Correctional Program Specialist (Mentor Coordinator)

Corrections professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by preparing individuals for successful reentry into our communities. Primarily responsible for overseeing the mentor program, matching inmate participants in a faith-based or secular mentor program with a community mentor or team of mentors at or near their release destination. The incumbent works closely with program staff, Reentry Affairs Coordinators (RAC), and other facility staff to match inmates and mentors, track progress, provide and facilitate mentor training for volunteers, inmates and staff, and coordinate program logistics. Provides training and support for staff, volunteers, contractors, and inmates involved in mentor programs offered by all institution departments. In cooperation and collaboration with the RAC, the incumbent develops working relationships with the USPS, RRCs, and faith-based and community organizations. The relationships established with these entities will be at the level of those staff who work directly with the inmates to foster effective communication of program goals and objectives. Establishing and maintaining these outside community networks is critical to achieving the goal of successful community reentry for incarcerated individuals. Along with all other correctional institution employees, incumbent is charged with responsibility for maintaining security of the institution. The staff correctional responsibilities precede all others required by this position and are performed on a regular and recurring basis. To be considered for the position, you must meet the following qualification requirements: Education: A Master's or equivalent graduate degree; OR 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; OR LL.B or J.D., if related. Graduate Education: Major study • correctional administration, criminology, psychology, social work, sociology, or other fields related to the position. OR Experience: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade level. Specialized experience is directly related experience that included substantial involvement with a correctional program and provided a thorough knowledge of correctional techniques, or experience in meeting and dealing with people that demonstrated the ability to work effectively with inmates and associates in a correctional environment. Some examples of this qualifying experience are: Experience in training volunteers and contractors on institutional programs and security procedures. Experience in developing and implementing mentoring programs. Skilled in establishing community networks and resources to support mentoring programs. Experience and knowledge working with faith-based programs. OR Combination of Education and Experience: Equivalent combination of successfully completed graduate education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements. This experience must have equipped you with the qualifications to perform the major duties of this position as described above. If applicable, credit will be given for paid and unpaid experience. To receive proper credit, you must show the actual time (such as number of hours worked per week) spent in the activities. Your eligibility for consideration will be based on your responses to the questions in the application. Career Transition Programs (CTAP or ICTAP): These programs apply to Federal and/or DOJ employees who meet the definition of surplus or displaced from a position in the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: Meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; Be rated well-qualified for the position, scoring at least half of the total possible points for the vacancy KSAs or competencies; and Submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP eligibility: A copy of the agency notice (i.e., separation notice or agency RIF letter), Most recent performance appraisal, and Most recent SF-50 showing current/former position, grade, promotion potential, and duty location. See USAJOBS' Career Transition Programs for more information. EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. More information can be found here: U.S Department of Justice • Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Key Requirements: U.S. Citizenship is Required. See Special Conditions of Employment Section. Selective Service Requirement ONLY if education is a requirement/substitution for specialized experience, applicant MUST upload legible transcripts as verification of educational requirement. Transcripts MUST be uploaded and electronically linked from USAJOBS at the time you apply and MUST include identifying information to include School Name, Student Name, Degree and Date Awarded (if applicable). All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, Click Here. Foreign Education: For information regarding foreign education requirements, please see Foreign Diploma and Credit Recognition at the U.S. Department of Education website: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications. If you are selected for this position and qualified based on education (i.e. basic education requirement and/or substitution of education), you will be required to provide an OFFICIAL transcript prior to your first day on duty.