setting.

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. 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.

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 utilizing 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 QUALIFICATION

High School Diploma or a GED certificate.

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 breaches 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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION

• Bilingual
• Mentoring others and/or volunteer work

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Applicants must acknowledge and agree to Conditions of Employment within the application process.
• Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States to be appointed to this position. CDOC uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. CDOC does not sponsor non-residents of the United States.
• Must be at least 18 years of age;
• Possess a valid driver’s license. Drivers must maintain a valid, non-restricted Colorado driver 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.
• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application and provide an explanation why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify the applicant from the current position. Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination 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.
• 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.
• All job offers are contingent upon a successful health screening by a healthcare professional, certifying the candidate's ability to perform the essential functions of the position. Applicant must consent to hold harmless CDOC and its agents and staff from any liability arising in whole or in part from the testing and the use of this information in connection with CDOC’s consideration of application for employment.
• Successfully pass all modules of the 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;
• 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;
• Willing and able to work various shifts, days, afternoons, graveyards (nights) which includes a rotating shift schedule;
• Must be willing and able to work all shifts, doubles, weekends and holidays. Must be able to report to work during inclement weather. New Correctional Officers will not be given their shift schedule until completion of Basic Training.
• Willing and able to use physical force (as trained) to control a situation. This includes the training and use of a firearm and includes the ability to see/hear/react to situations.
• Willing and able to work in a locked correctional facility or 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 and/or transport inmates in a state vehicle;
• TB (tuberculosis) screening is required of all new employees upon hire.

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 and Conditions of Employment at the time of application will be included in the Comparative Analysis process. The process may include, but is not limited to, Job Related Duties, Training and Experience, Skills, Required Competencies and Preferred Qualifications.

Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted through a comparative analysis which may include, but is not limited to, an oral assessment, written performance assessment or it may include a review of your application material and your responses to any supplemental questions to assess and rank applicants in order to establish an eligible list for final consideration.

Ensure that the 'Work Experience' section of the application is complete and contains all relevant part-time and full-time work experience related to the position I am applying for. This 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.

After the job application has been submitted, additional work experience will not be accepted.

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.

In order to process a background investigation, your application must include at least (10) ten years of the most current work experience unless experience related to the job for which you are applying is later than (10) years. Failure to provide this information could result in delays and/or elimination from the background investigation process.

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support: If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application first, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and second, close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.

You are encouraged to print a copy of this announcement for your records.

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.

Appeal Rights: If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.

An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email ([e-mail]), postmarked in US Mail or hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.

For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board; go to spb.colorado.gov; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at [phone]; or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.

After submitting an application, you should receive an immediate 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.

Include a working email address on your application; one that is checked often as time sensitive correspondence WILL take place via email. You may receive email notifications from a Colorado Department of Corrections employee or from this email address [e-mail]. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam filtered email; if you do not receive correspondence soon after the closing date, please contact the 'Department Contact' listed in this announcement. Please contact the CO I hiring team at [e-mail] or by phone at 719-723-3447.

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

Colorado Department of Corrections is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our Employee Relations Specialist, Kristin Lange, at [e-mail] or call 719-723-3998.

ALL DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS FACILITIES AND BUILDINGS ARE TOBACCO FREE.

WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE PROTECTED CLASSES TO APPLY.