STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Correctional Services Aide

Recruitment #190806-2298CO-001

Introduction

Unified School District #1 (USD#1), the legally vested school district that provides educational services for the State of Connecticut Department of Correction (DOC), is conducting a search for a highly motivated, student services-oriented individual to provide guidance and support to individuals and at-risk individuals under our custodial care.  This position, categorized as Correctional Services Aide (CSA), will work directly with individuals to enhance their transition and employability skills to pave their way toward productive and fulfilling opportunities upon release to their respective communities. 

The CSA must be able to establish a classroom climate of respect, responsibility, cooperation and collaboration – important skills essential to gaining and sustaining employment and promoting and reinforcing traditional community values.  By helping our students develop an ethical code of conduct, one that seeks to overcome the attitudinal and behavioral deficits that inhibit personal growth, the CSA will provide vital services to those who seek the opportunity to pursue positive pathways to future success. The CSA will work out of the DOC Central Office in Wethersfield, CT, as a base of operations, and will be required to travel to our various correctional facilities as needed.

This position is full time, Monday through Friday, first shift, twelve-month position, and is entitled to excellent benefits including health, dental, and a 25 year hazardous duty retirement. Selected candidates will be required to attend a 12 week hazardous duty training at the Maloney Center for Training & Staff Development located in Cheshire, CT.

*This is a Hazardous Duty Position and offers a pension plan, the State Employees Retirement System Tier IV. It also offers excellent health benefits along with additional supplemental benefits

Selection Plan

During the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation supporting their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: performance reviews, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc. at the discretion of the agency. 

Please ensure that your application is complete. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State of Connecticut. Candidates who submit an untimely, incomplete or inaccurate application will not be considered for this employment opportunity. 

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Melissa Thompson at Melissa.Thompson@Ct.Gov.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In a Department of Correction facility or district this class is accountable for performing a full range of basic tasks while assisting a member of the treatment staff in a wide variety of rehabilitation activities.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Assists designated member of treatment staff in an area of rehabilitation program such as Parole, Education, Classification, Counseling, Community Release, Community Resources, Community Relations and Family Services; observes and reports inmates behavior to treatment staff; interviews inmates for case histories; serves as liaison between institution and community; investigates employment and housing for offenders; does specialized work with alcohol and drug dependent offenders or ex-offenders; prepares correspondence; assists in classroom teaching and administering and scoring examinations; serves as contact agent with social agencies providing assistance to offenders’ families; conducts pre-parole interviews at institutions; may transport parolees and assist in transporting parole violators; performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Knowledge of psychology; basic knowledge of principles and techniques of interviewing; basic knowledge of social and welfare agencies; considerable oral and written communication skills; interpersonal skills; ability to utilize computer software.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

One (1) year of experience in an alcohol, drug, rehabilitation family employment counseling program.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The preferred qualifications we are seeking:
  • Experience in counseling at-risk populations
  • Experience counseling individuals on basic employability skills including resume writing , interviewing techniques, etc.
  • Experience working with social and welfare agencies
  • Oral and written communication skills
  • Superior interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work with job-related software applications, e.g. Microsoft Office Suite
  • Previous experience guiding students and individuals in pursuit of personal growth and life skill development

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  1. Incumbents in this class may be required to successfully complete a formal training course in correctional work to develop the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the class.
  2. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.
  3. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

CHARACTER REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the checking of references and of facts stated in the application, a thorough background investigation of each candidate may be made before persons are certified for appointment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  1. Incumbents in this class must have general good health, be free from any disease or injury which would impair health or usefulness and possess and retain sufficient physical strength, stamina, agility, endurance and visual and auditory acuity required to perform all the duties of the class.
  2. A comprehensive medical examination, including a controlled substance screening, will be required of all applicants upon a conditional offer of employment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to danger of injury or assault by inmates.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.