CDOC Parole Officer Trainee

CDOC - Parole Officer Trainee (Northern Region)

Ft. Collins, Greeley and Longmont

This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

The Division of Parole exists to manage and supervise offenders on a 24 hour per day, seven day per week, 365 day per year basis to provide public safety and opportunities for successful re-entry of offenders returning to the community. Re-entry support services collaborate with this setting. The unit ensures compliance with federal and state statutes, CDOC regulations, Parole Board conditions and agreements, Code of Penal Discipline, community corrections standards, Interstate Compact rules and regulations and other established rules/standards for the supervision of offenders.
 
This is a trainee position and the individual appointed will receive on-the-job training and attend formal courses designed to develop the characteristics for the targeted class of Community Parole Officer. 

Under direction and supervision, the primary duties and responsibilities will be as follows:

The work location will be in the community, working in the field, and may involve the following activities:

• Field work (e.g. pre-release plan investigation, home visitation, job verification, parole violation investigation);
• Apply evidence-based assessment, case planning and supervision techniques, set by policy and standards of practice, under the supervision of a team leader or supervisor;
• Direct the assessment and supervision plan of community-based offenders through the analysis of case material and interviews to update the Colorado Transition Accountability Plan (CTAP) by incorporating community supervision conditions and updating the offender's goals;
• Monitor offender compliance and progress by overseeing employment, drug treatment and screening, restitution payments, residential status, and specialized treatment programs consistent with the community supervision plan and division contact standards and escort to specific activities, if needed;
• Interact with offenders and use motivational interviewing and other evidence based practices to reinforce pro-social behavior and assist offenders in developing effective problem solving skills and attaining goals;
• Provide crisis intervention, personal counseling and guidance to offenders in resolving interpersonal, familial and financial problems to enhance offender success and better ensure public safety;
• Respond to offender non-compliant behavior by investigating violations, and imposing appropriate sanctions consistent with the Colorado Violation Decision Making Process (CVDMP) or community violation matrix, most of which are managed in the community and do not require arrest;
• Present case information for a variety of evidentiary hearings to include COPD (Code of Penal Discipline) hearings, Parole revocation hearings, YOS (Youthful Offender System) revocation proceedings, and Interstate Compact probable cause hearings as well as serving as a hearing officer for COPDs conducted on residential and CRCF (Community Return to Custody Facility) offenders in compliance with due process standards;
• Attend training and develop skills in evidence based supervision techniques to include motivational interviewing, assessment and case planning, and cognitive behavioral interventions;
• Maintain proficiency in the use of firearms, arrest control techniques, CPR, and first aid;
• Maintain a thorough understanding of use of force compliance with certification according to State Statue and CDOC policy;
• Perform other job related duties as assigned or required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree. (Applicants must upload a copy of your unofficial college transcripts that include your name, college name, degree and date conferred with your application, in order to receive credit). 

- OR - 

A combination of coursework and professional work experience in criminal justice, corrections, social work, counseling, which equals four (4) years.

Individuals appointed to a Parole Trainee position will be sponsored by the Colorado Department of Corrections to enroll and must successfully complete a Basic Law Enforcement Academy (or refresher course if eligible to regain certification) and obtain Peace Officer Standard Training (POST) certification after hire. The employee will be responsible for paying the entire cost of training upon enrollment, which is approximately $8,000-$10,000. After successful POST certification with a grade of "B" or better, the employee will be reimbursed up to $10,000 of his/her tuition and will qualify for the target class of Community Parole Officer (CPO).  

Necessary Special Requirements: 

• Must currently possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Must be at least 21 years of age; and have no felony convictions or domestic violence history.
• Must be willing and able to enroll in a Basic Law Enforcement Academy and pass all classes/courses to obtain POST certification.
• Must be willing to commit a minimum of two years to the Division of Parole with a signed agreement.
• Position will be required to successfully pass a background check to include a Psychological Evaluation.
• Position will be required to be armed at all times (after certification) in the field and in the office when having offender contact.
• Position will require travel, shift work, on-call and call-back status;
• Must be a resident of Colorado.

NOTE: A current, valid Colorado Peace Officer Standards Training (POST) Certification is required for entry into the targeted classification of Community Parole Officer.

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. 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.

For more info and to apply: 

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado/jobs/4920775/cdoc-parole-officer-trainee-northern-region