Correctional Officer I - Ark Valley Correctional Facility

Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility (AVCF) opened in August 1987 and is located just off Highway 96, four miles west of Ordway and 40 miles east of Pueblo. AVCF is a Level III facility managing a diverse population of medium custody inmates.

About the role

The Correctional Officer I (CO I) maintains the safety and security of Colorado Department of Corrections' (CDOC) prison facilities. Correctional Officers support the CDOC Mission, Vision, and Values with integrity and commitment while preparing inmates for community reentry. They respectfully communicate with inmates, their families, coworkers, supervisors, managers, and the public, presenting a professional and dependable workforce. Positions must cooperate with other staff members and work as a cohesive team while managing a diverse inmate population, ensuring the safety and security of the general public, staff, and inmates.

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 (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, ensuring proper storage and documentation.
• Attend roll call.
• Document incidents using established reporting practices.
• Communicate pertinent information to coworkers and supervisors.

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

Requirements

• High School Diploma or a GED certificate.

Qualifications

• Strong work ethic, accountability, integrity, and dependability.
• Sound judgment, reasoning, and decision-making skills.
• Self-control and ability to work in stressful situations.
• 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 to detect changes, inappropriate activity, hazards, or potential security breaches and verbally communicate pertinent information.
• Ability to visually observe and monitor inmate whereabouts and maintain an accurate count in assigned areas.
• Knowledge of criminal justice systems regarding treatment of inmates and/or incarcerated individuals, including state statutes, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), and department Administrative Regulations, policies, 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 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 respond to emergencies (such as fights, medical emergencies, fires, or escapes).
• Ability to use physical force to control a situation.
• Ability to climb stairs and walk on hard surfaces throughout shift.
• Willingness and ability to work outside during inclement weather.
• Willingness and ability to adhere to the CDOC Drug Deterrence Program.
• Self-control and a strong sense of ability to work in stressful, potentially violent situations.
• Ability to remain alert, emotionally stable, and mentally resilient under pressure and observant throughout their shift.
• Tolerance to stress, confinement, and high-stakes interaction.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual.
• Mentoring others and/or volunteer work.

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.
• 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.

Visit State of Colorado Employee Benefits for more information.

A residency waiver has been granted for this announcement. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado. The resulting eligibility list may be used to fill future vacancies at this location.

Work Location: 12750 CO-96 #13, Ordway, CO 81063, USA.

Conditions of Employment

All job offers are contingent upon a successful medical screening by a healthcare professional, certifying the candidate's ability to perform the essential functions of the position. Applicant must consent to hold harmless CDOC and its agents and staff from any liability arising in whole or in part from the testing and the use of this information in connection with CDOC’s consideration.