The Colorado Department of Corrections is committed to the safety of our employees. The CDOC has been working with state and local partners to proactively prevent the spread of COVID-19 within the state prison system. For more information, please visit our website CDOC COVID – 19 FAQ and Updates.
Learn more here on how to apply for a career with the State of Colorado.
Who May Apply: Colorado residents who meet the minimum requirements listed on this announcement.
Job Location: Limon Correctional Facility (LCF), Limon, CO.
The mission of the Colorado Department of Corrections is “To protect the citizens of Colorado by holding offenders accountable and engaging them in opportunities to make positive behavioral changes and become law abiding, productive citizens.”
Our vision…”Building a safer Colorado for today and tomorrow”.
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;
10 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave; Wellness program, tuition reimbursement, training opportunities and more.
Description of Job
This is a paralegal position working directly with offenders in a correctional facility environment and functioning in the capacity of liaison with offenders and the Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) staff.
Job duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Assist adult offenders classified at various security levels, to include disabled offenders, regarding the use of legal materials and the selection and preparation of legal documents;
Monitor the daily operations and ensure the security of assigned facility law libraries to maintain a secure work environment within a penal setting;
Provide alternative legal access to those offenders who do not have physical access to a law library;
Provide offenders with photocopies of legal materials and receive, log, and deliver all photocopied loan material;
Log, prepare loan sheets, and enter statistical information into computer to facilitate the production of monthly statistical reports by supervisor;
Monitor and manage offender legal access computers, including legal research programs, word processing, and provide notary services;
Supervise, hire and terminate offender clerks; provide appropriate services to offenders on behavioral management plans;
Interview and provide assistance to offenders pursuant to program policies and procedures;
May be responsible for more than one facility law library;
Other duties/projects as assigned by supervisor.
Note: Occasional travel required to provide coverage for other CDOC Facilities throughout the state.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Education:
Paralegal certificate obtained through either an American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal studies program or an accredited institution. (Copies must be attached to your application to receive credit.)
Substitution:
Two (2) years of work experience in a paralegal capacity which included conducting legal research, preparing drafts of legal documents and gathering and compiling data from legal references and resources. (This experience must be clearly described, in your own words, within the work experience section of your application to meet this requirement.)
A Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school may substitute for the required certificate. (You must attach a copy of your unofficial transcripts with your name, college name, degree and date conferred in order to receive credit.)
Required Competencies:
Proficient legal research skills;
Exceptional interpersonal/customer service skills;
Excellent written and oral communication skills;
Efficient and accurate analyzing of data/information skills;
Keen ability to multi-task and demonstrate flexibility;
Impeccable organizational, planning, and prioritizing skills;
Precise attention to details;
Strong initiative and self motivation;
Effective critical thinking and decision making;
Established proficiency in position-related office technologies especially Microsoft Office Suite;
Ability to read and comprehend the English language;
Ability to effectively communicate fluently in English both verbally and in writing;
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience interpreting complex rules, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines;
Advanced knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, and agency rules.
ONLY APPLICANTS WHO MEET THE MINIMUM AND SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE VACANCY WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS PROCESS.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The Assessment Process: Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted through a comparative analysis. Part or all of the analysis for this position will include a review of your application material and your responses to any supplemental questions. Applications and responses will be reviewed by a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to assess and rank applicants in order to cut to a top group for additional assessment; or to establish an eligible list for referral to the hiring manager and 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.
If you have transcripts, a license or other relevant documentation regarding your qualifications, upload and attach copies to your application.
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 candidate’s ability to perform the essential functions of the position, completed at the applicant’s own expense. 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;
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.
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;
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 drug and alcohol free work environment. Our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws. 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 the position, you may protest the action by filing an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the date you receive notice of the elimination. Also, if you wish to challenge the selection and comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the receipt of notice or knowledge of the action you are challenging. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director’s Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for more information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director’s Administrative Procedures are available at https://spb.colorado.gov/. A standard appeal form is available at: https://spb.colorado.gov/. If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within 10 days of your receipt of notice or knowledge of the action: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 633 17th Street, Suite 1320, Denver, CO 80202-3604. Fax: 303-866-5038. Phone: 303-866-3300. As of November 12, 2013, the Board will be located at 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, Colorado 80203. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination.
Supplemental 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 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 [email protected] 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 Nicole Fernandez at [email protected].
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.
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, Julia Valadez, at [email protected] or call 719-226-4445.
ALL DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS FACILITIES AND BUILDINGS ARE TOBACCO FREE.
WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE PROTECTED CLASSES TO APPLY.
