CDOC- Pre Release Specialist

This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

See locations below - two (2) separate locations

The starting salary for this position is $4284.00 per month.

Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.

rafa.smith@state.co.us or 719-226-4414

Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.

Thank you for your interest. Submit an on-line application by clicking the link below or submit a State of Colorado Application for Announced Vacancy and all supplemental questions according to the instructions provided below. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed above.

$4,284.00 - $6,270.00 Monthly

Other (see primary location below for details), CO

Parole Multiple 8/2019 CPS III

Department of Corrections

8/30/2019 4:00 PM Mountain

Determined by Position

This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

See locations below - two (2) separate locations

The starting salary for this position is $4284.00 per month.

Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.

rafa.smith@state.co.us or 719-226-4414

Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.

Thank you for your interest. Submit an on-line application by clicking the link below or submit a State of Colorado Application for Announced Vacancy and all supplemental questions according to the instructions provided below. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed above.

Department Information

The mission of the Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) is "To protect the citizens of Colorado by holding offenders accountable and engaging them in opportunities to make positive behavioral changes and become law abiding, productive citizens"

Our vision. "Building a safer Colorado for today and tomorrow"

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.

• 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;
• Medical and dental health plans;
• Short and long term disability coverage;
• Paid life insurance;
• 10 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave;
• Wellness program, tuition reimbursement, training opportunities and more.

Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility (AVCF), Ordway, CO
Denver Women's Correctional Facility (DWCF), Denver, CO

Who May Apply: Colorado residents who meet the minimum requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Description of Job

Pre Release Specialists work within assigned CDOC Correctional Facilities. This position will assess the re-entry needs of individual offenders, develop and implement transitional plans, research and gather community resources/support, provide linkages to other agencies and organizations, provide services in both a group and individual setting using cognitive interventions and evidence based practices, and maintain/analyze data concerning service provision. The position works in close coordination with CDOC facility case managers, education staff, Facility Based Parole Officers, Community Re Entry Specialists, Community Parole officers, state/local agency staff, community and faith-based organizations, and other individuals/groups providing services to offenders in order to enhance public safety. All services and programs delivered by this position are performed consistent with the professional standards and in accordance with CDOC and Division of Adult Parole regulations, guidelines, and operating procedures.

• Assess offender re-entry needs, barriers and strengths using formal and informal assessment tools;
• Coach offenders in the development of individualized transition plans based on assessed criminogenic needs and risks;
• Deliver individualized case management and instruction in areas such as housing, employment, repairing family support systems, identifying thinking errors, and developing decision making skills for pro-social change;
• Facilitate interactive group modules using evidence based curriculum and technology;
• Provide transitional services for high needs offenders in facility release transition meetings.
• Facilitate, one-on one transition planning and open lab sessions in the Career and Community Resource Center to an assigned CDOC facility and/or Parole office;
• Work as part of the region/office or facility work team and become familiar with and adhere to all policies, processes, and procedures;
• Attend multi-agency case staffing, meetings and teams with professionals to plan, develop, and implement Re-Entry goals and objectives for offender-focused services;
• Develop partnerships and collaborate with community organizations and other agencies to connect offenders with resources and services specific to their re-entry needs;
• Increase offender participation in transition and enhance their motivation to make positive change;
• Maintain and analyze data, collect feedback and evaluate transitional service delivery and utilize information systems to maintain chronological records for re-entry planning.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required which may include providing transitional services to offenders within an assigned community parole office.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Minimum Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Sociology, Psychology or closely related field. (You must submit a copy of your unofficial college transcript with your name, college name, degree and date conferred to receive credit for the education)

Two (2) years of *professional experience* working directly with a **hard to serve or high needs client population** in a correctional or human services environment providing casework, coordination of services and identifying needs and referring to appropriate resources as your primary assignment. (Part-time experience will be prorated).

*Professional experience involves exercising discretion, analytical skill, judgment, and personal accountability and responsibility for creating, developing, integrating, applying, and sharing an organized body of knowledge that characteristically is: uniquely acquired through an intense education or training regimen at a recognized college or university; equivalent to the curriculum requirements for a bachelor's or higher degree with major study in or pertinent to the specialized field and continuously studied to explore, extend and use additional discoveries, interpretations, and application and to improve data, materials equipment, applications, and methods.

**hard to serve or high needs client population is defined as providing components of case planning exhibited by involvement and familiarity with processes that directly a impact stabilization and behavioral needs to include:

Locating shelter, jobs, and community resources/support to include regular meetings with clients, coordination of services and/or identifying needs and referring to appropriate resources. Experience may also include, but is not limited to, helping clients overcome barriers for community stability.

Substitutions: A combination of related coursework and professional work experience, as defined above, OR *correctional related experience (i.e., Correctional Officer I/II/III) which provided the same kind, amount and level of knowledge acquired in the required education, may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the bachelor's degree.

*Corrections related experience is defined as experience in which the employee provided a direct service to/with offenders such as teaching, social work, nursing, food service, general maintenance; or worked with clients/offenders in the implementation of a program such as correctional industries.

If degree is not in a related field of study, it may substitute up to 60 semester hours of core coursework on a year for year basis.

A master's degree or doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in fields listed above may be substituted for the bachelors' degree and one (1) year of the required professional experience as listed above.

There is no substitution for the two (2) years of professional experience (except with a master's or doctorate degree as indicated above).

If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications, you MUST attach a copy of your
unofficial college transcript to this application that include your name, name of the institution,
degree, and date conferred (in pdf or jpg format).

Required Competencies:

• Significant interpersonal/customer service skills;
• Strong written and oral communication skills;
• Highly effective critical thinking/decision making/problem solving skills;
• Demonstrated ability to organize, plan and prioritize;
• Keen ability to multi-task and demonstrate flexibility;
• Strong self motivation;
• Established proficiency in position-related office technologies;
• Compelling attention to detail;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Preferred Qualifications: (Candidates may receive higher ratings for possessing any preferred qualifications criteria).

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree or master's degree in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Sociology, Psychology or similarly related field;
• Experience working with offenders;
• Thorough knowledge of Evidence Based Practices and Interventions for the successful re-entry of offenders;
• Experience with Motivational Interviewing;
• Proven ability to provide efficient and effective service to hard to serve clients with medium/high risk needs;
• Excellent ability to coordinate services and cooperate with others toward a common goal;
• Established proficiency in position-related office technologies.

The Assessment Process: Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted through a comparative analysis. Part or all of the analysis for this position will include a review of your application material and your responses to any supplemental questions. Applications and responses will be reviewed by a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to assess and rank applicants in order to cut to a top group for additional assessment; or to establish an eligible list for referral to the hiring manager and final consideration.

Be sure the "Work Experience" section of your application is complete and specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, and accomplishments as they relate to the Description of the Job, Minimum Qualifications, Required Competencies and Preferred Qualifications as listed above. Resumes and "see resume" statements will not be accepted in lieu of the "Work Experience" section of the application. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions by the closing date may result in your application not being accepted and/or may affect your score, rank or inclusion in the final pool of eligible applicants.

If you have transcripts, a license or other relevant documentation regarding your qualifications, upload and attach copies to your application.

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 upload (attach) it.

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

Conditions of Employment
All job offers are contingent upon a successful medical screening by a healthcare professional, certifying candidate's ability to perform the essential functions of the position, completed at the applicant's own expense. 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.

• Must be 21 years of age;
• Possess a valid State of Colorado Driver's License;
• 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 anyone who may have contact with an offender who has engaged in sexual abuse 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;
• Successfully complete the Department of Corrections Basic Training upon hire, initial drug screening, and random drug screening throughout employment;
• Possess the physical ability to successfully complete Defensive Tactics;
  • Lift arms above head and kick as high as own waist;
  • Stabilize another person to accomplish a controlled take down;
  • Use arms, palms of hands, shins, and feet to deliver blows;
  • Withstand impact (slow speed or with a safety bag) on own body from strikes/blows;
  • Swing a baton in a striking technique;
  • Rotate body 90 degrees with feet planted for striking with foot or using a defensive tactic;
  • Get down on one or both knees and up again with multiple repetitions;

  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.

  The CDOC is committed to a drug and alcohol free work environment. Our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws. 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 the position, you may protest the action by filing an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the date you receive notice of the elimination. Also, if you wish to challenge the selection and comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the receipt of notice or knowledge of the action you are challenging. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for more information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available at www.colorado.gov/spb. A standard appeal form is available at: www.colorado.gov/spb. If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within 10 days of your receipt of notice or knowledge of the action: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: 303-866-5038. Phone: 303-866-3300. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination.

  Supplemental Information

  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 Dept of Corrections employee or from this email address info@governmentjobs.com 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.

  ADAAA Accommodations: Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided a reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact the person listed on this announcement by phone or email at least five business days before the assessment date to allow us to evaluate your request and prepare for the accommodation. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and type of accommodation needed. Please ensure that you have this information available well in advance of the assessment date.

  SCHEDULED DATES OF POSSIBLE APPLICANT ASSESSMENTS (I.E., EXAMS, ORAL BOARDS, AND WRITTEN EXAMS) WILL NOT BE MADE UP. IF YOU FAIL TO SHOW AT THE APPOINTED DATE/TIME, MAKE-UPS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED.

  ALL DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS FACILITIES AND BUILDINGS ARE TOBACCO FREE.
  WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE PROTECTED CLASSES TO APPLY.

  Benefits

  The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information: www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits

  Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.
  

  Agency State of Colorado

  Address See the full announcement by clicking
  the "Printer" icon located above the job title
  Location varies by announcement, Colorado, --

  Agency State of Colorado Website https://careers.colorado.gov/ Address See the full announcement by clicking
  the "Printer" icon located above the job title
  Location varies by announcement, Colorado, --

  CDOC- Pre Release Specialist Supplemental Questionnaire * QUESTION 1 Please select the location(s) that you are willing to work. By selecting locations, you acknowledge that you are able and willing to work in the areas you select; that you cannot add or remove locations after you submit your application; and that your name will be removed from the eligibility list should you decline to interview, decline the background process or decline an offer from this recruitment.

  AVCF Crowley Co
  DWCF Denver Co
  

  * QUESTION 2 Although the entire pay range for this position is listed, the hiring rate for this position is $4284/month.

  I so acknowledge.
  

  * QUESTION 3 If you are using college course work to meet the minimum qualifications for this postion, a copy of your official (or unofficial) transcript noting degree type and date conferred/awarded is required by the application deadline. Have you attached/uploaded your transcripts?

  Yes, I have attached my transcripts.
  No, I am not using college course work to meet minimum requirements for this position.
  

  * QUESTION 4 By clicking below, you acknowledge that the selections process may consist primarily of a review of your application, documents submitted, supplemental questions against the minimum qualifications, required competencies and preferred qualifications. Your responses will also be evaluated on ability to follow instructions, clarity, conciseness, organization, grammar, spelling and word choice. Do you acknowledge this?

  I so acknowledge.
  * QUESTION 5 Describe in detail any of the Preferred Qualifications (listed above) that you possess.

  * QUESTION 6 Clearly describe why you are the best candidate for this position. Provide a detailed account of how you meet the required competencies and preferred qualifications (mentioned above) and how your accomplishments, qualifications, skills, areas of expertise, personal characteristics, etc., make you a good fit for this position.

  * QUESTION 7 Describe in detail your experience assisting a diverse population achieve community stability through individualized transition planning, identification of individual needs and referring clients to available resources.

  * QUESTION 8 Describe your experience with Motivational Interviewing.

  * QUESTION 9 Are you a veteran? (If yes, please attach your DD214 member 4 form to your application). Also, if you have a disability you must include a disability letter dated within the last year with your DD214.

  * QUESTION 10 Certification and Confidentiality Statement I certify that: --I understand that this, my completed Application and the attached Supplemental Questions and my responses are confidential and that I have neither consulted with others nor received assistance in the writing or editing of my responses and the information contained herein was prepared and completed solely by me and only me. --All the information I have provided herein is true, complete and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief, and is made in good faith. --I have not communicated the confidential information of this, my Application and the attached Supplemental Questions in any way to other candidates or potential candidates. --I understand that if the confidential information in this, my Application and the attached Supplemental Questions, is found to have been falsified or shared in any way, I may be disqualified or removed from the position if appointed. I agree to the terms and conditions of this Certification and Confidentiality Statement.

  * QUESTION 11 By clicking below, you acknowledge that you have completed the application in its entirety, scanned and uploaded all required documents, and that failing to do so could result in your application not being accepted.