CDOC (Social Worker/Counselor IV) - Behavioral Health Peer Mentor Program Coordinator (Hybrid)
State of Colorado
FreshPosted Jan 22
✓ Fresh Listing
Posted: January 21, 2026 (2 days ago)
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CDOC Correctional Officer I - Southeastern Region (Pueblo, Ark Valley, and Trinidad
State of Colorado
Department of Corrections
Job Description
Summary
This job is for entry-level correctional officers working in facilities in southeastern Colorado, where you'll help maintain safety and security for inmates, staff, and the public while supporting rehabilitation programs.
It involves overseeing inmates in various custody levels, from minimum to high-security behavioral health cases, in women's and men's prisons.
A good fit would be someone reliable, with strong communication skills, who can handle stressful situations and is committed to public safety.
Key Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old (implied for correctional roles)
- High school diploma or equivalent education
- Ability to pass a background check and drug screening
- Physical fitness to handle demanding duties like restraint and searches
- Valid driver's license
- Willingness to work shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays
- Commitment to CDOC's mission of safety and rehabilitation
Full Job Description
This Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) posting will be used to fill vacant positions at our La Vista and San Carlos Correctional Facilities. There are endless opportunities with the CDOC.
La Vista Correctional Facility (LVCF) was opened in July 2006, providing the Colorado Department of Corrections with a new multi-custody Level III facility for female inmates. In July 2020, legislation was passed reducing the bed capacity from 707 to 560 leaving 3 living units with a capacity of 78 beds, 2 living units with a capacity of 80 beds, and Unit 1 and Unit 4 Therapeutic Community consisting of 76 beds each. LVCF also has 14 general population beds in the Intake Diagnostic Orientation (IDO) unit and a 15 bed classification review unit. The facility has a mixed classification of female inmates ranging from minimum to close custody. Services provided by housing assignment include a Therapeutic Community, Re-entry services and an Incentive unit.
San Carlos Correctional Facility (SCCF) opened in July 1995 and currently provides the Colorado Department of Corrections with 255 beds for incarcerated people who exhibit the most severe and persistent behavioral health issues.
SCCF is a Level 5 security facility that houses a mixed custody level of people who are incarcerated; SCCF uses a multi-disciplinary approach to manage incarcerated individuals.
Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility (AVCF) opened in August 1987. The facility is located just off of Highway 96 four miles west of Ordway and 40 miles east of Pueblo. AVCF is a Level III facility that manages a diverse population of medium custody inmates.Trinidad Correctional Facility (TCF), situated 15 miles east of Trinidad, Colorado on State Highway 350, spans 544 acres and has been operational since December 2001. Currently it functions as a Level 2 Minimum Restrictive facility. TCF is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment, ensuring the protection of the public, Department of Corrections employees, contract workers, volunteers, and the inmate population.
A residency waiver has been granted for this announcement. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.
This posting may be used to fill future vacancies at this location.
Colorado Department of Corrections Mission: We are a team of dynamic and diverse professionals building
a safer Colorado by cultivating transformative opportunities for those under our supervision.
Our Vision..."Building a safer Colorado for today and tomorrow".
Current CDOC CO I employees are encouraged to apply for transfers through the posted Central Transfer Process job announcement.
Applicants are encouraged to review the following series of Administrative Regulations (AR) to prepare for the comparative analysis process: 100's and 300's series. These ARs can be found on DOC's website: https://cdoc.colorado.gov/about/department-policies
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.
Any earned shift differential
Work Location: La Vista - 1401 W. 17th Street Pueblo, CO
San Carlos - 1410 W 13th St, Pueblo, CO
Ark Valley - 12750 CO-96 #13, Ordway, CO 81063, USA
Trinidad - 21000 US-350, Model, CO 81059, USARequirements
The Correctional Officer I (CO I) position maintains the safety and security of Colorado Department of Corrections' (CDOC) prison facilities throughout the state. Correctional Officers support the CDOC Mission, Vision and Values with integrity and commitment while preparing inmates for community reentry.
Correctional Officers respectfully communicate with inmates and 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.
Positions maintain the safety and security of the general public, staff and inmates. Duties include, but are not limited to:
Work directly with inmates in a locked facility;Monitor and control access to the facility and restricted areas;Man an armed post (this 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 (this may include 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 utilize established reporting practices;Communicate pertinent information to coworkers and supervisors.Positions are subject to working additional hours and/or shifts to maintain safety and security of facilities that are open 24/7.
Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONHigh School Diploma or a GED certificate.REQUIRED COMPETENCIESStrong work ethic, accountability, integrity and dependability;
PREFERRED QUALIFICATION
- Bilingual
- Mentoring others and/or volunteer work
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Applicants must acknowledge and agree to Conditions of Employment within the application process.
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.
Must be at least 18 years of age;
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.
Successfully pass all modules of the 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;
Willing and able to work various shifts, days, afternoons, graveyards (nights) which includes a rotating shift schedule;
Must be willing and able to work all shifts, doubles, weekends and holidays. Must be able to report to work during inclement weather. New Correctional Officers will not be given their shift schedule until completion of Basic Training.
Willing and able to use physical force (as trained) to control a situation. This includes the training and use of a firearm and includes the ability to see/hear/react to situations.
Willing and able to work in a locked correctional facility or 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 and/or transport inmates in a state vehicle;
TB (tuberculosis) screening is required of all new employees upon hire.
Possess a valid driver’s license. Drivers must maintain a valid, non-restricted Colorado driver 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.
Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application and provide an explanation why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify the applicant from the current position.
Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDOC;
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.
All job offers are contingent upon a successful health 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.
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.
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.
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.
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**
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.
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.
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**
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 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.
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.
This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), postmarked in US Mail or hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or faxed (303.866.5038) 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 immediate 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 often as time sensitive correspondence WILL take place via email. You may receive email notifications from a Colorado Department 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, please contact the "Department Contact" listed in this announcement. Please contact the CO I hiring team at DOC_COIhiring@state.co.us or by phone at 719-723-3447.
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.
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 719-723-3998
ALL DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS FACILITIES AND BUILDINGS ARE TOBACCO FREE.
WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE PROTECTED CLASSES TO APPLY.
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