Correctional Officer

Department Information Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility (AVCF) opened in August 1987. The facility is located just off of Highway 96 four miles west of Ordway and 40 miles east of Pueblo. AVCF is a Level III facility that manages a diverse population of medium custody inmates. 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. Work Location 12750 CO-96 #13, Ordway, CO 81063, USA Description Of Job The Correctional Officer I (CO I) position maintains the safety and security of Colorado Department of Corrections' (CDOC) prison facilities throughout the state. Correctional Officers support the CDOC Mission, Vision and Values with integrity and commitment while preparing inmates for community reentry. Correctional Officers respectfully communicate with inmates and their families, coworkers, supervisors, managers and the public; presenting a professional and dependable workforce. Positions must cooperate with other staff members and work as a cohesive team, while managing a diverse inmate population. Positions maintain the safety and security of the general public, staff and inmates. Duties include, but are not limited to: Work directly with inmates in a locked facility; Monitor and control access to the facility and restricted areas; Man an armed post (this requires annual firearms certification); Monitor facility perimeter, detain unidentified pedestrians and/or vehicles; Operate a variety of mechanical doors, security devices, equipment and alarms; Control movement of inmates throughout the daily schedule; Escort and transport inmates in authorized state vehicles; Monitor visiting areas; Conduct formal, informal and emergency counts; Cross check and maintain movement logs; Conduct searches for contraband (this may include canine, metal detector, pat, perimeter, strip and vehicle searches); Inspect facility and cells to maintain health, safety and sanitation standards; Inspect inmate mail and property; Utilize proper protocols when responding to emergency situations, such as fights, medical emergencies, fires and escapes; Follow established tool and key control, ensure proper storage and documentation; Attend roll call; Document incidents utilizing established reporting practices; Communicate pertinent information to coworkers and supervisors. Positions are subject to working additional hours and/or shifts to maintain safety and security of facilities that are open 24/7. Minimum Qualifications High School Diploma or a GED certificate. Required Competencies Strong work ethic, accountability, integrity and dependability; Sound judgment, reasoning and decision making skills; Self control, strong sense of ability to work in stressful situations; Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively cooperate with other staff members and inspire teamwork; Excellent customer service and attention to detail; Ability to read and comprehend the English language; Ability to effectively communicate fluently in English both verbally and in writing; Ability to visually observe and audibly hear in order to observe changes, inappropriate activity, hazards or potential security breeches and verbally communicate pertinent information; Ability to visually observe and monitor inmate whereabouts and maintain an accurate count in assigned areas; Ability to verbally communicate clearly and willingness to do so respectfully; Knowledge of criminal justice systems regarding treatment of inmates and/or incarcerated individuals, which includes state statutes, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA); and department Administrative Regulations, policy, standards and guidelines; Ability to perform intermediate computer keyboarding skills and communicate via computer based email; Ability to study information and recount events in a written, comprehensive, legible method; Ability to incorporate the CDOC mission statement while completing daily job duties; Knowledge of and willingness to apply effective correctional methods to prepare inmates for community reentry; Willingness and ability to respectfully communicate with inmate families and the public; Ability to effectively communicate and work with inmates through daily monitoring in a variety of situations; Ability to control, direct and instruct inmates individually and in groups; Willingness to respectfully work with a diverse population; Ability to remain alert and observant throughout shift; Ability to conduct searches (canine, general area, metal detector, pat, perimeter, strip or vehicle); Ability to detect attributes of objects such as size, shape and texture during searches and to manipulate security equipment; Ability to safely operate and monitor ingress and egress mechanical doors; Ability to learn about and utilize firearms, restraints and security devices in a safe and professional manner; Ability to use and be exposed to chemical agents (e.g. pepper spray); Ability to learn to operate communications equipment in a professional manner (e.g., two-way radio, telephone switchboard, public address equipment); Ability to seize, hold, grasp and turn objects; Willingness to follow chain of command and established safety and security protocols; Ability to quickly respond to emergencies (such as fights, medical emergencies, fires or escapes); Ability to use physical force to control a situation; Ability to climb stairs and walk on hard surfaces throughout shift; Willingness and ability to work outside during inclement weather; Willingness and ability to adhere to the CDOC Drug Deterrence Program; 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. Preferred Qualification Bilingual Mentoring others and/or volunteer work 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. Member Contribution Rates . 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; Visit State of Colorado Employee Benefits. for more information. Conditions of Employment Must be 21 years of age Possess a valid driver’s license. Drivers must maintain a valid, non-restricted Colorado driver’s license, obey traffic laws, and be able to safely operate a motor vehicle. State drivers are expected to maintain a safe driving record consistent with Colorado Division of Human Resources Universal Policy Driving Standards . Eligibility to drive a State-owned vehicle, includes holding a valid Colorado driver’s license within 30 days of employment or residency change and meeting specific driving record criteria. Serious traffic violations, including DUIs or reckless driving, can disqualify drivers for up to seven years. A ll State Vehicles are monitored by telematics for safe operation and employees have no reasonable expectation of privacy while using an agency State Fleet vehicle. Possess a high school diploma or GED Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination are required to: Disclose the details of the prior termination or resignation on the application; Explain why the circumstances of the prior separation should not disqualify them from the current position. Provide your employee number from your prior State employment. Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination and failure to provide this information will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDOC. Have NO felony convictions, to include any actions defined in 5 U.S.C. 301; U.S.C. 509, 510; 42 U.S.C. 15601-15609. 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 have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of application; DOC cannot provide H‑1B sponsorship at this time. 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 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 Equal Opportunity Statement 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 State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness. The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities. Additional Information 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, and we strongly encourage protected classes to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr