Correctional Case Worker Specialist 2

State of Nevada•Indian Springs, NV

21h•Onsite

About The Position

The Nevada Department of Corrections has a vacancy for a Correctional Caseworker Specialist 2 at High Desert State Prison. Incumbent conducts routine casework assignments within established time frames to determine need for reclassification of individual offenders. The staff member will evaluate, develop and implement plans for offender program and/or work participation. Perform difficult casework assignments that require the resolution of complex legal issues and the coordination and management of multi-disciplinary and classification activities involving due process and procedural safeguards of inmates. Caseload assignments involving offenders classified to mental health units, Intake, Segregation/Protective Housing units, and condemned offender housing units. Correctional Casework Specialists perform duties involving the evaluation and classification of individual inmates incarcerated within State correctional facilities; maintain a comprehensive record of each inmate regarding personal data, legal data, criminal history, institutional adjustment, program needs, program achievements, classification history and rule infractions as stipulated under NRS Chapter 209; evaluate, develop and implement plans for inmate program participation.

Requirements

Graduation from high school and five years experience in a correctional, parole and probation or comparable setting conducting casework services and investigations and preparing detailed reports for the purpose of rehabilitation, program development, and program services of clients or the institutional classification and disciplinary process of inmates
OR Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in criminal justice, psychology, sociology, social work, public administration or closely related field and three years experience as described above
OR Master’s degree with specialization in criminal justice, psychology, sociology, social work, public administration or closely related field and two years of experience as described above
OR an equivalent combination of education and experience
OR one year of experience as a Correctional Casework Specialist I in Nevada State service.

Nice To Haves

Ability to: manage and be a resource for the inmate and/or department for the resolution of problems, both internal and external; act decisively on administrative decrees by recording and transmitting information in an authoritative and professional manner.

Responsibilities

Conduct routine casework assignments within established time frames to determine need for reclassification of individual inmates; analyze case factors which contribute to classification decisions such as changes in legal status, progress in service of sentence, decisions of parole authority, achievements and infractions; make determinations based on the application of laws, rules or regulations and thorough analysis and verification of data contained in case history files, investigative reports, personal interviews and departmental reports; compare inmate status against classification criteria; explain, interpret and advise inmate on decisions which are based on Nevada Revised Statutes, court case law, administrative regulations, and institutional/facility procedures.
Serve as a member of the facility’s Disciplinary Committee by hearing cases regarding inmate violations of institutional and work release rules involving general or major infractions; review inmate’s case files, investigative reports, statements from witnesses, evidence, and inmate testimony. Determinations are made as to the guilt of inmates and severity of the violation. Disciplinary sanctions are based on the Code of Penal Discipline and are submitted to the Associate Warden of Programs for review and approval.
Serve as a member of the Institutions/Facilities Classification Committee involving the classification of inmates during their regular reviews, post Parole Board reviews, post Disciplinary Committee reviews and for special classification issues; present and explain data regarding inmates on assigned caseload and participate in the classification process. Committee decisions are based on the Caseworker’s presentation of inmate file material, inmates’ statements, and eligibility in relation to established classification criteria.
Prepare parole progress reports regarding inmate history and activity prior to and during incarceration period. Information is provided as to the inmate’s criminal history, legal status and history, progress in service of sentence, classification history, institutional achievements, adjustment, infractions and criminal status in other jurisdictions. Inmate is interviewed for relevant input for parole report and is notified of hearing date. Release plans are requested as well as letters of verification. Completed report is reviewed with the inmate and supervisor prior to submission to the Parole Board.
Represent the department at Parole Board hearings to provide information and take file notes.
Assist inmate in obtaining work assignments during incarceration by assessing their ability to perform various tasks based on medical records, inmate file history, and personal interviews; make job assignment recommendations to Classification Committee; observe and evaluate work performance and ensure work time credits are properly received and documented.
Respond to inquiries concerning sentence structure and sentence credits of inmates; obtain information regarding inmate work status by reviewing work history reports, institutional file, work time forfeitures and credits, and applicable laws involving parole and discharge eligibility.
Monitor status of assigned inmate’s custody level on a daily basis by reviewing movement sheets to determine if any housing changes, disciplinary or protective custody actions have been taken; review incident reports, interview inmate and document findings in inmate file; ensure inmate receives due process and assistance; complete all required reports and forms for review by supervisor.
Provide guidance to inmates regarding institutional rules, appropriate behavior, program opportunities, personal or family problems, emergency situations, medical or psychological needs and complete appropriate referral forms; encourage behavior modification and performance expectations within institution and take appropriate action; chronologically document information received from inmate and any actions taken to ensure compliance with due process procedures.
Respond to legal matters involving inmates within the facility by answering inquiries from the Attorney General’s Office and other agencies or institutions involving small claims, civil suits and/or criminal prosecution; conduct research to develop written response.
Conduct research and draft correspondence for Prison Administrators which may relate to inmate concerns regarding the staff or institutional programs and policy.
Prepare special reports for the Warden or Director involving removal or reinstatement of statutory good time credits for inmates involved in serious disciplinary infractions and submission of reports for transfer of inmates under the auspices of the Interstate Compact Agreement.
Process, review, and maintain log book for inmate grievances; assign case numbers to grievances received and forward to appropriate party for written response; upon receipt, prepare written response to inmate and attempt to resolve grievance.
May coordinate the movement of inmates involving release, transfer and housing assignments by developing and reviewing appropriate documentation; ensure inmate records and/or property are gathered and transported with inmates and track their movement.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Incumbents perform the full range of duties in the series concept. In addition, under limited supervision of the Correctional Casework Specialist III, incumbents perform difficult casework assignments that require the resolution of complex legal issues and the coordination and management of multi-disciplinary and classification activities involving due process and procedural safeguards of inmates. Caseload assignments are more difficult involving inmates classified to mental health units, reception/diagnostic centers, long term segregation units, and condemned inmate’s housing units. The caseworker utilizes an in-depth knowledge of department policy and procedure, Nevada Revised Statutes, Court Case Law and Administration Regulations.