CDOC - Community Parole Officer (Sterling)

State of Colorado • Sterling, CO

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Division of Adult Parole exists to manage and supervise inmates/parolees on a 24 hour per day, seven day per week, 365 day per year basis to provide public safety and opportunities for successful re-entry of inmates/parolees returning to the community. Re-entry support services collaborate with this setting. This unit ensures compliance with Federal and state statutes, CDOC Regulations, Parole Board conditions and agreement, Code of Penal Discipline, community corrections standards, Interstate Compact Rules and Regulations and other established rules/standards for the supervision of inmates/parolees. Under direction and supervision, the primary duties and responsibilities will be: The work location will be in the community, working in the field, for most positions and may involve the following activities: Conduct field work (e.g. pre-release plan investigation, home visitation, job verification, parole violation investigation), including after hours to contact inmates/ parolees at their residence of record; Apply evidence-based assessment, case planning and supervision techniques, set by policy and standards of practice, under the supervision of a team leader or supervisor; Direct the assessment and supervision plan of community-based parolees through the analysis of case material and interviews to update the Colorado Transition Accountability Plan (CTAP) by incorporating community supervision conditions and updating the parolee's goals; Monitor parolee compliance and progress by overseeing employment, drug treatment and screening, restitution payments, residential status, and specialized treatment programs consistent with the community supervision plan and division contact standards and escort to specific activities, if needed; Interact with parolees and use motivational interviewing, coaching, and other evidence based practices to reinforce pro-social behavior and assist parolees in developing effective problem solving skills and attaining goals; Provide crisis intervention, personal counseling and guidance to parolees in resolving interpersonal, familial and financial problems to enhance parolee success and better ensure public safety; Respond to parolee non-compliant behavior by investigating violations, and imposing appropriate sanctions consistent with the Colorado Violation Decision Making Process (CVDMP) or community violation matrix, most of which are managed in the community and do not require arrest; Present case information for a variety of evidentiary hearings to include COPD (Code of Penal Discipline) hearings, Parole revocation hearings, YOS (Youthful Offender System) revocation proceedings, and Interstate Compact probable cause hearings as well as serving as a hearing officer for COPDs conducted on residential and CRCF (Community Return to Custody Facility) parolees in compliance with due process standards; Attend training and develop skills in evidence based supervision techniques to include motivational interviewing, assessment and case planning, and cognitive behavioral interventions; Maintain proficiency in the use of firearms, arrest control techniques, CPR, and first aid. Maintain a thorough understanding of use of force compliance with certification according to State Statue and Department of Corrections policy; The position requires periodic on-call or call backs after hours on a 24/7 basis; Pursuant to C.R.S. 16-2.6-101, position will function as a PEACE Officer and will make arrests and transport parolees; Perform other job related duties as assigned or required.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree.
• A combination of coursework and professional work experience in criminal justice, corrections, social work, counseling , which equals four (4) years.
• Must possess and maintain a current and valid Colorado P.O.S.T. (Peace Officer Standards and Training) certification (or law enforcement certification equivalent) from another state with the ability to obtain your Colorado P.O.S.T. using the provisional process prior to being hired.
• Be eligible to obtain your Colorado P.O.S.T. certification through the Federal Reciprocity program prior to being hired.
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Possess a valid and unrestricted driver's license
• Have no felony convictions or domestic violence history
• Must be able to see and hear in order to observe, address and respond to potential breaches in safety and security
• 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
• Work in an 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
• Willing and able to work various shifts, days, afternoons, graveyards (nights) which includes a rotating shift schedule
• TB (tuberculosis) screening is required of all new employees upon hire
• Successful completion of a background investigation is required.
• Employees (see exception below) 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.
• Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified employees are prohibited from the use of marijuana.

Nice To Haves

• Prior State of Colorado experience
• Experience as a parolee advocate to help parolees reintegrate successfully into society
• Knowledge of law enforcement, corrections, parole, or probation operations, or case management
• Experience with community supervision as an alternative to incarceration
• Experience working in a correctional or community supervision environment
• Broad knowledge of social perceptiveness, human behavior, attitudes, motivation and its applicability in the rehabilitation of inmates
• Experience working with hard to serve, high need, or high risk clients
• Experience with case planning and includes setting goals and objectives
• Knowledge of Evidence Based Practices and Interventions for the successful re-entry of parolees
• Experience with Motivational Interviewing (MI)

Responsibilities

• Conduct field work (e.g. pre-release plan investigation, home visitation, job verification, parole violation investigation), including after hours to contact inmates/ parolees at their residence of record
• Apply evidence-based assessment, case planning and supervision techniques, set by policy and standards of practice, under the supervision of a team leader or supervisor
• Direct the assessment and supervision plan of community-based parolees through the analysis of case material and interviews to update the Colorado Transition Accountability Plan (CTAP) by incorporating community supervision conditions and updating the parolee's goals
• Monitor parolee compliance and progress by overseeing employment, drug treatment and screening, restitution payments, residential status, and specialized treatment programs consistent with the community supervision plan and division contact standards and escort to specific activities, if needed
• Interact with parolees and use motivational interviewing, coaching, and other evidence based practices to reinforce pro-social behavior and assist parolees in developing effective problem solving skills and attaining goals
• Provide crisis intervention, personal counseling and guidance to parolees in resolving interpersonal, familial and financial problems to enhance parolee success and better ensure public safety
• Respond to parolee non-compliant behavior by investigating violations, and imposing appropriate sanctions consistent with the Colorado Violation Decision Making Process (CVDMP) or community violation matrix, most of which are managed in the community and do not require arrest
• Present case information for a variety of evidentiary hearings to include COPD (Code of Penal Discipline) hearings, Parole revocation hearings, YOS (Youthful Offender System) revocation proceedings, and Interstate Compact probable cause hearings as well as serving as a hearing officer for COPDs conducted on residential and CRCF (Community Return to Custody Facility) parolees in compliance with due process standards
• Attend training and develop skills in evidence based supervision techniques to include motivational interviewing, assessment and case planning, and cognitive behavioral interventions
• Maintain proficiency in the use of firearms, arrest control techniques, CPR, and first aid
• Maintain a thorough understanding of use of force compliance with certification according to State Statue and Department of Corrections policy
• Function as a PEACE Officer and will make arrests and transport parolees
• Perform other job related duties as assigned or required

Benefits

• 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
• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave
• Wellness program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Training opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level