CDOC Community Programs Specialist III (Veterans Benefit Specialist)

Full Job Description

This position is only open to Colorado state residents.

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. 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;

• Visit State of Colorado Employee Benefits. for more information.

Requirements

The Transitional Services work unit is composed of various system support services that assist with coordination of division operations with department initiatives and focus on process alignment.

The work units include; Approved Treatment Providers Program, Benefit Acquisition team, Hearings Unit, Interstate, Fugitive Apprehension Unit, Command Post, ACA and Policy, Emergency Operations, Fleet, Life Safety, Training, Management Reporting & Quality Assurance, Offender Grievances, Clemency, Appeals, PREA, Special Projects, and Strategic Planning and Process Improvement.

These units assist the division with the management of various statutory mandates by providing administration, emergency operations planning, community based treatment coordination, state vehicle fleet management, monthly and quarterly reporting, and strategic planning.

This position identifies and assists eligible veteran inmates / parolees in securing essential benefits prior to release. Key responsibilities of this position include conducting interviews to determine eligibility For benefits through the Veterans Administration (VA) and preparing claims for review by the VA This position works across teams ( Restore, Community Re-Entry, multidisciplinary staff to coordinate benefits and support.) to streamline the transition process and provide critical stabilization resources for qualifying individuals.

Primary job duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Develops and executes a plan for outreach and effective partnerships for support of veterans.
• Coordinates with the county and state Veteran Service Officers, local and statewide veterans organizations, and the VA to build a comprehensive plan for veteran support and address process related issues.
• Engages with the VA to address CDOC veteran, facility, and system issues impacting CDOC and CDVA ability to assist incarcerated veterans.
• Conduct in-reach events at prison facilities across the state, connecting eligible veterans with benefits
  and resources to assist with their transition to the community.
• Assisting in the program development and tracking system for incarcerated Veterans with obtaining their earned benefits, and developing and maintaining standard operating procedures.
• Engage with the CDVA and the VA to ensure veterans and their families are receiving the benefits they are
  entitled to.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Residency Requirement:

This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.

Class Code & Classification Description:

H1O3XX COMMUNITY PROGRAMS SPECIALIST III

Minimum Qualifications:

Experience Only:

Six (6) years of*professional experience* working directly with a **hard to serve / high needs client population** in a correctional / human services environment providing casework, coordination of services and identifying needs, and referring to appropriate resources as your primary assignment.

(Experience MUST be described in detail on your application to receive credit. Any work experience less than full time will be prorated).

Experience may also include working 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 which provide progressive opportunities for appropriate placement to include involvement 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 components such as aiding offenders in locating housing, help with acquiring employment, and community resources/ support to include regular meetings with clients, coordination of services and/ or assessing client's needs and referring to appropriate program intervention. Experience may also include aiding clients with over coming barriers for stability in reaching re-entry goals.

NOTE: Entry level officers and clerical support experience does not have the authority outlined in the minimum qualifications to perform components of offender management as it relates to classification hearings, ICC, Multi disciplinary staffing, vetting responses to offender grievances etc. Therefore, experience as an entry level officer and clerical support does not meet the definition of offender management as outlined in the minimum qualifications.

OR

Education and experience:

A combination of degree coursework from an accredited college or university and/or professional experience as defined above equal to six (6) years.

(You must submit a copy of your unofficial college transcript with your name, college name, degree, and date conferred to receive credit for the education).

*Professional experience involves exercising discretion, analytical skill, judgment, and personal accountability and responsibility for creating, developing, integrating, applying, and sharing an organized body of knowledge that characteristically is: uniquely acquired through an intense education or training regimen at a recognized college or university; equivalent to the curriculum requirements for a bachelor's or higher degree with major study in or pertinent to the specialized field and continuously studied to explore, extend and use additional discoveries, interpretations, and application and to improve data, materials equipment, applications, and methods.

**hard to serve or high needs client population is defined as providing components of case planning exhibited by involvement and familiarity with processes that directly a impact stabilization and behavioral needs to include:

Locating shelter, jobs, and community resources/support to include regular meetings with clients, coordination of services and/or identifying needs and referring to appropriate resources.

Experience may also include, but is not limited to, helping clients overcome barriers for community stability. (Experience MUST be described in detail on your application to receive credit.)

If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications, you MUST attach a copy of your unofficial college transcript to this application that include your name, name of the institution, degree, and date conferred (in pdf or jpg format).

ONLY APPLICANTS WHO MEET THE MINIMUM AND SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS PROCESS.

Ensure that the “Work Experience" section of the application is complete and contains all relevant work experience related to the position that you are applying for. This information will be used to help determine compensation for the position. "See resume" statements cannot be accepted in lieu of the "work experience" section of the application. Additional work experience will not be accepted after the job announcement close date for compensation purposes.

Required Competencies:

• 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;
• Strong written and oral communication skills;
• Highly effective critical thinking/decision making/problem solving skills;
• Demonstrated ability to organize, plan and prioritize;
• Keen ability to multi-task and demonstrate flexibility;
• Strong self-motivation;
• Compelling attention to detail;
• Proficiency in Google Suite (Gmail, Sheets, Docs).
• Ability to read and comprehend the English language;
• Ability to effectively communicate fluently in English both verbally and in writing.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with incarcerated individuals;
• Thorough knowledge of Evidence Based Practices and Interventions for the successful re-entry of incarcerated individuals;
• Experience with Motivational Interviewing;
• 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.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The Assessment Process: Your application will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum Qualifications (MQ's). Applicants that meet MQ’s will be included in the Comparative Analysis process.

Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted through a comparative analysis which may include, but is not limited to, a suitability screening, eSkills Assessment, oral assessment, written performance assessment or it may include a review of your application material and your responses to any supplemental questions by a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to assess and rank applicants in order to establish an eligible list for referral to the hiring manager for final consideration.

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.

Employees who are rehired or reinstated within six months of their separation will return at either their previous pay rate if hired into the same class level or based on their time in the class series, whichever is higher.

Those rehired or reinstated after six months' separation will be calculated using the same formula for new hires and promotions.

Please note that while this change in role may constitute a change in title and/or responsibility, salary adjustments are not guaranteed and may be influenced by factors such as internal pay equity, budget constraints, market benchmarks, or the individual’s current compensation level.

Any changes to compensation will be determined separately and communicated accordingly.

If you have transcripts, a license or other relevant documentation regarding your qualifications, upload and attach copies to your application.

If an unofficial copy of transcripts is being submitted at the time of application, transcripts from colleges or universities outside the United States must be assessed for U.S.

equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and must be included as part of your application materials.

Failure to provide a transcript or credential evaluation report may prevent your application from moving forward in the selection process.

Under the Job Application Fairness Act (SB 23-058), applicants may redact information from certifications and transcripts that identify their age, date of birth or dates of attendance from an educational institution.

In order to process a background investigation, your application must include at least (10) ten years of the most current work experience unless experience related to the job for which you are applying is later than (10) years.

Failure to provide this information could result in delays and/or elimination from the background investigation process.

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support: If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g.

uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time).

Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application first, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and second, close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.

**You are encouraged to print a copy of this announcement for your records**

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 of application for 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.

State drivers are expected to maintain a safe driving record consistent with Colorado Division of Human Resources Universal Policy Driving Standards.

Eligibility to drive a State-owned vehicle, includes holding a valid Colorado driver’s license within 30 days of employment or residency change and meeting specific driving record criteria.

Serious traffic violations, including DUIs or reckless driving, can disqualify drivers for up to seven years.

All State Vehicles are monitored by telematics for safe operation and employees have no reasonable expectation of privacy while using an agency State Fleet 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 nor promote anyone who may have contact with an offender who has engaged in sexual abuse which includes acts, activity, and sexual behavior, in a prison or other institution as defined in 42 U.S.C.

1997; or has been convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse, or has been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in the activity described in the above paragraph.

The agency shall consider any incidents of sexual harassment in determining whether to hire anyone who may have contact with offenders or residents.

• Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States to be appointed to this position. CDOC uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. CDOC does not sponsor non-residents of the United States.

• Successfully pass all modules of the six-week Colorado Department of Corrections Basic Training, to include English reading comprehension, relevant 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 own waist

  • Stabilize another person to accomplish a controlled take down

  • Use arms, palms of hands, shins, and feet to deliver blows

  • Withstand impact (slow speed or with a safety bag) on own body 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 in order 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 (see exception below) may use marijuana in their personal time but are prohibited from working while under the influence of any substance, including marijuana.

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:

An applicant who has been removed from an employment list or removed from consideration during the selection process may request a review by the State Personnel Director.

As an applicant directly affected by the results of the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file a written appeal with the State Personnel Director.

Review of the completed, signed and submitted appeal will be timely on the basis of written material submitted by you, using the official appeal form signed by you or your representative.

This form must be completed and delivered to the State Personnel Board by email at dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgment of the Department’s action.

For further information on the Board Rules, you can 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/board-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 David Mixer at david.mixer@state.co.us.

SCHEDULED DATES OF POSSIBLE APPLICANT ASSESSMENTS (I.E., EXAMS, ORAL BOARDS, WRITTEN EXAMS) 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.

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them.

Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness.

The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.

The Colorado Department of Corrections is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals.

As part of this commitment, our agency will 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 to perform 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.

WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE PROTECTED CLASSES TO APPLY.