CORRECTIONS PROGRAM SPECIALIST

State of Arkansas; Newport (AR); On-site; USD 52,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

The Arkansas Department of Corrections is seeking a Corrections Program Specialist at Grimes Unit - Newport to develop, implement, and manage rehabilitation programs for offenders. You will assess needs, oversee program delivery, and coordinate with facility staff to support reintegration into society.

Responsibilities include budgeting, reporting, and ensuring compliance with state and federal laws. A bachelor’s degree and two years of related experience are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public administration, social work, or related field.
• Two years of experience in corrections, program management, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage correctional programs to support rehabilitation.
• Conduct needs assessments to identify gaps in services.
• Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness and adjust as needed.
• Collaborate with facility staff and community organizations.
• Prepare and manage program budgets and expenditures.
• Provide training and support to staff delivering programs.
• Maintain records and ensure compliance with laws and standards.
• Prepare reports on activities, performance, and outcomes.

Skills

Program development

Budget management

Staff training

Data analysis

Documentation

Regulatory compliance

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Location: Grimes Unit - Newport

The mission of the Department of Corrections is to be a public safety resource for Arkansas families by providing professional management solutions and evidence-based rehabilitative initiatives for offenders.

All DOC positions are designated as Safety Sensitive Positions and are subject to random drug testing pursuant to the Secretarial Directive governing Personnel Drug Testing. Medical marijuana usage, as defined in Amendment 93 of the Arkansas Constitution, prohibits Personnel in a Safety-Sensitive Position from the use of medical marijuana even if they are qualifying patient under the amendment and/or hold a registry identification card. Department Personnel are prohibited from the use or possession of a medicinal marijuana card pursuant to this policy and state law.

Position Information

Position Number: 22112851
County: Jackson
Posting End Date: 9/16/2026
Anticipated Starting Salary: $52,137.07
Location: Grimes Unit - Newport
The mission of the Department of Corrections is to be a public safety resource for Arkansas families by providing professional management solutions and evidence-based rehabilitative initiatives for offenders.
All DOC positions are designated as Safety Sensitive Positions and are subject to random drug testing pursuant to the Secretarial Directive governing Personnel Drug Testing. Medical marijuana usage, as defined in Amendment 93 of the Arkansas Constitution, prohibits Personnel in a Safety-Sensitive Position from the use of medical marijuana even if they are qualifying patient under the amendment and/or hold a registry identification card. Department Personnel are prohibited from the use or possession of a medicinal marijuana card pursuant to this policy and state law.
Position Information
Job Series: Corrections Programs - Career-path
Classification: Corrections Program Specialist
Class Code: SCP10P
Pay Grade: SGS06
Salary Range: $52,137 - $77,163
Job Summary
The Corrections Program Specialist is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing correctional programs within the Arkansas Department of Corrections. This role ensures that programs meet the needs of offenders and support their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. The position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.
Primary Responsibilities
Develop, implement, and manage correctional programs designed to support offender rehabilitation and reintegration. Conduct needs assessments to identify gaps in services and develop appropriate programs to address these needs. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of correctional programs, making adjustments as needed to improve outcomes. Collaborate with facility staff, community organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure program success. Prepare and manage program budgets, financial resources, and expenditures. Provide training and support to staff involved in the delivery of correctional programs. Maintain accurate records and documentation related to program operations and outcomes. Ensure compliance with state and federal laws, regulations, and standards. Prepare reports on program activities, performance, and achievements. Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge And Skills
Comprehensive understanding of correctional practices, policies, and procedures. In-depth knowledge of rehabilitation and reintegration programs for offenders. Familiarity with program development, implementation, and evaluation. Ability to analyze and interpret data to assess program effectiveness. Competence in preparing reports and documentation. Aptitude for maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information. Familiarity with state and federal laws and regulations governing corrections. Familiarity of audit and inspection protocols.
Minimum Qualifications
The formal education equivalent of a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public administration, social work, or a related field. Two years of experience in corrections, program management, or a related field.
Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee’s demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.
Licensure/Certifications
N/A OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.
The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.