Correctional Case Work Specialist

* THIS RECRUITMENT MAY CLOSE WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE DEPENDING ON THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED. APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE*

Job Summary

Northern Nevada Correctional Center is now hiring for a Correctional Casework Specialist 1 role in Carson City, Nevada. A Correctional Casework Specialist 1 is involved in evaluating and classifying inmates incarcerated within NDOC institutions and correctional Responsibilities include maintaining comprehensive records, conducting casework assignments, analyze case factors that will determine and contribute to the classification decisions such as changes in legal status, progress in service of sentence, decisions of parole authority and achievements and infractions, and per NRS Chapter 209 also evaluate, develop, and implement plans for inmate program classification. A typical work schedule for this position would be Monday through Friday from 8:00am- 5:00pm; overtime may be required on short notice in case of emergency.

Correctional Casework Specialists perform duties involving the evaluation and classification of individual inmates incarcerated within State correctional facilities; maintain a comprehensive record of each inmate regarding personal data, legal data, criminal history, institutional adjustment, program needs, program achievements, classification history and rule infractions as stipulated under NRS Chapter 209; evaluate, develop and implement plans for inmate program participation.

Essential Qualifications

Graduation from high school and four years experience in a correctional, parole and probation or comparable setting conducting casework services and investigations and preparing detailed reports for the purpose of rehabilitation, program development, and program services of clients or parolees and probationers or the institutional classification and disciplinary process of inmates; OR Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in criminal justice, psychology, sociology, social work, public administration or other related field and two years experience as described above; OR Master’s degree with specialization in criminal justice, psychology, sociology, social work, public administration or closely related field and one year of experience described above; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience; OR one year of experience as a Correctional Casework Specialist Trainee in Nevada State service.

Job Duties

Conduct routine casework assignments within established time frames to determine need for reclassification of individual inmates; analyze case factors which contribute to classification decisions such as changes in legal status, progress in service of sentence, decisions of parole authority, achievements and infractions; make determinations based on the application of laws, rules or regulations and thorough analysis and verification of data contained in case history files, investigative reports, personal interviews and departmental reports; compare inmate status against classification criteria; explain, interpret and advise inmate on decisions which are based on Nevada Revised Statutes, court case law, administrative regulations, and institutional/facility procedures.

Serve as a member of the facility’s Disciplinary Committee by hearing cases regarding inmate violations of institutional and work release rules involving general or major infractions; review inmate’s case files, investigative reports, statements from witnesses, evidence, and inmate testimony. Determinations are made as to the guilt of inmates and severity of the violation. Disciplinary sanctions are based on the Code of Penal Discipline and are submitted to the Associate Warden of Programs for review and approval.

Serve as a member of the Institutions/Facilities Classification Committee involving the classification of inmates during their regular reviews, post Parole Board reviews, post Disciplinary Committee reviews and for special classification issues; present and explain data regarding inmates on assigned caseload and participate in the classification process. Committee decisions are based on the Caseworker’s presentation of inmate file material, inmates’ statements, and eligibility in relation to established classification criteria.

Prepare parole progress reports regarding inmate history and activity prior to and during incarceration period. Information is provided as to the inmate’s criminal history, legal status and history, progress in service of sentence, classification history, institutional achievements, adjustment, infractions and criminal status in other jurisdictions. Inmate is interviewed for relevant input for parole report and is notified of hearing date. Release plans are requested as well as letters of verification. Completed report is reviewed with the inmate and supervisor prior to submission to the Parole Board. Represent the department at Parole Board hearings to provide information and take file notes.

Assist inmate in obtaining work assignments during incarceration by assessing their ability to perform various tasks based on medical records, inmate file history, and personal interviews; make job assignment recommendations to Classification Committee; observe and evaluate work performance and ensure work time credits are properly received and documented.

Respond to inquiries concerning sentence structure and sentence credits of inmates; obtain information regarding inmate work status by reviewing work history reports, institutional file, work time forfeitures and credits, and applicable laws involving parole and discharge eligibility.

Monitor status of assigned inmate’s custody level on a daily basis by reviewing movement sheets to determine if any housing changes, disciplinary or protective custody actions have been taken; review incident reports, interview inmate and document findings in inmate file; ensure inmate receives due process and assistance; complete all required reports and forms for review by supervisor.

Provide guidance to inmates regarding institutional rules, appropriate behavior, program opportunities, personal or family problems, emergency situations, medical or psychological needs and complete appropriate referral forms; encourage behavior modification and performance expectations within institution and take appropriate action; chronologically document information received from inmate and any actions taken to ensure compliance with due process procedures.

Respond to legal matters involving inmates within the facility by answering inquiries from the Attorney General’s Office and other agencies or institutions involving small claims, civil suits and/or criminal prosecution; conduct research to develop written response.

Conduct research and draft correspondence for Prison Administrators which may relate to inmate concerns regarding the staff or institutional programs and policy.

Prepare special reports for the Warden or Director involving removal or reinstatement of statutory good time credits for inmates involved in serious disciplinary infractions and submission of reports for transfer of inmates under the auspices of the Interstate Compact Agreement. Process, review, and maintain log book for inmate grievances; assign case numbers to grievances received and forward to appropriate party for written response; upon receipt, prepare written response to inmate and attempt to resolve grievance.

May coordinate the movement of inmates involving release, transfer and housing assignments by developing and reviewing appropriate documentation; ensure inmate records and/or property are gathered and transported with inmates and track their movement.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Under general supervision of the Correctional Casework Specialist III, incumbents perform the full range of duties outlined in the series concept. This is the journey level in the series.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

This job specification lists the major knowledge, skills and abilities of the job and is not all inclusive. Incumbent(s) will be expected to have knowledge, skills and abilities from a previous level.

Knowledge of: outside law enforcement agencies as they relate to inmate status; criminal and administrative law with regard to due process and NRS; cultural and ethnic differences as applied to the incarceration and program placement of inmates; symptoms and causes of deviant emotional or psychological behavior; principles, procedures and techniques of inmate classification and parole planning in correctional institutions.

Ability to: apply casework principles appropriate to an institutional environment; speak with inmates of various social, cultural, economic and educational backgrounds; establish and maintain effective working relationships; interpret and evaluate inmate records; perform a variety of duties, often changing from one task o another of a different nature under frequent interruptions, distractions and in the presence of hostile/irate inmates in an institutional setting; maintain a professional demeanor in the face of resistance, indifference, or hostility; prepare and proofread completed forms, documents and reports according to department policy and procedure; monitor and evaluate inmate’s program activities and progress; evaluate the merits of disciplinary charges and act in accordance with department policy and directives.

Recruiter Contact Information: Susan Ashley - ***email_hidden***

The State of Nevada is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building diverse, inclusive, and innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, domestic partnership, genetic information (GINA), or compensation and/or wages.

Please send direct Inquiries or correspondence to the recruiter listed on this announcement.

Benefits Include

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance programs for employees and their dependents/family are offered through the Public Employees’ Benefits Program (PEBP).
• Vacation: Accrual of three weeks of annual leave each year.
• Sick Leave: Accrual of three weeks of sick leave each year.
• Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year.
• Retirement: Participation in the Nevada Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Employees do not contribute to Social Security but will contribute to PERS if their position is at 50% or more full-time equivalency. For more information on how PERS service may impact Social Security benefits, visit the SSA publication.
• Deferred Compensation: The State offers a voluntary Deferred Compensation Program.
• No Nevada state income tax.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Eligible due to public sector employment.
• Longevity Payments Eligibility: Employees who have received a performance rating of “standard” or better and have completed eight (8) or more years of continuous service are eligible for longevity pay.

Additional benefits may apply to employees covered under a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), depending on their designated bargaining unit. For more information, visit the Labor Relations Unit (LRU).

For more details about your rights and responsibilities as a State of Nevada employee, please review the State of Nevada Employee Handbook (PDF).

• State Holidays The holiday schedule for State employees is established by the Legislature.

The Following Are Legal Holidays

January 1.............................................. New Year's Day

Third Monday in January.................. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday

Third Monday in February................ Washington’s Birthday

Last Monday in May........................... Memorial Day

June 19................................................ Juneteenth Day

July 4.................................................... Independence Day

First Monday in September.............. Labor Day

Last Friday in October....................... Nevada Day

November 11........................................ Veterans' Day

Fourth Thursday in November........ Thanksgiving Day

Friday following the Fourth Thursday in November...................... Family Day

December 25........................................ Christmas Day

When January 1, June 19, July 4, November 11, or December 25 falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is the observed legal holiday. If these days fall on Sunday, the following Monday is the observed holiday. Eligibility for holiday pay is covered by the provisions of NAC 284.255

Correctional Case Worker Specialist 1 - Do you have any of the following?

• Graduation from high school and four years experience in a correctional, parole and probation or comparable setting conducting casework services and investigations and preparing detailed reports for the purpose of rehabilitation, program development, and program services of clients or parolees and probationers or the institutional classification and disciplinary process of inmates.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in criminal justice, psychology, sociology, social work, public administration or other related field and two years experience as described above.
• Master’s degree with specialization in criminal justice, psychology, sociology, social work, public administration or closely related field and one year of experience described above.
• One year of experience as a Correctional Casework Specialist Trainee in Nevada State service.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience.
• None of the above.
• Required Question