Correctional Program Officer (Unit Manager)

Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System • Cumberland, MD

1d

About The Position

The Correctional Program Officer (Unit Manager) plans, develops, administers, and evaluates a unit program for incarcerated federal offenders. The position requires a broad understanding of criminology and corrections, management skills in administering treatment programs, and comprehensive knowledge of human behavior.

The Unit Manager directs and manages a housing unit within a federal correctional institution and is responsible for the unit’s overall administration, as well as planning, developing, and implementing individual programs tailored to inmates’ needs. The incumbent shares responsibility with other correctional institution employees for maintaining institutional security. Correctional responsibilities take precedence over other duties and are performed regularly.

The role requires at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade level. Qualifying experience must involve correctional programs and techniques, effective work with inmates and associates in a correctional environment, and successful supervisory or administrative duties. The position also requires U.S. citizenship, a one-year probationary period for an initial supervisory or managerial appointment, satisfactory completion of required screening, and successful completion of a three-week Introduction to Correctional Techniques course in Glynco, Georgia.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• At least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade level.
• Specialized experience must include substantial involvement with a correctional program and a thorough knowledge of correctional techniques, or experience working effectively with inmates and associates in a correctional environment.
• Experience must demonstrate the ability to perform supervisory or administrative duties successfully.
• Experience must include understanding inmate custody, treatment, training, and release; knowledge of institutional policies, programs, regulations, and procedures; and the ability to train subordinates, coordinate and direct activities, evaluate performance and program effectiveness, and maintain high work standards.
• Qualifying experience must have been gained in an administrative position or in a position involving successful direction or assistance in directing an entire correctional program or a major phase of one.
• There is no substitution of education for specialized experience.
• Initial appointment to a supervisory or managerial position requires a one-year probationary period.
• The incumbent is subject to geographic relocation to meet agency needs.
• Appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of a urinalysis, physical, and background investigation; applicants are also subject to NCIC and credit checks.
• Applicants not currently working in an institution may be required to complete a qualification inquiry regarding misdemeanor domestic-violence convictions to be authorized to carry a firearm.
• Successful completion of the three-week Introduction to Correctional Techniques course in Glynco, Georgia, is required.
• A maximum entry age of 36 applies to original appointment to a position in a Bureau of Prisons institution.
• Applicants seeking CTAP selection priority must meet CTAP eligibility criteria, be rated well-qualified, and submit the required supporting documents.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, administer, and evaluate a unit program for incarcerated federal offenders.
• Direct and manage a housing unit and oversee its overall administration.
• Plan, develop, and implement individual programs tailored to the needs of inmates in the unit.
• Maintain institutional security as a regular and recurring responsibility.
• Perform correctional responsibilities as a priority over other duties.
• Depending on prior experience, plan and implement inmate programs; ensure quality control of inmate-related issues and correspondence; develop and evaluate housing-unit operations; and apply case-management, treatment, recreational, and vocational programs.

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package; employees and their families have access to a range of benefits. Specific benefits depend on the type of position.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed