Correctional Programs Technician

Job Description:

Correctional Programs Technician

Description

CAREER DESCRIPTION

CORRECTIONAL PROGRAMS TECHNICIAN

In addition to performance-based merit increases, this position is scheduled to receive salary range increases on the following dates:

Effective June 28, 2024 - 4.25% increase

Effective June 27, 2025 - 4.00% increase

Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate’s qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.

This recruitment will be open for a minimum of five (5) business days, and will remain open on a continuous basis until 11:59 PM (PST) on the day the Orange County Sheriff’s Department needs are met. Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.

POSITION/RECRUITMENT INFORMATION
This recruitment is open to the public and will be held to establish an Open Eligible list to fill current and future vacancies in this class until the next recruitment. This recruitment may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications.

THE DIVISION
The Sheriff's Correctional Programs and Inmate Re-Entry Units of the Inmate Services Division provide inmates the opportunity for an effective rehabilitative experience while incarcerated, without cost to taxpayers. Inmate programs and services related to rehabilitation opportunities are mandated by the California Code of Regulations, Title 15 "Minimum Jail Standards" and related case law. These activities are planned, coordinated, conducted and evaluated at each OCSD jail facility by the Correctional Programs and Inmate Re-Entry staff. Typical programs include certified education in academic studies, vocational education training and life skill classes such as Parenting and Job Development. The Programs and Re-Entry Units also provide opportunities for personal change, including programs focusing on substance abuse recovery, domestic violence, anger management, library services, religious and inspirational programs and pre-release preparation and assistance as well as post release services - all designed to maximize the chances of an inmate's successful transition to the community at release and to help reduce recidivism.

THE OPPORTUNITY
The Sheriff's Department has an excellent opportunity for a Correctional Programs Technician to provide diverse education and services to inmates in a correctional setting.

• Conduct and track individual assessments, and maintain case plans
• Recruit inmates for educational and volunteer classes
• Oversee inmate activities
• Work closely with strategic partners and volunteer groups
• Conduct book and game exchanges
• Distribute religious and other materials
• Create individualized inmate discharge plans
• Prepare a variety of documents using Microsoft Office Suite

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
General Knowledge of

• Group leadership methods and techniques for directing and guiding work, instructional or leisure activities of adults.
• Social and emotional factors which influence human behavior.
• Interviewing techniques for establishing rapport with and obtaining relevant information from individual adults with widely varying attitudes, motivations, backgrounds and problem situations.
• General library principles and techniques, including basic library research tools.
• Modern computer programs, Microsoft Word, Outlook, and the Internet

And one or more of the following options:

Option I
Principles and practices of organizing and conducting recreational activities for adults; and either: Fundamental rules, strategies, techniques, and skills of various commonly played sports and games. OR Techniques and skills of various popular arts and handicrafts.

Option II
Principles and techniques of analysis and counseling, and types of community services resources available, for assistance in dealing with individual problems of adults such as unemployment, marriage and family conflicts, substance abuse and criminal behavior. Principles, methods, and techniques of instructing adults; individually and in groups, in moderately complex subject material.

Option III
Principles of interviewing skills necessary to recruit and/or work with various volunteer organizations such as community, civic, academic, social or religious organizations, and other resources where potential volunteer assistants may be contacted and recruited for the Orange County Sheriff's Department. Organize and implement current and/or future volunteer programs. Communications techniques used to gather, evaluate and transmit information; effective interviewing and public speaking techniques used to orientate individuals; written communication techniques for report writing and correspondence.

Option IV
Some law terminology and/or law background. Principles of analyzing data to identify issues, problems, and solutions and determine appropriateness of information presented. Communications techniques used to gather, evaluate, and transmit information; effective public speaking techniques used to orientate individuals; written communication techniques for report writing and correspondence.

Ability to

• Motivate adults with limited incentives, such as correctional facility inmates, to participate in constructive individual activities and in group activities requiring cooperation and teamwork.
• Adapt group activities to the participation and interest of the group.
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Enter data utilizing various types of software programs.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with inmates and staff.
• Prepare detailed records and reports.
• Learn, interpret and apply the diverse methods, procedures, techniques and detailed rules and regulations of the Sheriff's inmate recreation and assistance services program, using independent judgment and initiative.
• Establish and maintain working relationships with management, employees and public libraries.

Education and Experience
One (1) year of experience which demonstrates possession of the required knowledge and abilities. Education or training which demonstrates possession of these knowledge and abilities may be substituted for up to six (6) months of the required experience at a rate of two semester units for each month of experience or one hour of training for each hour of experience.

License Required:
Possession of a valid California Driver's License, Class C or higher, is required by date of appointment.

Click here to review the class specifications.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must not have been convicted of a felony or be on any form of probation and must pass an extensive background investigation to the satisfaction of the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner.

A background check consisting of employment history, professional references, criminal check, traffic violations, drug use, credit problems, employment history, professional references and education verification (i.e. degree, license, and/or official transcripts) will be conducted. All applicants will be required to pass an extensive background investigation to the satisfaction of the Orange County Sheriff's Department. Candidates must not have been convicted of a felony or be on any form of probation. All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a thorough background investigation to the satisfaction of the Sheriff's Department.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND WORKING CONDITIONS:
Physical and Mental Requirements
Must possess overall, independent body mobility to stand, walk, stoop, bend, twist, and or sit for prolonged periods of time, and walk on regular basis as the work demands; vision sufficient to read fine print and computer screens; arm and manual dexterity sufficient to perform repetitive motion for various duties such as keyboarding, writing, filing, stapling, and using a calculator; ability to reach and grasp above the shoulder level; body strength sufficient to lift, carry files, operate machinery for videotapes and other audio-visual equipment that may weight up to 40lbs; ability to speak and hear well enough to communicate clearly and understandable in person, over the phone, and while addressing large groups of people. Some positions will require the ability to operate tools and equipment, and / or to work while wearing safety equipment. Refer to the Medical Standards within the Title Schematic.

Environmental and Working Conditions
Under supervision and monitoring, works inside jail facilities with inmates who have the potential to become verbally abusive or violent. May come in contact with members of the public who become angry or impatient. Regularly uses standard commercial equipment and material including but not limited to computer hardware, software, peripherals, and audiovisual equipment, library materials and equipment. Must be able to withstand pressure involved in meeting deadlines and the need to multitask different priorities and activities.

Human Resources |Minimum Qualifications
Sheriff's Human Resources screens all applications to identify the most qualified candidates for the position based on the skills required to meet the needs of the Sheriff's Department. After the initial screening, the qualified candidates will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the competition.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Applications must emphasize all the areas in which the applicant has expertise and accomplishments in the specific competencies related to the position, as applications will be screened to identify the most qualified candidates.

Application Appraisal Panel |Application Rating (Refer/Non-Refer) (Refer/Non Refer): An Application Appraisal Panel (AAP) of job knowledge experts will thoroughly screen all application materials and rate for job knowledge, competencies and related experience described above. The more qualified candidates will be referred to the next step. (The information you provide will be used as a scoring device, so please be descriptive in your response. "See Resume" is not a qualifying response and will not be scored in lieu of the required information.)

Structured Oral Panel Interview (Weighted 100%): Candidates will be interviewed and rated by a qualification appraisal panel of job knowledge experts. Each candidate's rating will be based on responses to a series of structured questions designed to elicit the candidates' qualifications for the job. Only the most successful candidates will be placed on the eligible list.

Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure.

ELIGIBLE LIST
After all the Selection Procedures are completed, the Sheriff Human Resources will establish an eligible list of qualified candidates.

Veterans Employment Preference Policy (VEPP)
The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here (Download PDF reader) to review the policy.

HOW TO APPLY
Only on-line applications will be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of on-line applications. Application information must be current, succinct and related to the requirements in this job announcement. Your application should demonstrate your professional experience and education related to the specific qualifications/duties listed in this bulletin, including the areas in which you have developed expertise.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

EMAIL NOTIFICATION: Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in your application and use only one email account.

NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply. Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com .

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: Please click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.

For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, contact Paige West at (714) 834-5859 or email at pwest@ocsheriff.gov

EEO INFORMATION

Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.


Non-Management Benefits
In addition to the County's standard suite of benefits, such as a variety of health plan options, annual leave and paid holidays--we also offer an excellent array of benefits such as a Health Care Reimbursement Account, 457 Defined Contribution Plan and Annual Education and Professional Reimbursement. Employees are provided a Retirement Plan through the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS).

Please go to the following link to find out more about Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits.
http://www.ocers.org/active-member-information

Click here for information about benefits offered to County of Orange employees.

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

Salary:

$60,528.00 - $81,036.80 Annually