Correctional Program Specialist (Mentor Coordinator)

Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System • Butner Federal Correctional Complex, NC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Correctional professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by preparing individuals for successful reentry into our communities. Primarily responsible for overseeing the mentor program, matching inmate participants in a faith-based or secular mentor program with a community mentor or team of mentors at or near their release destination. The incumbent works closely with program staff, Reentry Affairs Coordinators (RAC), and other facility staff to match inmates and mentors, track progress, provide and facilitate mentor training for volunteers, inmates and staff, and coordinate program logistics. Provides training and support for staff, volunteers, contractors, and inmates involved in mentor programs offered by all institution departments. In cooperation and collaboration with the RAC, the incumbent develops working relationships with the USPS, RRCs, and faith-based and community organizations. The relationships established with these entities will be at the level of those staff who work directly with the inmates to foster effective communication of program goals and objectives. Establishing and maintaining these outside community networks is critical to achieving the goal of successful community reentry for incarcerated individuals. Along with all other correctional institution employees, incumbent is charged with responsibility for maintaining security of the institution. The staff correctional responsibilities precede all others required by this position and are performed on a regular and recurring basis.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship is Required
• Meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria
• Rated well-qualified for the position, scoring at least half of the total possible points for the vacancy KSAs or competencies
• Submit the appropriate documentation to support CTAP eligibility: A copy of the agency notice (i.e., separation notice or agency RIF letter), Most recent performance appraisal, and Most recent SF-50 showing current/former position, grade, promotion potential, and duty location
• A Master's or equivalent graduate degree; OR 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; OR LL.B or J.D., if related. Graduate Education: Major study - correctional administration, criminology, psychology, social work, sociology, or other fields related to the position.
• At least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade level. Specialized experience is directly related experience that included substantial involvement with a correctional program and provided a thorough knowledge of correctional techniques, or experience in meeting and dealing with people that demonstrated the ability to work effectively with inmates and associates in a correctional environment.
• Experience in training volunteers and contractors on institutional programs and security procedures.
• Experience in developing and implementing mentoring programs.
• Skilled in establishing community networks and resources to support mentoring programs.
• Experience and knowledge working with faith-based programs.
• Equivalent combination of successfully completed graduate education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements.
• Appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of a pre-employment and panel interview, urinalysis, physical, and background investigation.
• All applicants are subject to, and must satisfactorily pass all screening requirements in relation to National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and credit check.
• All applicants not currently working in an institution will be required to complete a qualification inquiry regarding convictions of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence in order to be authorized to carry a firearm.
• Successful completion of the "Introduction to Correctional Techniques", three-week training course at Glynco, Georgia is required.

Nice To Haves

• Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing the mentor program
• Matching inmate participants in a faith-based or secular mentor program with a community mentor or team of mentors at or near their release destination
• Working closely with program staff, Reentry Affairs Coordinators (RAC), and other facility staff to match inmates and mentors
• Tracking progress of mentor programs
• Providing and facilitating mentor training for volunteers, inmates and staff
• Coordinating program logistics
• Providing training and support for staff, volunteers, contractors, and inmates involved in mentor programs offered by all institution departments
• Developing working relationships with the USPS, RRCs, and faith-based and community organizations in cooperation and collaboration with the RAC
• Establishing and maintaining outside community networks
• Maintaining security of the institution

Benefits

• A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
• As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.

What This Job Offers

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