CDOC - Warden (Sterling)

State of Colorado • Denver, CO

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Colorado Department of Corrections is recruiting for a dynamic Warden to provide leadership to facility operations. In conjunction with the CDOC mission, vision and value statements, this position will provide management oversight and operational control, exercising leadership, strategic planning and staff coordination over correctional facility operations. Position reports to the Deputy Director of Prisons and collaborates with CDOC executive team, other wardens, and facility staff to ensure safe, secure and humane operations of all institutions, upholding public safety and successful reentry of inmates.

Requirements

• Ten (10) years of relevant experience in Business Administration, Business Management, Education, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Public Administration, Psychology which must include three (3) years of direct prison operations experience in a role which managed offender populations, staffing and budget allocations oversight, goal setting experience and managing overall operations of a correction facility.
• A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in Business Administration, Business Management, Education, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Public Administration, Psychology equal to ten (10) years, which must include three (3) years of direct prison operations experience in a role which managed offender populations, staffing and budget allocations oversight, goal setting experience and managing overall operations of a correction facility.
• Self-control, a strong sense of ability to work in stressful, potentially violent situations
• Ability to remain alert, emotionally stable, and mentally resilient under pressure and observant throughout their shift
• Tolerance to stress, confinement, and high-stakes interaction
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to manage staff with diverse professional experience and qualifications
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively and maintain a positive culture
• Strong verbal and written communication and public speaking skills
• Ability to effectively manage in a complex, changing environment
• Comprehensive operational knowledge of institutional facilities
• Ability to progressively manage a multiple programmatic governmental organization with efficiency and effectiveness
• Ability to provide analytical expertise in strategic planning, operational effectiveness, crises management and exemplary responsiveness
• Ability to provide innovation, implement and improve the operations through effective performance measures
• Ability to read and comprehend the English language
• Ability to effectively communicate fluently in English both verbally and in writing
• Ability to create accessible documents and technical content that follows plain language guidelines with accessibility in mind
• Possess a high school diploma or GED
• Must be 21 years of age
• Possess a valid driver’s license.
• 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
• 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
• Work in situations involving assaultive behavior, physical control of another person and/or restraint situations
• 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
• Successful completion of a background investigation is required.

Nice To Haves

• Relevant years of state service
• At least two (2) years supervising professional third level supervisors. Professional third level supervision is an individual exercising span and control over three levels of supervision to include responsibility for performance management and providing input that could affect pay, tenure or status.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall operational management of a large, multi-custody state correctional facility which includes senior administrative management of all facility programs such as group living, security, inmate services, and education
• Establish the direction of the facility mission and vision to include goals and objectives; develops an organizational structure by which the statutory mission can be accomplished effectively and efficiently
• Formulate or adjusts program objectives to ensure compliance with Federal and State statutes, Department of Corrections regulations, policies, and other established correctional standards for the management of inmates and to ensure inmates are managed to capacity
• Evaluate effectiveness and makes improvements to facility operations and infrastructure to ensure appropriate delivery of services and programs to the inmate population
• Management and oversight which includes establishing administrative processes and programmatic guidelines
• Comply with administrative and legislative intent; interprets legislation and develops new and innovative programs
• Identify areas for improved efficiencies and establishes methods to implement and measure efficient improvement strategies
• Develop and maintain cooperative agreements and relationships with other facilities and units within the Department
• Provide oversight through meetings with subordinate staff to assure facility is in compliance with relevant legal provisions of state statutes and court decisions
• Serve as appointing authority to all assigned positions and areas of responsibility; appoints staff, defines jobs, and determines work hours by analyzing facility operational needs and staffing patterns
• Supervise, coach, and mentor staff by developing performance plans, conducting performance reviews, and completing performance evaluations per CDOC regulations; issues corrective and/or disciplinary action when warranted
• Delegate authority to subordinate supervisors regarding work flow, scheduling, and job assignments, as well as daily inspections of buildings, grounds, activities, and operations
• Ensure facility supervisors are providing timely performance plans, reviews, and evaluations
• Settle DOC employee complaints by responding to grievances and conducts State Personnel Board Rule 6-10 meetings when considering disciplinary action
• Coordinate efforts through unit supervisors and facility management teams to ensure effective training of staff and compliance with applicable CDOC policies and directives, for daily operational job success and career enhancement
• Supervise the preparation of fiscal budgets for facility operations; determines, approves, and monitors budget allocations and expenditures to ensure spending is within fiscal rules, administrative regulations and is fiscally responsible
• Review population projections and analyzes operating, staffing, and program needs; recommends changes in resources as they relate to annual budgetary allocations
• Make operational or service adjustments to budgetary appropriations and availability; ensures spending is within fiscal rules, administrative regulations, and fiscally responsible
• Perform other job related duties as assigned or required

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. Correctional Officers I-IV qualify as "Safety Officers" and are eligible for increased PERA benefits
• 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 and more

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: High school or GED