This position is only open to permanent employees of the Colorado Department of Corrections. The posting may be used to fill future vacancies at this location. Due to the State's current hiring freeze, this position will not be filled until January 1, 2026, or after, unless a hiring freeze waiver/exemption has been approved.
If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference and builds greater public confidence in good government, consider joining the dedicated people of the State of Colorado. Our professionals strive to support state government and the citizens of Colorado. Customer service is a key component for every position in state government as is the focus on ideas and ways to redesign the delivery of services in making state government more effective and efficient.
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.
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 the State of Colorado Employee Benefits for more information.
Position Overview
Position provides daily case management functions of the Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC). Utilizing an advocacy-based team approach to case management, this position will focus on successful offender re-entry into society.
Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities
Meet with individual offenders to effectively guide them in accordance with CDOC needs and regulations, Federal Laws, State Statutes and other case management goals and objectives ensuring continuity of care from intake to release;
Deliver case management services utilizing motivational interviewing and cognitive based interventions in alignment with Colorado Transitional Accountability Plan (CTAP);
Identify and collect meaningful information in relation to criminogenic needs;
Determine an individual case plan, proper programmatic needs, and goals in collaboration with the offender;
Coordinate offender access to work, education, treatment and recreational programs, determine earned time grants, develop initial parole board risk assessments and actions, and design parole plans;
Monitor, evaluate, and record progress;
Complete assessments and updates at regular intervals in accordance with CDOC policy and case management procedures;
Maintain regular interaction with offenders coordinating medical and mental health and/or substance treatment, education, program referrals, work assignments and periodic CTAP re-assessment, as needed;
Research case files and prepare plans for presentation to the community and parole boards;
Assist offenders in preparing for transition;
Maintain a multidisciplinary network of effective communication, providing opportunities for offenders to receive feedback, crisis intervention, and grievance resolution;
Stress results oriented direction in guiding offender behavior to conform to socially acceptable standards through role modeling pro-social behavior while monitoring physical, mental and emotional well‑being of assigned offenders;
Teach pro-social classes to offenders;
Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Three (3) years of experience working directly with a hard‑to‑serve high‑needs client population in a correctional or human services environment providing case management work (case planning, assessment of risks and needs, coordination of community services, and/or identifying needs and referring to appropriate resources, and monitoring compliance and overall case supervision) as your primary assignment. Additional components may include multidisciplinary staffing/regular meetings, resolving client issues, and aiding offenders in locating housing and acquiring employment.
OR Three (3) years of corrections experience which must include one (1) year experience with a hard‑to‑serve needs client population providing components of offender management exhibited by involvement and familiarity with processes that directly affect offender classification, programming, or daily living. This includes participation in Internal Classification Committees (ICC), Classification Hearings, Job Placement and Supervision, Individualized Program Instruction/Tutoring, Multi‑Disciplinary Staffing, Responding to Offender Grievances and Resolving Offender Issues, Offender Housing Placement and Movement, Intelligence Gathering and Processing, as well as Role Modeling Pro‑Social Behaviors while maintaining Positive Professional Communications by providing the offender population with Crisis Intervention. Additional components may include aiding offenders in locating housing, help with acquiring employment, and community resources/support.
OR A combination of education (Criminal Justice, Social Work, Sociology, Psychology or similarly related field) and experience as defined above equal to three (3) years. Experience must be clearly described, in your own words, within the work experience section of your application. Positions held within corrections must be separated by classification, dates, and duties or the application may not be accepted. (Experience less than full time will be prorated).
ONLY APPLICANTS WHO MEET THE MINIMUM AND SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE VACANCY WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS PROCESS.
Required Competencies
Ability to read and comprehend the English language;
Ability to effectively communicate fluently in English both verbally and in writing;
Ability to create accessible documents and technical content that follows plain language guidelines with accessibility in mind;
Self‑control, 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;
Significant interpersonal/customer service skills;
Demonstrated ability to organize, plan and prioritize;
Keen ability to multi‑task and demonstrate flexibility;
Strong self‑motivation;
Established proficiency in position‑related office technologies;
Compelling attention to detail.
Preferred Qualifications
Thorough knowledge of Evidence Based Practices and Interventions for the successful re‑entry of inmates;
Proven ability to provide efficient and effective service to hard‑to‑serve clients with medium/high‑risk needs;
Excellent ability to coordinate services and cooperate with others toward a common goal;
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and Google Suite (Gmail, Drive, Sheets, Docs).
Important Information
Use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, including language models, to create, write, or alter any portion of responses throughout any step of the assessment process may result in the disqualification of an applicant. Be sure the “Work Experience” section of your application is complete and specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, and accomplishments as they relate to the description of the job, minimum qualifications, required competencies, and preferred qualifications as listed above. Resumes and “see resume” statements will not be accepted in lieu of the “Work Experience” section of the application. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions by the closing date may result in your application not being accepted and/or may affect your score, rank or inclusion in the final pool of eligible applicants.
Conditions of Employment
Must be 21 years of age;
Possess a valid driver’s license. Drivers must maintain a valid, non‑restricted Colorado driver’s license, obey traffic laws, and be able to safely operate a motor vehicle;
Possess a high school diploma or GED;
Have NO felony convictions, to include any actions defined in 5 U.S.C. 301; U.S.C. 509, 510; 42 U.S.C. 15601‑15609. The CDOC shall not hire or promote anyone who may have contact with an offender who has engaged in sexual abuse … (detailed statute summary omitted for brevity);
Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States. CDOC uses e‑Verify; does not sponsor non‑residents;
Successfully pass all modules of the six‑week Colorado Department of Corrections Basic Training, including English reading comprehension, competency assessments, and written/practical exams in Defensive Tactics;
Possess the physical ability to successfully complete Defensive Tactics: lift arms above head and kick as high as your own waist, stabilize another person to accomplish a controlled take‑down, use arms, palms of hands, shins, and feet to deliver blows, withstand impact from strikes/blows, swing a baton in a striking technique, rotate body 90 degrees with feet planted for striking with foot or using a defensive tactic, get down on one or both knees and up again with multiple repetitions;
Will be exposed to Oleoresin Capsicum during Basic Training and will be exposed while on assignment;
Must be able to see and hear to observe, address and respond to potential breaches in safety and security;
Seize, hold, control or subdue violent or assaultive persons and defend oneself or others to prevent injury;
Demonstrate body agility, strength of all four limbs and the ability to walk and climb stairs consistently;
Work in situations involving assaultive behavior, physical control of another person and/or restraint situations;
Deal with individuals with a range of moods and behaviors, utilizing tactfulness and a congenial, personable manner;
Work with people of the opposite sex, diverse racial ethnic groups, mentally ill and emotionally disturbed offenders;
Communicate by talking, listening and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information, assignments;
Work in an environment with fluctuating noise and temperature (hot and cold) which may include working outdoors in inclement weather and/or concrete floor/wall work settings;
Willing and able to travel;
Willing and able to work various shifts, days, afternoons, graveyards (nights) which includes a rotating shift schedule;
TB (tuberculosis) screening is required of all new employees upon hire.
Successful completion of a background investigation is required. Should applicant’s background reveal criminal charges, it shall be the responsibility of the applicant to provide the Department of Corrections with written/official disposition of any charges.
The CDOC is committed to a work environment free from illegal drugs and alcohol. Employees may use marijuana in their personal time but are prohibited from working while under the influence. A drug test will be administered to all new employees; employees must successfully pass. Random drug screening will occur throughout employment.
Exception: Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified employees are prohibited from the use of marijuana. Health care professionals must check their licensing requirements regarding marijuana use.
Appeal Rights
If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director. An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, delivered to the State Personnel Board by email, postmarked in US Mail or hand delivered, or faxed within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.
For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board; go to spb.colorado.gov; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at (303) 866-3300; or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801‑1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.
Additional Information
After submitting an application, you should receive an email acknowledging your submission. If you do not get the email, please check to ensure you have actually submitted the application and typed the correct email address on the application.
Include a working email address on your application; one that is checked daily as time sensitive correspondence WILL take place via email. You may receive email notifications from a Colorado Dept. of Corrections employee or from this email address: info@governmentjobs.com. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam filtered email; if you do not receive correspondence soon after the closing date or if you have questions about this job announcement, please contact Lindsay Duffy at lindsay.duffy@state.co.us.
SCHEDULED DATES OF POSSIBLE APPLICANT ASSESSMENTS WILL NOT BE MADE UP. IF YOU FAIL TO SHOW AT THE APPOINTED DATE/TIME, MAKE‑UPS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED.
The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them.
The Colorado Department of Corrections is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. We assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre‑employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our Employee Relations Specialist, Kristen Lange, at doc_employeerelations@state.co.us or call 719‑728‑0270.
ALL DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS FACILITIES AND BUILDINGS ARE TOBACCO FREE.