Program Specialist (Corrections)

•Position subject to close at any time•Please be advised that Program Specialist position is required to perform the essential functions of the position within the secure confines of the jail.

NOTE TO INTERNAL APPLICANTS

INTERNAL

CANDIDATES IN THE SAME CLASSIFICATION AND/OR PAYGRADE AS THE POSITION POSTED WILL NOT RECEIVE A PAY ADJUSTMENT IF SELECTED.

Under direction, the purpose of the position is to plan, develop, coordinate and review programs in accordance with all departmental policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements applicable to the work. Employees in this classification perform at journey professional level and are responsible for assisting with preparation of a variety of program records and reports, e.g., grant reports, program statistics and overseeing Social Services programs as assigned. The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position. Provides professional development, coordination, and implementation of inmate programming; monitors the status of compliance with all departmental policies, procedures and regulatory requirements applicable to the work. Contacts various speakers, organizations, and specialists to engage their services and programs for the inmate population. Prepares and coordinates program schedules and information. Maintains open communication for the dissemination of information regarding inmate programs. Obtains and develops promotional and explanatory documentation and information for various classes and projects; duplicates and distributes program materials and information. Assists in the preparation and submittal of grant reports as directed. Serves as a community liaison. Monitors the educational/assignments of all inmates; develops and maintains inmate program schedules; speaks to inmates that do not attend classes for reasons. Collaborates with hall monitors to receive attendance lists; prepares daily class lists and distributes to appropriate staff Develops and coordinates the use of pre and post test instruments as needed. Prepares daily program needs list and assigns inmates as indicated. Maintains a wide variety of detailed program records and reports; collects and prepares a variety of statistical information; prepares documentation as required. Recruits, orientates, and trains all inmate program volunteers. Conducts program assessments and assists with reentry case planning, as needed. Receives, researches, and responds to inmate requests regarding programs and program eligibility. Monitors inmate custody, housing, and program eligibility and placement; ensures all inmates are appropriately classified, reclassified, and appropriate for program participation. Identifies SOAR candidates through outreach and working with referral sources within the correctional facility and community partners; completes interviews to gather information and confirm eligibility. Coordinates case management services within the correctional facility and community partners; provides linkage and coordination with Social Security Administration and other needed services, e.g., housing, health care (physical and mental), and other supportive services, as needed. Facilitates groups and/or classes on various topics to program participants. Calculates gain time based upon program participation. Provide training and complete Daily Observation Reports for new employees as needed or assigned. Performs duties as assigned/necessary which are related, or logical in assignment to the position.

Education:

Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, or closely related field. SOAR Training Course preferred.

Experience:

One (1) year of experience in criminal justice, corrections, and/or social work. An equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience may be considered.

Miscellaneous:

Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License. Must complete two (2) day SOAR Training Course within six (6) months of employment. Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions; ability to clearly communicate information both verbally and in writing. Considerable knowledge of inmate population program development, coordination, and implementation; ability to link local resources to develop programs. Considerable knowledge of available community resources and social service resources for application to functional area of responsibility; knowledge of community organizations which supply speakers and programming. Considerable knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local rules, regulations, ordinances, and other regulatory standards applicable to the work. Skill in reading, analyzing, and interpreting professional periodicals and journals, technical procedures, and legal documentation. Knowledge of correctional facility operations. Capable of performing work under stressful conditions; ability to analytically observe, and objectively and clearly report routine and non-routine, emergency, and non-emergency activities; skill in safe First Aid methods, procedures, and practices. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and communications with inmates, social service agencies, co-workers, department management, speakers, organizations, and specialists, and the general public. Ability to operate basic office and communications equipment, e.g., radio, computer terminals, printers, copy machines, telephone systems, facsimile machines.

Physical Demand Requirements:

20 pounds maximum lifting. Frequent (up to 2/3 of the work time) lifting, carrying up to 10 lbs. If less lifting involved will require significant walking/standing. If mostly sitting is involved will require push/pull on arm or leg controls. Expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken word or perceiving sound by ear. Good eyesight for production or safety of self and others. Walk, run, stop, bend, and climb stairs Must be able to walk, sit, or stand for extended periods of time Capable of working under stressful conditions