Larimer County Job Opening

ALL LARIMER COUNTY POSITIONS REQUIRE A COMPLETED

LARIMER COUNTY EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION

(EITHER ONLINE OR HARD COPY)

 

APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE

LARIMER COUNTY HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT

BY 5:00PM (MST) ON THE CLOSING/APPLICATION DEADLINE DATE.

                                                     

                    POSITION TITLE:   DETENTION PROGRAM SPECIALIST I

              POSITION NUMBER:   SHR.1732

                        DEPARTMENT:   SHERIFF

              STARTING SALARY:   $16.56 PER HOUR

  APPLICATION DEADLINE:   07/14/2009

 

 

THIS POSTING IS CREATING AN ELIGIBILITY LIST FOR THE

SHERIFF’S DETENTION PROGRAM SPECIALIST I POSITION

IN ANY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS:

VISITATION

COMMISSARY

VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

EDUCATION

LIBRARY

RECREATION

 

Provides program services and supervision to inmates of the Larimer County Detention Center.

 

This is an entry-level position within the Detention Program Specialist series.  This class is used as a training class for incumbents typically without prior or with little experience and knowledge in this field or area.  Positions in this class work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks.  Work is characterized by development of basic and routine skills and knowledge required to perform the job such as understanding the workings of a correctional facility and inmate behavior and providing supervision of inmates during program services.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  The following statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other nonessential or peripheral duties that may be required.  The organization retains the right to modify or change the duties or essential functions of the job at any time.

·         Provide supervision and escort of inmates, volunteers, and visitors during programs; provide backup security for detention deputies during breaks; respond to and resolve conflicts as appropriate; prepare inmate behavior reports and answer first line inmate requests.

·         Serve as part of inmate review team (Classification Board); provide input as to inmate behavior and classification issues.

·         Inspect and secure inmate program area; inspect volunteers, visitors, and equipment; run warrant checks on visitors and volunteers.

·         Maintain records, statistics, and reports related to program.

·         Enter data into computer systems or databases; look-up information in database; create basic word processing documents and enter data into spreadsheets; use email to communicate. 

·         Research and respond to inmate grievances within a timely manner; respond to requests and complaints concerning program services from inmates, their families and friends, or the general public; work cohesively with other Program Services team members.

·         Provide program and supervision coverage as necessary and required.

·         Coordinate program services with other community resources; schedule, assist, and evaluate external service providers; assist in processing payments for services.

·         Attend and/or direct appropriate meetings, workshops, and conferences.

·         Escort inmates to/from housing areas to various locations within the Detention Center.

·         Exercise independent judgment in routine, daily dealings with inmates.

·         Supervise inmates during programs, ensuring safety and security.

·         Implement emergency procedures as necessary.

 

OTHER DUTIES:

·         Perform other duties as appropriate or necessary for performance of the job.

 

KNOWLEDGE OF:

·         Routine software and business applications including, but not limited to, word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, and databases. 

·         Scope and application of laws and regulations pertaining to inmate programs.

·         Detention Center standard operating procedures.

·         Practices and techniques of counseling and interviewing.

·         Principles of human behavior.

 

ABILITY TO:

·         Deal effectively with the general public and inmates in various situations.

·         Evaluate and implement Detention Center policies and procedures.

·         Properly interpret and make decisions in accordance with laws, regulations, and policies.

·         Maintain accuracy and confidentiality of all inmate records.

·         Perform CPR and respond in a medical emergency.

·         Effectively respond to conflict situations and people in conflict.

·         Communicate effectively verbally, in writing, and via various forms of electronic media.

·         Use office automation systems including basic proficiency with computer applications such as e-mail, word processor, spreadsheet, and database look-up and/or entry.

·         Supervise volunteers, contract staff and inmates.

·         Perform effective public speaking to groups of varied interests and backgrounds.

·         Work weekends and evenings.

·         Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other County employees, representatives of other agencies and organizations, and members of the community.

 

 

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: Any combination of Experience, Education, and/or Licenses/Certifications that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

Experience:

·         Some experience in a directly related field or in the performance of similar duties and responsibilities preferred.

Education:

·         Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, Law Enforcement, Public Administration, or a related field.

Licenses/Certifications:

·         Possession of, or ability to obtain, CPR and First Aid certifications by date of hire.

·         Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Colorado Driver’s License.

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

·         Must have acceptable eyesight to perform computer duties.

·         Must have appropriate voice skills to be clearly understood on the telephone, radio, and in public contacts.

·         Must have acceptable hearing to hear well on the telephone, radio, and in public contacts.

·         Must be able to alternate between standing, walking, and sitting.

·         May be required to run for short distances.

·         Must have fine and gross motor skills and use of fingers, hands, and arms to perform computer duties.

·         Must be capable of working under stressful situations.

·         Must have ability to concentrate on more than one task at a time and to make independent decisions.

 

SHERIFF’S DETENTION PROGRAM SPECIALIST I – VISITATION:  In addition to the duties and qualifications listed in the general Detention Program Specialist I description located at the beginning.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

·         Oversee inmate visitation services provided at the Detention Center.

·         Act as liaison for visitation services to other related programs and the public.

·         Provide administrative support for visitation services, maintain records, verify accuracy of records, compile date and statistics, prepare reports and recommendations, and coordinate the processing of appropriate paperwork.

·         Evaluate effectiveness of visitation services; assess the needs of the community and provide recommendations to meet those needs; develop new procedures for agency; assist in the development of new services.

·         Respond to requests for information; act as a liaison between divisions within the Detention Center regarding visitation issues.

·         Direct routine work; coordinate and plan various aspect of visitation services; research new resources and techniques for improving inmate services; provide technical staff assistance to technical and clerical staff.

·         Ability to multi-task by answering 3-6 phone lines during visitation registration periods.

·         Use time management skills to ensure 30 minute visits occur in a timely and prompt manner each visitation day.

·         Perform other duties as assigned.

 

SHERIFF’S DETENTION PROGRAM SPECIALIST I – COMMISSARY:  In addition to the duties and qualifications listed in the general Detention Program Specialist I description located at the beginning.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

·         Coordinate inmate commissary services at the Detention Center.

·         Act as liaison with commissary services contractors.

·         Assist in preparing and balancing commissary financial reports.

·         Assist commissary contractors with delivery of commissary to inmates.

·         Coordinate inmate haircut services by promptly responding to inmate requests for haircuts; acting a the liaison for the haircut service contractor; preparing weekly schedule for haircutting services; tracking indigent hair cuts given and paid haircuts given; and supervising inmates and ensuring security during hair cut services.

·         Assess inmate needs and develop new services.

·         Oversee tracking and delivery of weekly pod worker and inmate worker soda and candy.

·         Oversee tracking and inmate purchase of reading glasses.

·         Perform other duties as assigned.

 

SHERIFF’S DETENTION PROGRAM SPECIALIST I – VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR:  In addition to the duties and qualifications listed in the general Detention Program Specialist I description located at the beginning.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

·         Provide supervisory accountability for volunteers within the department which may include scheduling, assigning and reviewing work, instructing/training in work methods, and making hiring and performance evaluation processes.

·         Recruit volunteers for department/program; market the volunteer program by attending community outreach events and making presentations; prepare and distribute marketing materials; explain volunteer program and opportunities to interested individuals.

·         Select volunteers; perform or coordinate background checks; conduct volunteer orientations/training or coordinate volunteer training.

·         Evaluate volunteer needs of department, program, and volunteer program; develop and implement strategies, objectives, policies, and procedures for program.

·         Ensure volunteers are adhering to volunteer program policies and procedures; research and respond to issues between volunteers, staff, and recipients of services.

·         Evaluate special needs and recruit and develop new programs to offer to the inmate population.

·         Administer volunteer communications programs; prepare and distribute newsletters, memos, and manuals; coordinate volunteer recognition efforts including banquets, awards, and scheduled volunteer meetings; perform on-going training of volunteers and staff.

·         Provide backup coverage to volunteer programs.

·         Supervise inmates during volunteer programs, ensuring safety and security.

·         Work as a mediator between volunteers, inmates, and staff.

·         Work with volunteers of various religious backgrounds.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

·         The role of volunteers in a detention setting.

·         Volunteer computerized databases.

·         Practices and techniques of volunteer development and management.

 

SHERIFF’S DETENTION PROGRAM SPECIALIST I – EDUCATION:  In addition to the duties and qualifications listed in the general Detention Program Specialist I description located at the beginning.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

·         Coordinate, with the approval of the Education Coordinator and/or Detention Program Manager, the provision of a variety of educational activities including adult basic skills, GED preparation and testing, life skills, release preparation, vocational based skills, and leisure education.

·         Coordinate all aspects of the inmate GED program including inmate assessment, inmate tutoring, inmate testing, testing expenses, and graduation expenses.

·         Determine education program content and routine procedures for the GED program and any other areas that may be assigned.

·         Train and supervise community volunteers who assist in providing a variety of inmate educational activities.

·         Provide direct educational services to inmates; perform formal classroom instruction for educational activities; utilize accepted adult education techniques and procedures.

·         Develop lesson plans for classroom use and use of instructional and organizational tools.

·         Administer educational and diagnostic testing to inmates to assess needs and placement.

·         Instruct inmates using a variety of educational, computer, and media materials.

·         Plan and direct new program functions with the approval of the Education Coordinator and/or the Detention Program Manager.

·         Respond to complaints and requests for information concerning inmate education programs.

·         Coordinate GED education services and any other educational programs assigned, with other Program Services staff, detention center units, County departments and divisions, community groups, and outside agencies.

·         Act as a liaison for GED education programs to other related programs and the public.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

·         Practices, techniques and theories of adult education.

·         Practices and techniques of life skills instruction.

EDUCATION:

·         Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with major course work in Education, Adult Education, Literacy, Psychology or related field.

 

SHERIFF’S DETENTION PROGRAM SPECIALIST I – LIBRARY:  In addition to the duties and qualifications listed in the general Detention Program Specialist I description located at the beginning.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

·         Direct and supervise library for inmates; determine program content and routine procedures; assign and prioritize work; assist in the development of agency policy.

·         Provide direct library services and counseling to inmates.

·         Assist with and conduct research and referrals as requested.

·         Coordinate library services with other County departments and divisions, community groups, and outside agencies utilizing on-line catalogs and Internet services.

·         Act as liaison for library to other related programs and the public.

·         Evaluate library effectiveness and implement alterations in program structure; plan and direct new program functions and programs; make library acquisitions.

·         Supervise and train inmate workers and volunteers within the library.

·         Maintain computer lab within the library; troubleshoot and resolve computer problems; install hardware and software; train users on computer use.

 

SHERIFF’S DETENTION PROGRAM SPECIALIST I – RECREATION:  In addition to the duties and qualifications listed in the general Detention Program Specialist I description located at the beginning.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

·         Lead physical and recreations program, classes, and instruction in a gymnasium environment.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

·         Sports and recreation activities.

·         Weight lifting methods and weight machines.

ABILITY TO:

·         Develop program curriculum, services, and lesson plans.

EDUCATION:

·         Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Recreation or a related field.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

·         Must be able to stoop, bend, stretch, twist, reach, kneel, squat, and/or balance to retrieve recreational supplies.

·         Must be able to lift, carry, drag, pull, or push up to 50 pounds (volleyball net posts.)

 

 

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