Community Specialist

This position is only open to Colorado state residents.  
This posting may be used to fill future vacancies at this location. 
Job Location: The position is located in the Colorado Springs Parole Office This position is eligible for a Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA) after the initial training period. The FWA includes a hybrid workplace which is partly remote (work from home) and partly in office. Salary Note : Although the full salary range is listed, new hire appointments are typically made at the range minimum, which is $4,669/month. If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference and builds greater public confidence in good government, consider joining the dedicated people of the State of Colorado. Our professionals strive to support state government and the citizens of Colorado. Customer service is a key component for every position in state government as is the focus on ideas and ways to redesign the delivery of services in making state government more effective and efficient.
In addition to a great agency and rewarding, meaningful work, we offer: 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;  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. Community Re-Entry Specialists work within assigned parole offices. This position will assess the re-entry needs of individuals, develop and implement transitional plans, provide case management to parolees to set goals and remove barriers, build community resources/support, provide linkages to other agencies and organizations, and maintain/analyze data concerning service provision. The position works in close coordination with Community Parole Officers, Parole Release Case Managers, Education staff, state/local agency staff, community and faith-based organizations, and other individuals/groups providing services to offenders in order to enhance public safety.
The primary job duties include: Assess re-entry needs, barriers and strengths using formal and informal assessment tools; Develop individualized transition plans based on assessed criminogenic needs and risks; Deliver individualized case management and instruction in areas such as housing, employment, repairing family support systems, identifying thinking errors, and developing decision making skills for pro-social change; Facilitate interactive group modules using evidence based curriculum and technology; Provide transitional services for high needs and homeless in release transition meetings; Work as part of the region/office or facility work team and become familiar with and adhere to all policies, processes, and procedures; Attend multi-agency case staffing and meetings with professionals to plan, develop, and implement Re-Entry goals and objectives; Develop partnerships and collaborate with community organizations and other agencies to connect individuals with resources and services specific to their re-entry needs; Maintain and analyze data, collect feedback and evaluate transitional service delivery and utilize information systems to maintain chronological records for re-entry planning; Perform other duties as assigned or required. Minimum Qualifications: Six (6) years of *professional experience* working directly with a **hard to serve or high needs client population**  in a correctional or human services environment providing casework, coordination of services and identifying needs and referring to appropriate resources as your primary assignment. (Experience MUST be detailed on your application. Part-time experience will be prorated). *Professional experience involves exercising discretion, analytical skill, judgment, and personal accountability and responsibility for creating, developing, integrating, applying, and sharing an organized body of knowledge that characteristically is: uniquely acquired through an intense education or training regimen at a recognized college or university; equivalent to the curriculum requirements for a bachelor's or higher degree with major study in or pertinent to the specialized field and continuously studied to explore, extend and use additional discoveries, interpretations, and application and to improve data, materials equipment, applications, and methods. **hard to serve or high needs client population is defined as providing components of case planning exhibited by involvement and familiarity with processes that directly impact stabilization and behavioral needs to include: Locating shelter, jobs, and community resources/support to include regular meetings with clients, coordination of services and/or identifying needs and referring to appropriate resources. Experience may also include, but is not limited to, helping clients overcome barriers for community stability. Only applicants who meet the minimum and special qualifications for the vacancy will be included in the comparative analysis process. Substitutions: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Behavioral Sciences, or closely related field will substitute for the required experience on a year-by-year basis . (You must submit a copy of your unofficial college transcript with your name, college name, degree and date conferred to receive credit for the education)
If degree is not in a related field of study, it may substitute up to 60 semester hours of core coursework on a year for year basis. Required Competencies: Significant interpersonal/customer service skills; Strong written and oral communication skills;  Highly effective critical thinking/decision making/problem solving skills;  Demonstrated ability to organize, plan and prioritize;  Keen ability to multi-task and demonstrate flexibility;  Strong self-motivation; Compelling attention to detail; Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite (Gmail, Sheets, Docs); 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. Preferred Qualifications: (Candidates may receive higher ratings for possessing any preferred qualifications criteria) Relevant Colorado State Service experience Experience working with incarcerated individuals; Thorough knowledge of Evidence Based Practices and Interventions for the successful re-entry of incarcerated individuals; Experience with Motivational Interviewing; Proven ability to provide efficient and effective service to hard to serve clients with medium/high risk needs; Excellent ability to coordinate services and cooperate with others toward a common goal. IMPORTANT INFORMATION The Assessment Process : Your application will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum Qualifications (MQ's). Applicants that meet MQ's will be included in the Comparative Analysis process. Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted through a comparative analysis which may include, but is not limited to, a suitability screening, eSkills Assessment, oral assessment, written performance assessment or it may include a review of your application material and your responses to any supplemental questions by a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to assess and rank applicants in order to establish an eligible list for referral to the hiring manager for final consideration.

 
Be sure the "Work Experience" section of your application is complete and specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, and accomplishments as they relate to the Description of the Job , Minimum Qualifications , Required Competencies  and Preferred Qualifications as listed above. Resumes and "see resume" statements will not be accepted in lieu of the "Work Experience" section of the application. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions by the closing date may result in your application not being accepted and/or may affect your score, rank or inclusion in the final pool of eligible applicants.

 
If you have transcripts, a license or other relevant documentation regarding your qualifications, upload and attach copies to your application.

 
If an unofficial copy of transcripts is being submitted at the time of application, transcripts from colleges or universities outside the United States must be assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and must be included as part of your application materials. Failure to provide a transcript or credential evaluation report may prevent your application from moving forward in the selection process.

 
In order to process a background investigation, your application must include at least (10) ten years of the most current work experience unless experience related to the job for which you are applying is later than (10) years. Failure to provide this information could result in delays and/or elimination from the background investigation process Toll Free Applicant Technical Support:  If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application first, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and second, close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.

 
**You are encouraged to print a copy of this announcement for your records**
Conditions of Employment:  All job offers are contingent upon a successful medical screening by a healthcare professional, certifying the candidate's ability to perform the essential functions of the position. Applicant must consent to hold harmless CDOC and its agents and staff from any liability arising in whole or in part from the testing and the use of this information in connection with CDOC's consideration of application for employment.
Must be 21 years of age;
Possess a valid driver's license;
Possess a high school diploma or GED;
Have NO felony convictions, to include any actions defined in 5 U.S.C. 301; U.S.C. 509, 510; 42 U.S.C. ******** . The CDOC shall not hire nor promote anyone who may have contact with an offender who has engaged in sexual abuse which includes acts, activity, and sexual behavior, in a prison or other institution as defined in 42 U.S.C. 1997; or has been convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse, or has been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in the activity described in the above paragraph. The agency shall consider any incidents of sexual harassment in determining whether to hire anyone who may have contact with offenders or residents.
Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States to be appointed to this position.  CDOC uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. CDOC does not sponsor non-residents of the United States.
Successfully pass all modules of the 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;
Lift arms above head and kick as high as own waist;
Stabilize another person to accomplish a controlled take down;
Use arms, palms of hands, shins, and feet to deliver blows;
Withstand impact (slow speed or with a safety bag) on own body from strikes/blows;
Swing a baton in a striking technique;
Rotate body 90 degrees with feet planted for striking with foot or using a defensive tactic;
Get down on one or both knees and up again with multiple repetitions;
Will be exposed to Oleoresin Capsicum during Basic Training and will be exposed while on assignment;
Must be able to see and hear in order to observe, address and respond to potential breaches in safety and security;
Seize, hold, control or subdue violent or assaultive persons and defend oneself or others to prevent injury;
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;
Employees may be required to submit to regular serial testing and reporting for COVID-19.
Successful completion of a background investigation is required. Should applicant's background reveal criminal charges, it shall be the responsibility of the applicant to provide the Department of Corrections with written/official disposition of any charges.
The CDOC is committed to a work environment free from illegal drugs and alcohol. Employees (see exception below) may use marijuana in their personal time but are prohibited from working while under the influence of any substance, including marijuana. A drug test will be administered to all new employees; employees must successfully pass. Random drug screening will occur throughout employment. 
Exception: Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified employees are prohibited from the use of marijuana. Health care professionals must check their licensing requirements regarding marijuana use.
Appeal Rights: If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.
An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email ( ), postmarked in US Mail or hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or faxed ) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department's action.
For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board; go to  spb.colorado.gov ; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at ; or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at  spb.colorado.gov under Rules.
After submitting an application, you should receive an immediate email acknowledging your submission. If you do not get the email, please check to ensure you have actually submitted the application and typed the correct email address on the application.

 
Include a working email address on your application; one that is checked daily as time sensitive correspondence WILL take place via email. You may receive email notifications from a Colorado Dept of Corrections employee or from the email address It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam filtered email; if you do not receive correspondence soon after the closing date or if you have questions about this job announcement, please contact David Mixer at .

 
SCHEDULED DATES OF POSSIBLE APPLICANT ASSESSMENTS (I.E., EXAMS, ORAL BOARDS, WRITTEN EXAMS) WILL NOT BE MADE UP. IF YOU FAIL TO SHOW AT THE APPOINTED DATE/TIME, MAKE-UPS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED.
The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. The Colorado Department of Corrections is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our Employee Relations Specialist,  Ana Andersen , at or call  .

ALL DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS FACILITIES AND BUILDINGS ARE TOBACCO FREE.
WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE PROTECTED CLASSES TO APPLY.