Correctional Officer I - Ark Valley Correctional Facility

State of Colorado • Denver, CO

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Correctional Officer I (CO I) position maintains the safety and security of Colorado Department of Corrections' (CDOC) prison facilities throughout the state. Correctional Officers support the CDOC Mission, Vision and Values with integrity and commitment while preparing inmates for community reentry. Correctional Officers respectfully communicate with inmates and their families, coworkers, supervisors, managers and the public; presenting a professional and dependable workforce. Positions must cooperate with other staff members and work as a cohesive team, while managing a diverse inmate population. Positions maintain the safety and security of the general public, staff and inmates.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or a GED certificate
• Be at least 21 years of age
• Possess a valid driver’s license
• Possess a high school diploma or GED
• Have NO felony convictions
• Must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of application
• Successfully pass all modules of the six-week Colorado Department of Corrections Basic Training, to include English reading comprehension, relevant competency assessments and written/practical exams in Defensive Tactics
• 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
• 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
• 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

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual
• 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
• Man an armed post (this requires annual firearms certification)
• Monitor facility perimeter, detain unidentified pedestrians and/or vehicles
• Operate a variety of mechanical doors, security devices, equipment and alarms
• Control movement of inmates throughout the daily schedule
• Escort and transport inmates in authorized state vehicles
• Monitor visiting areas
• Conduct formal, informal and emergency counts
• Cross check and maintain movement logs
• Conduct searches for contraband (this may include canine, metal detector, pat, perimeter, strip and vehicle searches)
• Inspect facility and cells to maintain health, safety and sanitation standards
• Inspect inmate mail and property
• Utilize proper protocols when responding to emergency situations, such as fights, medical emergencies, fires and escapes
• Follow established tool and key control, ensure proper storage and documentation
• Attend roll call
• Document incidents utilize established reporting practices
• Communicate pertinent information to coworkers and supervisors
• Work directly with inmates in a locked facility
• Monitor and control access to the facility and restricted areas
• Man an armed post (this requires annual firearms certification)
• Monitor facility perimeter, detain unidentified pedestrians and/or vehicles
• Operate a variety of mechanical doors, security devices, equipment and alarms
• Control movement of inmates throughout the daily schedule
• Escort and transport inmates in authorized state vehicles
• Monitor visiting areas
• Conduct formal, informal and emergency counts
• Cross check and maintain movement logs
• Conduct searches for contraband (this may include canine, metal detector, pat, perimeter, strip and vehicle searches)
• Inspect facility and cells to maintain health, safety and sanitation standards
• Inspect inmate mail and property
• Utilize proper protocols when responding to emergency situations, such as fights, medical emergencies, fires and escapes
• Follow established tool and key control, ensure proper storage and documentation
• Attend roll call
• Document incidents utilize established reporting practices
• Communicate pertinent information to coworkers and supervisors

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
• Education Level: High school or GED