CDOC Corrections Case Manager I (Denver)

This position is only open to Colorado state residents. The primary work location is the Denver Complex, which includes the Denver Reception and Diagnostics Center (DRDC) and Denver Women's Correctional Facility (DWCF) in Denver. The first vacancy is at DRDC in Programming. The eligible list from this recruitment may fill multiple or future vacancies in these areas.

About the Role

This position provides daily case management functions for the Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC), focusing on successful offender re-entry into society through an advocacy-based team approach.

Responsibilities

For Programming positions:

• Conduct initial assessments and admission data summaries covering criminal history, social history, medical, dental, mental health needs, occupational experience, vocational programming, education, and prior CDOC or criminal justice reports.
• Retrieve and enter information using CDOC systems and internal/external data sources.
• Analyze data and investigate linked information.
• Meet with offenders to gather meaningful information for developing initial case management plans.
• Locate wants and warrants for law enforcement and communicate offender locations.
• Recommend custody levels and facility placements using Colorado Transitional Accountability Plan (CTAP) criteria.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

For all other positions:

• Guide offenders in alignment with CDOC needs, federal laws, state statutes, and case management goals to ensure continuity of care from intake to release.
• Deliver case management services using motivational interviewing and cognitive-based interventions per CTAP.
• Identify and collect information on criminogenic needs.
• Collaborate with offenders to determine case plans, programmatic needs, and goals.
• Coordinate access to work, education, treatment, and recreational programs; determine earned time grants; develop parole board risk assessments and parole plans.
• Monitor, evaluate, and record offender progress.
• Complete assessments and updates at regular intervals per CDOC policy.
• Maintain regular interaction with offenders regarding medical, mental health, substance treatment, education, program referrals, work assignments, and CTAP reassessments.
• Research case files and prepare plans for community and parole board presentations.
• Assist offenders in transition preparation.
• Maintain a multidisciplinary communication network for feedback, crisis intervention, and grievance resolution.
• Model pro-social behavior and guide offenders toward socially acceptable standards while monitoring their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
• Teach pro-social classes to offenders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Three (3) years of experience in one of the following areas:

• Case Management: Direct work with a hard-to-serve, high-needs client population in corrections or human services, including case planning, risk/needs assessment, service coordination, resource referrals, and compliance monitoring. Experience may also include multidisciplinary meetings, resolving client issues, and aiding in housing or employment.
• Corrections Experience: One (1) year of experience with a hard-to-serve client population, including involvement in offender management processes such as Internal Classification Committees (ICC), classification hearings, job placement, program instruction, multidisciplinary staffing, grievance resolution, housing placement, intelligence gathering, and pro-social role modeling. Experience may also include aiding offenders with housing, employment, and community resources.
• Education and Experience Combination: A mix of education (Criminal Justice, Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, or related field) and experience as defined above, totaling three (3) years. Experience must be detailed in the application’s work experience section.

Note: Entry-level officer or clerical support experience does not meet the qualifications for offender management.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication.
• Critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving.
• Ability to organize, plan, and prioritize tasks.
• Multitasking and flexibility.
• Self-motivation and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in office technologies and creating accessible documents.
• Ability to read, comprehend, and communicate fluently in English.
• Self-control and resilience in stressful or potentially violent situations.
• Ability to remain alert, emotionally stable, and observant under pressure.
• Tolerance for stress, confinement, and high-stakes interactions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of evidence-based practices and interventions for inmate re-entry.
• Proven ability to serve hard-to-serve clients with medium/high-risk needs.
• Experience coordinating services and collaborating toward common goals.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and Google Suite (Gmail, Drive, Sheets, Docs).

Benefits

• Career advancement opportunities throughout the state system.
• Strong, secure, and flexible retirement benefits, including PERA Defined Benefit or Defined Contribution Plan, plus 401K and 457 plans. Correctional Officers I-IV qualify as "Safety Officers" 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, and training opportunities.

For more information, visit State of Colorado Employee Benefits.