CDOC CORRECTIONAL OFFICER I - Northeastern Region/ Sterling and Limon

About the role

The Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) is seeking Correctional Officer I (CO I) positions at Sterling Correctional Facility (SCF) and Limon Correctional Facility (LCF). Both facilities are located in Northeastern Colorado, offering a range of opportunities for those interested in a career in corrections.

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 and unrestricted driver’s license
• Eligible for a State-owned vehicle
• No felony convictions
• Successful completion of a background investigation
• Successfully pass all modules of the Colorado Department of Corrections Basic Training
• Physical ability to complete Defensive Tactics training

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
• Intermediate computer keyboarding skills and communication via computer based email
• Ability to study information and recount events in a written, comprehensive, legible method
• 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
• Willingness and ability to use physical force (as trained) to control a situation

Skills

• Effective verbal and written communication
• Interpersonal skills
• Customer service skills
• Attention to detail
• Physical stamina and strength
• Ability to follow instructions
• Basic computer skills
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Ability to handle stressful situations

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
• 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

• Swing shift differential- 7.5%
• Graveyard shift differential- 14%
• Weekend shift differential - 20%

Schedule

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