Labor & Employment Specialist II (PROWD)

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Labor & Employment Specialist II works in the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment’s Workforce Development Programs unit on the Partners for Reentry Opportunities in Workforce Development (PROWD) program. The unit plans, develops, administers, delivers, oversees, and monitors employment and training programs and services under federal and state guidelines. It also coordinates with state groups and local service-delivery entities, including workforce centers, counties, and subcontractors. PROWD Re-entry Specialists provide services in Federal Bureau of Prisons facilities and Residential Reentry Centers. This position assesses the reentry needs of individuals in custody, develops and implements transitional plans, researches community resources and support, connects people with agencies and organizations, and provides services individually and in groups. The specialist coordinates with federal parole officers, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, local workforce areas, state and local agencies, community and faith-based organizations, and other service providers to support successful reentry and enhance public safety. Services must follow CDLE and Bureau of Prisons professional standards, regulations, guidelines, and operating procedures. The position is based in Denver County, is open only to current Colorado residents, and offers hybrid workplace options. The employee must report to the listed address when directed by the supervisor or when business needs require it, and must travel to the assigned Federal Bureau of Prisons facility. The position is grant funded through September 30, 2027, and the selected employee must sign a waiver of retention rights.

Requirements

Five years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the assigned work, including experience working with past or currently incarcerated people in probation, parole, correctional, or prison facilities and/or career development; alternatively, a combination of related education and relevant experience totaling five years.
Demonstrated success working with Adults in Custody to support their transition back into the community.
Ability to coordinate with multiple organizations to provide career development, mental health, and social services.
Knowledge of and ability to participate on multidisciplinary teams supporting Adults in Custody.
Understanding of career development assessments, interest inventories, and other employment-related tools.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with people at varying education levels.
Knowledge of effective outreach and recruitment strategies for justice-involved individuals.
Ability to facilitate meetings among professionals providing various services.
Ability to construct and facilitate presentations for stakeholders, individuals in custody, and service providers.
Ability to research and present labor market information to groups with varying education levels.
Ability to travel throughout the assigned region and drive a state-owned or personal vehicle.
Must be a current Colorado resident.
Must pass a thorough background check, motor vehicle record check, and E-Verify process before employment.
Must pass the Federal Bureau of Prisons background check required to work in the assigned facility.
Must travel to the Federal Bureau of Prisons facility the position serves.

Nice To Haves

Experience administering assessments.
Experience evaluating training and job readiness.
Experience in case management.
Experience performing duties similar to those assigned to the position as a classified State of Colorado employee.

Responsibilities

Assess the reentry needs of individuals in custody.
Develop and implement transitional plans.
Research and gather community resources and support.
Connect individuals with other agencies and organizations.
Provide services in individual and group settings.
Coordinate with federal parole officers, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, local workforce areas, state and local agency staff, community and faith-based organizations, and other service providers.
Coordinate career development, mental health, and social services through multiple organizations.
Facilitate meetings involving professionals who provide services.
Prepare and deliver presentations to stakeholders, individuals in custody, and service providers.
Research and present labor market information to groups with varied education levels.
Travel throughout the assigned region and to the assigned Federal Bureau of Prisons facility.
Deliver services and programs according to CDLE and Bureau of Prisons standards, regulations, guidelines, and operating procedures.

Benefits

PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus 401(k) and 457 plans
Medical and dental health plans
Employer-supplemented Health Savings Account
Paid life insurance
Short- and long-term disability coverage
11 paid holidays per year, plus vacation and sick leave
State employee discount program through BenefitHub
MotivateMe employee wellness program
Flexible schedules and other work-life programs
Training
RTD EcoPass Commuter Program
Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program