Jail Program Specialist

Larimer County; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 53,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits

Flexible Spending Accounts / Health

Short and Long-Term Disability

Employee Assistance Program

Retirement Plan 401(a) with employer

457(b) Deferred Compensation

Paid time off including vacation, sick

Job summary

Larimer County is seeking a Jail Program Specialist in Fort Collins to oversee jail programs and support services, balancing security with educational and recreational activities. You will develop curriculum, supervise inmates and visitors, and coordinate with external providers to build rehabilitation opportunities.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field, at least one year of relevant experience, and CPR/First Aid certifications by hire.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field is required.
• At least one year of directly related experience.
• Valid Driver’s License by the date of hire.
• CPR and First Aid certifications by the date of hire.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Understanding of human behavior, adult education principles, counseling techniques, and life skills instruction.

Responsibilities

• Provide supervision, movement escort, and safety oversight for inmates, volunteers, and visitors during jail programs.
• Develop curriculum and teach inmates in one-on-one or group settings.
• Manage inmate visitation scheduling, haircut arrangements, glasses distribution, and commissary logistics with external partners.
• Inspect program areas, run warrant checks, respond to conflicts, and implement emergency procedures.
• Maintain records, compile statistics, track unit budgets, and enter data into county databases.
• Coordinate external service providers and volunteers to support inmate programs.
• Handle multi-line phones during visitation and respond to inquiries.
• Serve backup security for deputies and respond to emergencies or CPR when needed.

Education

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

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.

• 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.

• 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.

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