CDOC - Training Specialist IV (Corrections Training Academy Specialized Trainer)
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CDOC - Training Specialist IV (Corrections Training Academy Specialized Trainer)
Salary
$5,962.00 - $9,541.00 Monthly
Location
Colorado Springs, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
CTA 84080 TS IV 11.2025
Department
Department of Corrections
Division
Division of Human Resources
Opening Date
11/26/2025
Closing Date
12/10/2025 4:00 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address
1150 Academy Park Loop, Colorado Springs, CO 80910, USA
FLSA Status
Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
david.mixer@state.co.us or 719-723-3960
How To Apply
Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.
Description
Benefits
Questions
Department Information
This position is only open to Colorado state residents.
This posting may be used to fill future vacancies at this location.
Due to the State's current hiring freeze, this position will not be filled until January 1, 2026, or after, unless a hiring freeze waiver/exemption has been approved.
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. Member Contribution Rates . Correctional Officers I-IV qualify as "Safety Officers" and are eligible for increased PERA benefits;
Medical and dental health plans;
Short and long term disability coverage;
Paid life insurance;
11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave;
Wellness program, tuition reimbursement, training opportunities and more;
Visit State of Colorado Employee Benefits. (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-of-colorado-employee-benefits) for more information.
Description of Job
Under the direction of the Corrections Training Academy and supporting the Division of Adult Parole, the position will coordinate the evaluation, design, implementation, management, and sustainment of EBP principles and practices across the entire agency.
This position will maximize efficiencies, effectiveness and outcomes of current and future CDOC practices by developing curriculum in regards to evidence based principles (EBP) and practices and ensuring EBP in all levels of training. The complexity and scope of programming and functions has reached a level within the CDOC that denotes the need for dedicated positions to focus on coordinating, evaluation, designing, implementing, and managing EBP.
Primary duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Instruct and deliver Basic, In-service, Advanced, and Specialized training.
Obtain and maintain Advanced/Specialized instructor credentials as directed by the Curriculum Manager and/or supervisor in order to develop and modify training curriculum and lesson plans, instruct, monitor, and evaluate successful student course completion and effective instruction by instructors.
Build and guide organizational support for the implementation of evidence-based practices. Advises DOC management of significant system issues arising in the correctional or treatment of offender success. Collaboratively decides on the best resolution to address problems relating to EBP training project.
Use discretion and creativity within limits set by professional standards, agency's available technology and resources and program objectives.
Analyze information to determine solutions or processes that ensure the efficient, effective, compliant and accurate completion of assigned professional tasks.
Utilize substantive knowledge of EBPs, including Motivational Interviewing, risk/needs assessment, evidence-based decision-making and cognitive -behavioral approaches and must be open to ongoing studying and staying up-to-date in the development of structured curricula. The position will be integral to the overall execution and evaluation and its long-term success. Position will design and develop training level categories that correspond.
Report progress toward goals and objectives. Must create benchmarks and systems to track and enhance progress. Position will contact end users of the program to identify strengths, weakness, and implement plan of actions for continued improvement.
Evaluate the relevance and importance of programmatic theories, concepts, principles and general policy in order to tailor and develop an efficient and effective approach to fit specific circumstances.
Conduct research to ensure accuracy and function of data/systems/processes.
Critically evaluate and problem solves to ensure resolution of issues and potential areas of concern.
Implement and manage reporting systems which may include generation of reports, utilizing relevant databases and programs.
Serve as a resource/specialist, delegated authority, in this professional field of training, ensuring efficient use of resources.
Provide customer service to internal and external stakeholders, ensuring prompt and accurate clarification and dissemination of information.
Educate stakeholders on unfamiliar concepts and theories beyond common information or knowledge.
Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure best practices and appropriate application of professional principles.
Facilitate transactions and/or proper use of systems and processes, coordinating logistical resources and support for departmental need.
Research identified challenges and problems, and makes recommendations to improve, solve and correct.
In collaboration with various consultants and research methods, position will update curriculum based on new evidence and current trends.
Work with teams to carry out collective goals and objectives.
Work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Develop creative and innovative ideas to improve programs.
Lead specialized teams and projects.
Develop Continuous Quality Improvement processing to increase sustainability.
Position serves as a curriculum and instruction specialist in this professional field of staff training and development.
Provides oversight and daily management of training projects and assignments such as coaching and feedback sessions with Community Parole Officers, in order to maintain transparency, consistency and integrity of data/systems/processes to meet program goals and objectives.
Recommend new training courses based upon agency need, policy, statutes and professional standards and recommend solutions to address and correct training related deficiencies found as a result of reviews/audits
Travel will be required.
Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Minimum Qualifications:
Experience:
Seven (7) years of *professional corrections related experience which must include all of the following:
Knowledge of criminal justice, correctional or parole theory, to include the understanding of the foundations and the significance of evidence-based practices.
Experience in the conceptualization, preparation, presentation and evaluation of training for practitioners in a criminal justice or parole environment.
One year of this experience must involve Evidence Based Principles and Practices.
One year of this experience must include teaching adult learners, in a training environment (instructor with multiple participants).
Any experience less than full time will be pro-rated.
Only applicants who meet the minimum and special requirements for the vacancy will be included in the comparative analysis process.
*Professional experienceinvolves exercising discretion, analytical skill, judgment, and personal accountability and responsibility for creating, developing, integrating, applying, and sharing an organized body of knowledge that characteristically is: uniquely acquired through an intense education or training regimen at a recognized college or university; equivalent to the curriculum requirements for a bachelor's or higher degree with major study in or pertinent to the specialized field and continuously studied to explore, extend and use additional discoveries, interpretations, and application and to improve data, materials equipment, applications, and methods.
-OR-
Education and Experience:
A combination of related education in Business, Criminal Justice, C riminology, Sociology, Behavioral Science or a similar discipline and/or relevant experience as defined above equal to seven (7) years.
Necessary Special Requirement: Must possess a Colorado Department of Corrections Instructor Certification in both Defensive Tactics and ASHI or have the ability to obtain certifications within 1 year of employment.
Ensure that the "Work Experience" section of the application is complete and contains all relevant work experience related to the position that you are applying for. This information will be used to help determine compensation for the position. "See resume" statements cannot be accepted in lieu of the "work experience" section of the application. Additional work experience will not be accepted after the job announcement close date for compensation purposes.
Required Competencies:
Self-control, a strong sense of ability to work in stressful, potentially violent situations;
Ability to remain alert, emotionally stable, and mentally resilient under pressure and observant throughout their shift;
Tolerance to stress, confinement, and high-stakes interaction;
Ability to read and comprehend the English language;
Ability to effectively communicate fluently in English both verbally and in writing;
Ability to create accessible documents and technical content that follows plain language guidelines with accessibility in mind;
Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication and public speaking skills;
Ability to establish measures of efficiencies through the creation of objectives which measure efficiencies;
Ability to implement and improve the operation through effective performance measures;
Strong leadership and organizational skills;
Ability to manage multiple assignments;
Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills;
Attention to technical detail;
Proven ability to partner with professionals, consultants, stakeholders, staff and management with sensitivity to their needs and priorities;
Ability to work effectively in both independent and team situations;
Strong time management and project management skills;
Ability to strategically plan demonstrating innovation and global perspective;
Ability to interpret complex rules, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines;
Proficiency in G-Suite & Microsoft Office Suite skills and ability to quickly learn and apply other software.
Preferred Qualifications:
Completion of Public Speaking and/or CDOC Presenters courses;
Curriculum Developers course completion;
Experience designing, delivering, implementing, and evaluating training programs;
Knowledge, understanding, and demonstrated experience applying evidence based practices (EBP) within a correctional environment;
Experience identifying training inefficiencies utilizing a needs assessment to improve processes.
Advanced knowledge of training practices;
Knowledge and experience on criminogenic needs of offenders, transition and case management strategies to prepare offenders for re-entry
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The Assessment Process : Your application will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum Qualifications (MQ's). Applicants that meet MQ's will be included in the Comparative Analysis process. Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted through a comparative analysis which may include, but is not limited to, a suitability screening, eSkills Assessment, oral assessment, written performance assessment or it may include a review of your application material and your responses to any supplemental questions by a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to assess and rank applicants in order to establish an eligible list for referral to the hiring manager for final consideration.
Use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, including language models, to create, write, or alter any portion of responses throughout any step of the assessment process may result in the disqualification of an applicant.
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.
Employees who are rehired or reinstated within six months of their separation will return at either their previous pay rate if hired into the same class level or based on their time in the class series, whichever is higher. Those rehired or reinstated after six months' separation will be calculated using the same formula for new hires and promotions.
Please note that while this change in role may constitute a promotion in title and/or responsibility, salary adjustments are not guaranteed and may be influenced by factors such as internal pay equity, budget constraints, market benchmarks, or the individual's current compensation level. Any changes to compensation will be determined separately and communicated accordingly.
If you have transcripts, a license or other relevant documentation regarding your qualifications, upload and attach copies to your application.
If an unofficial copy of transcripts is being submitted at the time of application, transcripts from colleges or universities outside the United States must be assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and must be included as part of your application materials. Failure to provide a transcript or credential evaluation report may prevent your application from moving forward in the selection process.
Under the Job Application Fairness Act (SB 23-058), applicants may redact information from certifications and transcripts that identify their age, date of birth or dates of attendance from an educational institution.
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 the candidate's ability to perform the essential functions of the position. 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. Drivers must maintain a valid, non-restricted Colorado driver's license, obey traffic laws, and be able to safely operate a motor vehicle. State drivers are expected to maintain a safe driving record consistent with Colorado Division of Human Resources Universal Policy Driving Standards (https://osc.colorado.gov/sites/osc/files/documents/Universal%20Policy%20Driving%20Standards.pdf) . Eligibility to drive a State-owned vehicle, includes holding a valid Colorado driver's license within 30 days of employment or residency change and meeting specific driving record criteria. Serious traffic violations, including DUIs or reckless driving, can disqualify drivers for up to seven years. A ll State Vehicles are monitored by telematics for safe operation and employees have no reasonable expectation of privacy while using an agency State Fleet vehicle;
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;
Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States to be appointed to this position. CDOC uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. CDOC does not sponsor non-residents of the United States;
Successfully pass all modules of the six-week 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 work environment free from illegal drugs and alcohol. Employees (see exception below) may use marijuana in their personal time but are prohibited from working while under the influence of any substance, including marijuana. A drug test will be administered to all new employees; employees must successfully pass. Random drug screening will occur throughout employment.
Exception: Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified employees are prohibited from the use of marijuana. Health care professionals must check their licensing requirements regarding marijuana use.
Appeal Rights: If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.
An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), postmarked in US Mail or hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department's action.
For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board; go to spb.colorado.gov ; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at (303) 866-3300; or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.
Supplemental Information
After submitting an application, you should receive an 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: info@governmentjobs.com . 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 David Mixer at david.mixer@state.co.us
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. The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness. The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.
The 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, Kristen Lange, at doc_employeerelations@state.co.us or call 719-728-0270.
ALL DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS FACILITIES AND BUILDINGS ARE TOBACCO FREE.
WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE PROTECTED CLASSES TO APPLY.
The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information: www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits
Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.
01
By clicking below, you acknowledge that the selections process may consist primarily of a review of your application and supplemental questions against the minimum qualifications, required competencies and preferred qualifications. Your responses will also be evaluated on ability to follow instructions, clarity, conciseness, organization, grammar, spelling and word choice. Do you acknowledge this?
I so acknowledge.
02
I acknowledge that the 'Work Experience" section of the application is complete and contains all relevant work experience related to the position that I am applying for. This information will be used to help determine compensation for the position. "See resume" statements cannot be accepted in lieu of the "work experience" section of the application. Additional work experience will not be accepted after the job announcement close date for compensation purposes.
I so acknowledge.
03
If you are using college course work to meet the minimum qualifications for this position, it is required that a copy of your official (or unofficial) transcript(s) noting degree @type and date conferred/awarded be attached/uploaded to this application at the time of submission. Have you attached/uploaded your transcripts?
Yes, I have attached my transcripts.
No, I am not using college course work to meet minimum requirements for this position.
04
Please indicate if you meet the necessary special requirements below.
Certified Defensive Tactics Instructor
Certified ASHI Instructor
Will obtain Defensive Tactics instructor certification within one year.
Will obtain ASHI instructor certification within one year.
05
Based on the job description, required competencies and preferred qualifications listed in the job announcement, clearly describe why you are the best candidate for this position. Include how your accomplishments, qualifications, skills, areas of expertise, other characteristics, etc., make you the best fit candidate for this position.
06
Please describe, in detail, your professional experience including your experience with instructing adult learners, curriculum development, and evidence-based practices (EBP) in the field of criminal justice.
07
Describe in detail a time where you were involved with identifying training inefficiencies, and what measures you took to improve and/or implement process changes?
08
Describe a situation in which you were tasked with educating stakeholders on unfamiliar concepts and theories. What was the specific situation, plan of action, and outcome?
09
Certification and Confidentiality Statement I certify that: --I understand that this, my completed Application, the attached Supplemental Questions, and my responses are confidential and that I have neither consulted with others nor received assistance in the preparation, writing, or editing of my responses and the information contained herein is in my own words and was prepared and completed solely by me and only me. --All the information I have provided herein is true, complete and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief, and is made in good faith. --I have not communicated the confidential information of this, my Application and the attached Supplemental Questions in any way to other candidates, potential candidates, subject matter experts, or any person. --I understand that if the confidential information in this, my Application and the attached Supplemental Questions and/or my responses, are found to have been falsified, plagiarized, or shared in any way, I may be disqualified or removed from the position if appointed.
I agree to the terms and conditions of this Certification and Confidentiality Statement.
Required Question
Employer
State of Colorado
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