CDOC Correctional Officer I - Buena Vista

About the role

This Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) posting will be used to fill vacant positions at our Buena Vista location. The Buena Vista Correctional Complex consists of two facilities: Buena Vista Correctional Complex (BVCF) and Buena Vista Minimum Center (BVMC). BVCF was opened in 1892 under the name of Colorado State Reformatory, with a capacity of 934 inmates at the medium custody level. BVMC was opened in 1999, with a capacity of 300 inmates at the minimum restrictive custody level.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with inmates in a locked facility
• Monitor and control access to the facility and restricted areas
• Man an armed post (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 (including 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

Requirements

• High School Diploma or a GED certificate
• Valid U.S. work authorization at the time of application
• Valid and unrestricted driver’s license
• Eligibility to drive a State-owned vehicle, meeting specific driving record criteria
• No felony convictions, including those involving sexual abuse or assault
• Successful completion of a background investigation
• Successfully pass all modules of the Colorado Department of Corrections Basic Training, including English reading comprehension, relevant competency assessments, and written/practical exams in Defensive Tactics
• Possess the physical ability to successfully complete Defensive Tactics
• Pass a TB (tuberculosis) screening upon hire

Qualifications

• Strong work ethic, accountability, integrity and dependability
• Sound judgment, reasoning and decision making skills
• 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 reconstitute and respond to emergency situations

Skills

• Intermediate computer keyboarding skills
• Effective communication (verbal and written)
• Visual observation and auditory hearing
• Physical stamina and strength
• Ability to operate and monitor security devices
• Knowledge of criminal justice systems and administrative regulations
• Ability to conduct searches and handle contraband
• Ability to operate firearms and use defensive tactics
• Ability to work in a locked facility environment
• Ability to work in various weather conditions
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

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

Pay

The pay range for this position is TBD, based on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

Positions are subject to working additional hours and/or shifts to maintain the safety and security of facilities that are open 24/7.