Correctional Program Specialist II

Position Summary Position announcement to fill a full‑time, permanent, safety‑sensitive Correctional Program Specialist II vacancy at the Department of Detention Facilities with Anne Arundel County Government. Job Purpose The Anne Arundel County Detention Facilities serve citizens by professionally managing safe and secure correctional facilities and offering programs and services to pretrial and convicted individuals which support successful re‑entry to the community. Please note: This position may require some weekend and/or holiday hours. The role is responsible for delivering programmatic services that provide classification, counseling and supervision to inmates committed to the Department of Detention Facilities institutions or participating in community‑based programs such as work release, alternative sentence programs, or the pre‑trial services program. Responsibilities Perform program intake interviews and assign classification ratings. Contact references and other agencies to gather social histories. Participate in classification, reclassification, and status review board hearings. Develop, monitor, and coordinate individualized program plans to maximize program efficacy within the facilities and post‑release resource delivery to ensure a successful community transition. Conduct job and home site visits. Testify in court hearings. Participate in meetings with mid‑level manager and center administration. Establish appropriate horizontal and vertical lines of communication. Complete required paperwork and reports for program agreements, pre‑release interviews, parole summaries, intake conferences, reassessments, reclassification interviews, pre‑trial interviews, inmate request slips, job site checks, office visits, telephone calls, work status, and maintain this information in the appropriate files. Review and approve classification reports completed by Correctional Program Specialist I. Assess inmates to determine interventions that could be provided through psychiatric evaluation, substance abuse services, academic training, or other remedial or support programs. Evaluate and assign inmates to work programs. Interpret and verify information contained in court and legal documents. Investigate inmates’ concerns and resolve these using existing automated systems and resource manuals. Evaluate program efficiency and assist supervisors and managers to improve service delivery. Perform related work as required. Operate a motor vehicle safely during daytime hours and in all weather conditions for the purpose of attending court hearings and conducting site visits, as required. Work may require hours beyond the normal workday. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Considerable knowledge of principles and practices in counseling individuals using case management principles. Ability to learn and apply modern and state‑of‑the‑art corrections practices, methods, techniques, equipment, and program methodologies. Ability to operate motor vehicles. Ability to read, interpret, follow and enforce rules and regulations, written and/or instructions or orders. Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with superiors and other employees, public and inmates. Ability to prepare standard reports and non‑routine reports. Ability to understand and apply safety practices for inmates and visitors. Ability to assist in the planning of program operations. Ability to use sound judgment in the decision‑making process. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Ability to meet selection standards promulgated by the County and Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission. Ability to complete the Entry Level Training Program conducted by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Academy. Ability to complete annual training requirements established by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission and Department of Detention Facilities. Minimum Qualifications Education: Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university with major coursework in criminal justice, corrections, or the social sciences. Experience: Two (2) or more years of experience in criminal justice. Other Requirements A minimum age of 18 at the time of appointment. A valid non‑commercial Class C motor vehicle operator’s license. NOTE: Two (2) or more years’ experience in criminal justice may be substituted with a combination of the following education and experience for a total of at least two (2) or more years: 1) graduate‑level studies or master’s degree; 2) responsible work experience including internships and/or volunteering; or 3) experience conducting independent research, creating reports, coordinating information, or communications. Note: Minimum age requirement is in accordance with Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission regulations. Note: This position is safety sensitive and subject to Controlled Dangerous Substance and Alcohol testing. Note: The selection process includes a comprehensive background investigation, medical and psychological evaluation. Note: Accredited universities and colleges are recognized from an accrediting agency. A foreign degree must provide documentation of accreditation and educational equivalency upon the close of the announcement. Supplemental Qualifications Experience evaluating clients to determine needs such as psychiatric evaluation, substance abuse services, academic, remedial and/or other support services. Experience beyond a beginner level with Microsoft Word and Excel. #J-18808-Ljbffr Anne Arundel County Office of Personnel