CDOC Correctional Officer I - Denver Correctional Complex

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Correctional Officer I position maintains the safety and security of Colorado Department of Corrections prison facilities while supporting the department’s mission, vision, and values and preparing inmates for community reentry. Officers work directly with inmates in a locked facility and communicate professionally and respectfully with inmates, their families, coworkers, supervisors, managers, and the public. They cooperate with staff as a team while managing a diverse inmate population and protecting the public, staff, and inmates. This posting will be used to fill vacant positions assigned to the Denver Complex, which includes the Denver Reception and Diagnostic Center and Denver Women’s Correctional Facility. Positions may require additional hours and shifts to maintain the safety and security of facilities operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Officers must be willing and able to work various shifts, including days, afternoons, and nights, on a rotating schedule. Employment is contingent on meeting the stated conditions, including passing a six-week basic training program and medical screening.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least 18 years of age.
Valid driver’s license and ability to maintain a valid, non-restricted Colorado driver’s license as required; safely operate a motor vehicle and meet driving-record criteria.
Valid U.S. work authorization at the time of application; H-1B sponsorship is not available.
No felony convictions, subject to the stated statutory requirements concerning sexual abuse and related conduct for applicants who may have contact with offenders.
Successfully pass all modules of the six-week Colorado Department of Corrections Basic Training, including English reading comprehension, competency assessments, and written and practical Defensive Tactics exams.
Pass a medical screening certifying the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
Ability to read and comprehend English and communicate fluently in English, verbally and in writing.
Strong work ethic, accountability, integrity, dependability, sound judgment, reasoning, decision-making, self-control, and ability to work under stress.
Strong interpersonal, teamwork, customer service, and attention-to-detail skills; ability to communicate respectfully with inmates, families, coworkers, and the public, including diverse populations.
Knowledge of criminal justice systems and the treatment of incarcerated individuals, including state statutes, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Prison Rape Elimination Act, and department regulations, policies, standards, and guidelines.
Intermediate computer keyboarding skills and ability to communicate using computer-based email.
Ability to study information and document events comprehensively and legibly.
Ability to observe and hear changes, inappropriate activity, hazards, and potential security breaches; monitor inmate whereabouts and maintain accurate counts.
Ability to remain alert, emotionally stable, observant, and mentally resilient throughout a shift and in stressful or potentially violent situations.
Ability to control, direct, and instruct inmates; conduct searches; detect object attributes such as size, shape, and texture; and manipulate security equipment.
Ability to safely operate and monitor mechanical doors and learn to use firearms, restraints, security devices, communications equipment, and chemical agents such as pepper spray.
Ability to seize, hold, grasp, and turn objects; use physical force when needed; and respond quickly to emergencies.
Physical ability to complete defensive tactics, including lifting arms above the head, kicking to waist height, controlling another person in a takedown, delivering and withstanding strikes, using a baton, rotating the body for defensive actions, and repeatedly getting down on and up from the knees.
Ability to see and hear, walk and climb stairs consistently, demonstrate agility and strength in all four limbs, and seize, control, or subdue violent or assaultive persons to prevent injury.
Ability to work in restraint situations and with people of different sexes and diverse racial and ethnic groups, including individuals who are mentally ill or emotionally disturbed.
Ability to work in fluctuating noise and temperatures, including outdoors in inclement weather and in concrete-floor or concrete-wall settings.
Willingness and ability to travel, follow the chain of command and safety protocols, and adhere to the CDOC Drug Deterrence Program.
TB screening upon hire.
Applicants must provide at least ten years of current work history for the background investigation, unless relevant experience is later than ten years.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual ability.
Experience mentoring others and/or volunteer work.

Responsibilities

Work directly with inmates in a locked facility.
Monitor and control access to the facility and restricted areas, and monitor the facility perimeter.
Man an armed post and maintain annual firearms certification.
Operate mechanical doors, security devices, equipment, and alarms.
Control inmate movement during the daily schedule; escort and transport inmates in authorized state vehicles.
Monitor visiting areas and conduct formal, informal, and emergency counts.
Cross-check and maintain movement logs.
Search for contraband, including through canine, metal detector, pat, perimeter, strip, and vehicle searches.
Inspect facilities and cells for health, safety, and sanitation, and inspect inmate mail and property.
Respond to emergencies such as fights, medical emergencies, fires, and escapes using established protocols.
Follow tool and key control procedures, including proper storage and documentation.
Attend roll call, document incidents using established reporting practices, and communicate pertinent information to coworkers and supervisors.
Control, direct, and instruct inmates individually and in groups while maintaining safety and security.
Apply effective correctional methods to help prepare inmates for community reentry.

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 I–IV 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.