CDOC - Community Parole Officer (Denver Metro)

State of Colorado • Denver, CO

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Colorado Department of Corrections Division of Adult Parole manages and supervises parolees and inmates around the clock to support public safety and successful re-entry into the community. Community Parole Officers work in parole offices and in the field, including in residences, workplaces, treatment settings, and other community locations. This position may be assigned to any of four Denver Metro offices based on staffing needs.

Under direction and supervision, the officer assesses and supervises parolees, develops and updates case plans, monitors compliance with supervision conditions, and supports progress toward individual goals. The role involves evidence-based supervision and motivational techniques, crisis intervention, violation investigations and sanctions, and participation in hearings. The officer may make arrests, transport parolees, work after regular business hours, and be subject to periodic on-call or callback duties. The position also requires maintaining proficiency in firearms, arrest control, defensive tactics, CPR, first aid, and use-of-force requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; alternatively, a combination of coursework and professional work experience in criminal justice, corrections, social work, or counseling totaling four years, including one year in social work, case management, or community supervision.
• Possess and maintain current, valid Colorado P.O.S.T. certification, or qualifying out-of-state law enforcement certification with the ability to obtain Colorado P.O.S.T. certification through the provisional process before hire, or eligibility to obtain Colorado P.O.S.T. certification through provisional certification or Federal Reciprocity before hire.
• At least 21 years of age.
• Valid and unrestricted driver's license; drivers must maintain a valid, non-restricted Colorado license and meet state driving-record requirements.
• No felony convictions or domestic violence history; additional disqualifying criminal and sexual-abuse-related history restrictions apply.
• Complete and pass all modules of the six-week Colorado Department of Corrections Basic Training, including reading-comprehension and competency assessments and defensive-tactics examinations.
• Meet physical abilities required for defensive tactics, physical control and restraint, self-defense, mobility, and observation, including the ability to see and hear adequately for safety and security duties.
• Willing and able to travel and work various shifts, including days, afternoons, and graveyards, on a rotating schedule.
• Successfully complete required medical screening, background investigation, tuberculosis screening, and drug testing; pass random drug screening during employment.
• Valid U.S. work authorization at the time of application; the Department of Corrections cannot provide H-1B sponsorship.
• Required competencies include self-control and resilience in stressful or potentially violent situations; respectful interpersonal and customer-service skills; initiative; organization and prioritization; computer skills; effective written and oral communication in English; critical thinking and decision-making; multitasking and flexibility; collaboration; and the ability to work with high-risk, high-need, and diverse populations.

Nice To Haves

• Professional experience in parole, probation, community corrections case management, law enforcement, school or community resource work, community resource coordination, or related fields.
• Experience managing multiple cases, assignments, or competing priorities while meeting deadlines and maintaining accurate documentation.
• Knowledge of criminal justice and court processes, community supervision practices, legal requirements, and community-based resources.
• Experience working with the public, community stakeholders, justice-involved individuals, or diverse populations to address concerns, coordinate services, and resolve challenging situations.
• Experience coordinating with criminal justice agencies, treatment providers, social service organizations, or other community partners.
• Experience independently evaluating complex situations, assessing risk, and implementing appropriate solutions within policies, procedures, and legal guidelines.
• Experience with case planning, including setting goals and objectives.
• Knowledge of evidence-based practices and interventions supporting successful re-entry of justice-involved individuals.
• Experience with Motivational Interviewing.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field work, including after regular business hours, to contact parolees or inmates and investigate violations in community settings.
• Apply evidence-based assessment, case-planning, and supervision techniques under the supervision of a team leader or supervisor.
• Analyze case materials and interview individuals to develop and update the Colorado Transition Accountability Plan (CTAP), including supervision conditions and individual goals.
• Monitor compliance and progress concerning employment, drug treatment and screening, restitution, residential status, and specialized treatment programs; escort individuals to activities when needed.
• Use motivational interviewing, coaching, and other evidence-based practices to reinforce pro-social behavior, problem-solving skills, and goal attainment.
• Provide crisis intervention, personal counseling, and guidance to address interpersonal, family, and financial problems.
• Investigate non-compliant behavior and impose appropriate sanctions in accordance with the Colorado Violation Decision Making Process or community violation matrix, DOC policy, and applicable law.
• Present case information at evidentiary hearings, including Code of Penal Discipline, parole revocation, Youthful Offender System revocation, and Interstate Compact probable-cause hearings; serve as a hearing officer for specified residential ISP-I proceedings.
• Supervise assigned caseloads.
• Attend training and develop skills in evidence-based supervision, assessment, case planning, motivational interviewing, and cognitive behavioral interventions.
• Maintain proficiency in firearms, arrest control techniques, CPR, first aid, and other training required by CDOC policy and Colorado P.O.S.T. standards.
• Maintain required use-of-force knowledge and certification.
• Respond to periodic on-call or callback duties after hours on a 24/7 basis.
• Make arrests and transport parolees as a PEACE Officer.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned or required.

Benefits

• Career advancement opportunities throughout the state system.
• PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus 401(k) and 457 plans; correctional officers qualify as Safety Officers and are eligible for increased PERA benefits.
• 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