Correctional Security Officer I - Public Safety

About the Department

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Position Duties

About the Position:

This position is to provide a safe, secure environment for all persons on the grounds of the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo and within the surrounding community, by enforcing laws and regulations involving the custody of criminally insane patients of the Institute and of convicted felons from the Department of Corrections and the Division of Youth Corrections. This position is aware of and adheres to prevailing legal standards, CDHS Policy, DPS Policy, and CMHIP specific procedure.  Specific duties and expectations of the job are detailed in the 5 sections below:  Safety/Security; Programming; Documentation/Recording; Training and Organizational Accountability.

Safety/Security:

• Work involves providing the direct care, safety, security and supervision of adjudicated and/or pre-adjudicated patients in a locked setting.  
• Supervision for safety is a function of appropriate staff location, mobility and continual observation of patients.  
• Provide immediate intervention in crisis situations.  
• Employ sound judgment and emotional control when evaluation possible crisis in a timely manner taking into consideration the physical and mental well-being of all patients and staff.  
• Participate in defusing and debriefing of all incidents.  
• Monitor movement of patients in the units or throughout the building.  
• Escort and transport to activities or appointments internal and/or external.  
• Conduct searches of person’s property or areas according to schedule or as needed.  
• Check windows, doors, all aspects of locking mechanisms and building grounds to minimize escape risk.  
• Actively use effective communication skills, verbal de-escalation skills when interacting with patients and staff in a positive and respectful manner.   
• Provide interior security within the facility by patrolling the patient areas on irregular patrols establishing preventative enforcement through Officer presence.

Programming:

• To provide for and promote a safer, more therapeutic environment by meeting expectations to provide both a deterrent to assaults as well as an additional resource to manage actual assaults and crisis situations.  
• Actively and with positive engagement, implement and follow policies and program procedures.  
• Observe, monitor, detect, record and report problem behaviors.  
• Use prevailing techniques to establish rapport with patients, overcome resistance to change, communicate more effectively in stable circumstances as well as unsettled circumstances.  
• Support CMHHIP/DPS initiatives and strategies as it relates to patient programming and crisis intervention.  
• Provide officer presence in common areas providing a safer and more therapeutic environment.  
• Respond to crisis situations and assist staff in gaining control of hostile situations. 

Documentation, Organized Accountability:

• Document all activities and relevant information on daily shift log pass along.   
• During perimeter rounds ensure that suspected breaches and/or issues are documented. Report known or suspected incidents of abuse as mandatory reporters pursuant to prevailing statute.
• Through all communications and behaviors employee will demonstrate, support and contribute to a healthy, positive and respectful cultural climate throughout the facility.  
• Communicates with internal/external customers, residents, subordinate staff and co-workers in a professional manner; ensuring to communicate with respect and dignity.  
• Adhere to the CDHS Code of Conduct and DPS Policy and Procedures.  
• Be aware of and adhere to prevailing legal standards, CDHS Policy and implementing Procedures.  Will adhere to CDHS, DPS Policy and CMHHIP Procedures regarding work schedule, timekeeping and leave practices.  
• Perform continuous, irregular patrols within facility.

Training:

• Attend and actively participate in all assigned training and successfully complete any/all testing or other requirements for such training.  
• Maintain required certifications as appropriate.  
• Successful completion may be known or recorded by score or demonstration of skill.  
• Meet and keep current all mandatory training pursuant to prevailing CMHHIP/DPS Policy.   

Other Duties as Assigned:

• This position is required to assist per recommendations from the Appointing Authority and/or Supervisor, should other duties within reason arise in accordance to Colorado Revised Statutes, CDHS, CMHHIP and DPS Policies and Procedures.
• Special assignment requirements and/or other assigned duties.
• Additional coverage, special assignment, ongoing tasks.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:   
High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED).

Substitution:  
NonePreferred Qualifications:

• College education (preferably 2 years or more) in behavioral health and/or juvenile justice related field
• Experience working with patients in positive leadership roles, such as mentoring and coaching
• Experience working in a high security locked environment
• Experience working with patients who suffer from mental illness

• FULL BACKGROUND CHECK:  This position will have direct contact with vulnerable persons (as defined by C.R.S.27-90-111: "Direct contact" means providing face-to-face care, training, supervision, counseling, consultation, or medication assistance to vulnerable persons, regardless of the level of supervision of the department employee. "Direct contact" may include positions in which persons have access to or unsupervised time with clients or patients, including but not limited to maintenance personnel, housekeeping staff, kitchen staff, and security personnel.)
• CBI & FBI fingerprint check, Colorado Court Database check, Medicare Fraud Database, TRAILS Database check.
• This position requires State of Colorado residency at the time of application (unless otherwise identified in the posting), and residency within the state throughout the duration of employment in this position.
• Possess and maintain a valid U.S. driver's license
• Shift work – may get pulled to other shifts to cover minimum Officer management
• Travel – transportation of patients in State vehicles; Travel to assigned training and/or alternate work sites
• Must possess a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver’s License or an non-restricted U.S. Driver's License for positions within 30 miles of the CO state border. 
• Out-of-State Driver’s License holders must obtain a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver’s License within 30 days of employment start date and be compliant with the Universal Safe Driving standard.

• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must:

• Disclose that information on the application.

• Explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify you from the current position.

• Provide your employee number from your prior State employment.  Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination and failure to provide this information will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS.

CDHS Selection Process Explanation
Employment history is calculated on a full-time basis (40/hrs per week). Part-time employment is calculated on a prorated basis to determine qualifications. Be sure your application specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position and minimum requirements.

• Preferred Qualifications & Competencies:

• Relevant years of state service experience.

Minimum Qualification Screening Process 
A Human Resources Analyst will review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether your experience meets the minimum qualifications for the position.  You must complete the official State of Colorado online application.  Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be reviewed during the minimum qualifications screening process. You must specifically document your work experience and qualifications in the application form. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached."

You must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process.  Part-time work experience will be prorated.

Comparative Analysis Process – Structured Application Review 
After minimum qualification screening, the comparative analysis process will involve reviewing and rating of all the information you submit. The comparative analysis step may also include your results from standardized testing. 

Your Work Experience/Job Duties
Document your work experience/job duties to the extent to which you possess the skills, education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications. 

Supplemental Questions 
Answer the supplemental questions completely and thoughtfully. We will rate your answers  based on the content of your response and your writing skills (spelling, grammar, and clarity of your writing).

Your Work Experience/Job Duties

Document your work experience/job duties to the extent to which you possess the skills, education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications. 

If listed, answer all supplemental questions as your answers to these questions will be evaluated during this phase. Provide at least 4-8 sentences for each supplemental question.     

Supplemental Questions 

Answer the supplemental questions completely and thoughtfully. We will rate your answers  based on the content of your response and your writing skills (spelling, grammar, and clarity of your writing).

Appeal Rights

You may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director if your application is eliminated.  You will find the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it on the State Personnel Board website.

• You or your representative must sign and submit the official appeal form for review.  

• You can find the official appeal form here. 

• You must be deliver the official appeal form to the State Personnel Board:

  • By email ([email protected]), or

  • Postmarked in US Mail to(1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203, 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.

Contact the State Personnel Board for assistance:

• At (303) 866-3300, or

 Refer to the  Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, within the Rules webpage.

Other Qualifications

How to apply to the State of Colorado

The Assessment Process

For additional recruiting questions, please contact: [email protected] 

About Us & Benefits: 

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, join the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS). Our professionals strive to design and deliver high quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well-being of the people of Colorado. Each of us is committed to contributing to a safe and accessible CDHS. In addition to a great location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:

• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans

• Medical and dental health plans

• Employer supplemented Health Savings Account

• Paid life insurance

• Short- and long-term disability coverage

• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave

• State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center

• Employee Wellness program

• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more

• Remote work arrangements for eligible positions

• Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Our Values:

• We believe in a people-first approach: We prioritize the needs, well-being, and dignity of the individuals, families and communities we serve. We commit to respect, fairness and access in every decision, policy and interaction. We engage client voices and experiences in the development and implementation of the services we provide.

• Balance creates quality of life: We want our team to be resilient through a supportive workplace that values flexibility, health and wellness, and employee engagement.

• We hold ourselves accountable: We take responsibility through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado.

• Transparency matters: We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public.

• We are ethical: We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy.

• Collaboration helps us rise together: We work together with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans.

ADAA Accommodations:

CDHS is committed to a Colorado for 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. 

This includes 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 [email protected].

~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~ 

We are committed to increasing a “Colorado for ALL" of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities.  The State of Colorado believes that a “Colorado for ALL” drives 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 IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~

Additional Support For Your Application

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 1) ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and 2) close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.

Benefits

The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program.  Please click the following link for detailed information:  www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits 

Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.
 

Supplemental Questions

Required Question

Agency Information

EmployerState of ColoradoAddress See the full announcement by clicking
the "Printer" icon located above the job title
Location varies by announcement, Colorado, -- Website https://careers.colorado.gov/