CORRECTIONAL OFFICER III - LEWIS

Arizona Department of Administration • Buckeye, AZ

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Correctional Officer III serves as the classification specialist for an adult or minor institution, including reception institutions. Under general supervision from a Correctional Officer IV or Correctional Administrator, the position evaluates inmates’ custody and internal risk factors and makes recommendations for prison placement. The role supports classification, rehabilitation, treatment, and release planning while ensuring inmates’ due-process rights are protected.

The position manages inmate case information and classification reviews, coordinates institutional programs and reentry activities, and serves as an institutional resource for certain specialty releases. Work conditions include shift work, extended sitting, extensive reading and writing, light lifting with occasional heavy demands, and possible exposure to hazards associated with inmate security and guidance. Individual positions may perform some or all listed duties and other related work.

Requirements

• Non-Arizona Department of Corrections applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, Public Administration, Business Administration, Behavioral Health, or Sociology.
• Internal applicants must have passed probation as a Correctional Lieutenant in the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry by the announcement’s closing date.
• Upload an approved Promotions Certificate with the application and meet eligibility requirements.
• Knowledge of social or correctional casework and facilitation; classification, treatment, custody, and parole; interpersonal communication, human behavior, crisis intervention, and inmate classification; case histories and records; institutional security and discipline; recreation and activities; and applicable federal, state, and agency laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Skill in correctional casework, interpersonal relationships, rehabilitation, crisis intervention, classification procedures, institutional security and discipline, and developing and implementing recreation and activities.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing; apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; provide timely guidance and crisis intervention; liaise in interactive services; assist inmates with personal, educational, and career goals; maintain files and records; and coordinate inmate incentive and rehabilitation programs.
• Must take a tuberculosis test during New Employee Orientation and annually thereafter.
• If driving or vehicle use is an essential job function for state business, applicable driver’s license requirements apply.
• Newly hired State employees must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Responsibilities

• Schedule meetings with inmates as needed; evaluate and recommend classification reviews; make recommendations on inmate classifications and changes while protecting due-process rights.
• Coordinate, recommend, and facilitate recreation, self-improvement, and correctional programs for inmate care and rehabilitation; conduct reentry activities to support transitions from prison to the community.
• Review and provide recommendations on in-prison treatment, educational, and parole programs.
• Document inmate issues, progress, and history; maintain case logs and Arizona Correctional Information System (ACIS) records; review and prepare inmate work-history summaries.
• Manage operational caseloads by compiling criminal history, court documents, and other relevant documentation in ACIS and designated locations.
• Interview inmates to review received information and gather additional details about offenses, behavior, placement restrictions or precautions, and related matters such as PREA.
• Review cases submitted to Central Classification to confirm required actions are complete; serve as the institutional point of contact and subject matter expert for specialty releases, including Interstate Compact, Sex Offender, Direct Release Probation, Transition Program, and Clemency Releases.
• Use the designated Interstate Compact Offender Tracking System (ICOT) for each complex.
• For Interstate Compact and Sex Offender releases, compile documents from Correctional Officer IIIs, check accuracy, make corrections, submit documents, and track progress.
• Work with unit Correctional Officer IIIs on release-process questions and respond to family members inquiring about transfer status.
• Perform related work as required.

Benefits

• Vacation and sick days, with 10 paid holidays per year.
• Paid parental leave of up to 12 weeks per year for a newborn or newly placed foster or adopted child, under a pilot program.
• Medical, dental, life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance options.
• Retirement program; positions in this classification participate in the Corrections Officer Retirement Plan (CORP).
• Optional deferred compensation plans and credit union membership.
• Wellness program.
• Incentivized commuter club and public transportation subsidy program.

What This Job Offers

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