Workforce Program Specialist

Arizona Department of Administration • Tucson, AZ

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry is hiring a Workforce Program Specialist to oversee workforce participants and/or inmates at Arizona Correctional Industries (ACI) sites and in the community. The role combines supervision, production oversight in a manufacturing setting, security, and support for a safe and efficient work environment. The position is based at ACI, Arizona State Prison Complex – Tucson, in Tucson, Arizona.

The specialist supervises work crews, maintains security and accountability, oversees production and conduct, and coordinates workforce efforts with operational needs. The position also supports participants’ access to industry-recognized credentials, apprenticeships, and post-release employment. Driving or operating State vehicles may be required for participant transportation, worksite needs, or other State business.

Employment is contingent on passing a background investigation and drug test. The position requires a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with passenger endorsement within 90 days if a rotation or operational need requires transporting inmates. Employees driving on State business must maintain a current, valid, class-appropriate driver’s license, meet applicable training and driving-record requirements, and maintain required liability insurance if using a personally owned vehicle. Employees must take a TB test during New Employee Orientation and annually thereafter, and newly hired State employees must successfully complete E-Verify.

Requirements

• Knowledge of federal, State, and agency laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relevant to the assignment.
• Knowledge of inmate management and supervision principles and practices.
• Knowledge of problem-solving and conflict-resolution techniques, inventory controls, and search techniques.
• Skill in applying laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; written and verbal communication; interpersonal relationships; problem-solving, conflict resolution, and decision-making; inventory control and search techniques; attention to detail; prioritization and time management; and leadership and supervision.
• Ability to lift and carry approximately 20 pounds, push and pull approximately 20 pounds, and walk or run approximately 0.25 miles.
• Ability to adhere to and enforce applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; establish and maintain security, order, and discipline; and work with and supervise inmates.
• Ability to maintain security and control of tools, equipment, and confidential information; respond diplomatically and tactfully to issues; and maintain professional working relationships with employees and inmates.
• Ability to administer work evaluations and production reviews, evaluate documentation for accuracy and completeness, and conduct various types of searches.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, make sound decisions, provide clear and concise instructions to inmate workers, and safely transport inmates between the facility and work location.
• Employment is contingent on successfully passing a background investigation and drug test.
• A valid CDL with passenger endorsement is required within 90 days if a rotation or operational need requires transporting inmates.
• Employees who drive on State business must possess and retain a current, valid, class-appropriate driver’s license, complete required training, pass necessary driving-record checks, and maintain an acceptable driving record. Employees using a personally owned vehicle on State business must maintain statutorily required liability insurance.
• Employees must take a TB test during New Employee Orientation and every year thereafter.
• Newly hired State employees must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Nice To Haves

• CDL with passenger endorsement.
• Two years of experience as a Correctional Officer, or professional experience in correctional services or the criminal justice field.

Responsibilities

• Supervise workforce participants and community-based work crews at ACI work sites.
• Maintain the safety and security of participants and work crews through site, vehicle, pat, and strip searches.
• Conduct continuous observations and accountability headcounts.
• Oversee production activities and workforce conduct in manufacturing centers.
• Coordinate with the designated Regional Operations and Workforce Development Managers to align workforce efforts with production schedules and operational needs.
• Review work output, provide coaching, and administer performance evaluations and discipline when necessary.
• Maintain safe, orderly, and productive work sites and supervise civilian work crew leaders where applicable.
• Complete and submit reports related to incidents, work performance, and operational issues in a timely manner.
• Assist participants in gaining industry-recognized credentials and accessing apprenticeship programs.
• Monitor contractors for compliance with ACI contract obligations.
• Partner with ACI’s Training and Education Manager to help participants secure post-release employment.
• Drive or operate State vehicles to transport participants, attend to worksite needs, or conduct State business.
• Perform other duties appropriate to the assignment.

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 (pilot program).
• Medical, dental, life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance options.
• Arizona State Retirement System participation; enrollment eligibility becomes effective after 27 weeks of employment.
• 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
• Education Level: No Education Listed