Jail Program Specialist

Larimer-County-1; Colorado; On-site; USD 53,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision Benefits

Flexible Spending/HSA

Short and Long-Term Disability

Employee Assistance Program

Basic Life/AD&D Insurance

Accident Insurance

Critical Illness Insurance

Retirement Plan 401(a) with employer-m

457(b) Deferred Compensation

Paid time off

Job summary

Larimer County is seeking a Jail Program Specialist to oversee jail-based education, recreation, and support services while coordinating with external partners. The role blends security duties with program administration and life-skills instruction.

Required is a bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least one year of relevant experience, plus CPR/First Aid and a valid driver’s license. Weekend and evening availability is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, Law Enforcement, Public Administration, or related field.
• At least 1 year of directly related experience.
• Valid Driver’s License and CPR/First Aid certifications by hire date.

Responsibilities

• Provide supervision, movement escort, and safety oversight for inmates, volunteers, and visitors.
• Develop curriculum, lesson plans, and services; teach inmates in one-on-one or group settings.
• Manage visitation scheduling, haircut arrangements, glasses distribution, and commissary logistics with contractors.
• Inspect program areas, run warrant checks, respond to conflicts, and implement emergency procedures.
• Maintain records, compile statistics, track budgets, handle grievances, and enter data.
• Schedule, evaluate, and collaborate with external providers and volunteers for inmate programs.
• Handle multi-line phones during visitation and respond to inquiries from inmates and families.
• Serve backup security functions for jail deputies and assist in CPR/emergency situations.

Skills

Public speaking

Written communication

Verbal communication

Team coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, Law Enforcement, Public Administration or related field

Tools

CPR certification

First Aid certification

Driver’s License

Job description

One Agency, One Mission: Public Safety

Are you looking for a career where your leadership, organization, and communication skills directly empower community rehabilitation and safety? As a Jail Program Specialist with Larimer County, you will sit at the intersection of security, administration, and support services. You will play a pivotal role in maintaining a secure environment while orchestrating daily educational, vocational, visitation, and recreational programs that transform lives. If you thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments and are passionate about helping individuals develop essential life skills, we want you on our team!

The starting salary range for this position is $52,875.00 - $63,450.00.

What You Will Be Doing

• Provide direct supervision, movement escort, and safety oversight for inmates, volunteers, and visitors during jail programs and visitation periods.
• Develop curriculum, lesson plans, and services—including classes, leagues, and tutoring—and teach inmates in one-on-one or group settings.
• Manage inmate visitation scheduling, haircut arrangements, reading glasses distribution, and commissary logistics in partnership with external contractors.
• Inspect program areas, run warrant checks on visitors/volunteers, respond appropriately to conflicts, and implement emergency procedures as needed.
• Maintain detailed records, compile statistics, track unit budgets, handle inmate grievances, and enter data into county databases.
• Schedule, evaluate, and collaborate with external service providers and volunteers to coordinate community resources for inmate programs.
• Handle multi-line phone systems during visitation periods and respond constructively to inquiries from inmates, families, and the public.
• Serve backup security functions for jail deputies and handle emergency situations or CPR response if required.

What We Are Looking For

• A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent education) from an accredited institution with major coursework in Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, Law Enforcement, Public Administration, or a related field.
• At least one (1) year of directly related experience performing similar duties or responsibilities.
• A valid Driver’s License and current CPR and First Aid certifications by the date of hire.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities to effectively interact with inmates, staff, outside agencies, and the general public.
• Understanding of human behavior, adult education principles, counseling techniques, and life skills instruction.
• Ability to evaluate conflict, interpret county rules and laws, make independent daily decisions, and maintain strict record confidentiality.
• Skilled in public speaking, supervising diverse groups, and building cohesive working relationships across county departments.
• Willingness and physical ability to work weekends and evenings in a specialized, secure facility setting.

To view the whole job description, click here.

• One (1) year of experience in a directly related field or in the performance of similar duties and responsibilities is required.
• A bachelor's degree, or equivalent education, from an accredited college or university with major coursework in human services, psychology, sociology, law enforcement, public administration, or a related field is required.
• Possession of a valid Driver’s License by the date of hire is required.
• Possession of CPR and First Aid certifications by the date of hire is required.

Benefits

All temporary positions include sick leave, our Employee Assistance Program, and other benefits may be available.

Larimer County offers the following for all Regular/Limited Term positions:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits.
• Flexible Spending Accounts / Health Savings Account
• Short and Long-Term Disability.
• Employee Assistance Program
• Basic Life/Accidental Death & Dismemberment
• Accident Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Retirement Plan 401(a) with employer match.
• 457(b) Deferred Compensation.
• Paid time off including vacation, sick, and holidays.

Click here to view information on Larimer County's Benefits.

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Larimer County is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and prohibits discrimination and harassment in all employment practices based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity or expression, and sexual orientation), national origin, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, military status, or any other characteristic protected by law or regulation.

Supplemental Information

The Sheriff’s Office prohibits possession of marijuana by employees under any circumstances and expects employees to comply with federal law.

Applicants must meet all of the following:

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
• Cannot have a felony conviction
• No convictions involving domestic violence
• No use of illegal drugs, including Mushrooms, within the past five years

For Current Sheriff's Office Employees

To be considered, you must get a Letter of Support from your chain of command and submit the Letter of Support with your application by 11:59 pm on October 27, 2026. Please use the following process for your Letter of Support:

1. Submit your Letter of Intent to your direct supervisor.
2. Your direct supervisor will then write a Letter of Support and route it through your chain of command.
3. Your next-level supervisor/manager endorses your direct supervisor's Letter of Support.
4. Your mid-level manager then endorses your Letter of Support.
5. Your Division Commander then endorses your Letter of Support.