Inmate Programs Specialist- Spanish Bilingual

Multiple current vacancies with the Tulare County Sheriff's Department in Visalia. This recruitment will establish an employment list to fill current and future vacancies. The anticipated life of the list is six months.

Spanish bilingual designated positions are entitled to an additional $.50 (cents) per hour. A Spanish proficiency exam will be required. Applicants must be fluent in the ability to read, write and speak in the Spanish language as well as in English.

Typical Duties

Conduct, organize and coordinate a variety of inmate programs/services such as post release referral counseling, educational resources, reading materials, volunteer services, community service providers and recreational activities; interview inmates to determine the need for and placement into appropriate programs and monitor custodial participant's progress and involvement; assist with the research and preparation of grant applications and funding contracts; collect and evaluate information; draw valid conclusions and make appropriate recommendations; maintain a variety of statistical data and prepare reports to demonstrate the effectiveness of the various programs; review, evaluate and respond to requests for services from inmates; serve as liaison between programs, service providers, and detention staff; provide information to inmates and families regarding community resources, services, and programs; assist in the preparation of the inmate's release plan including making recommendations and referrals to various vocational, educational, employment and counseling services available in the community; supervise and instruct an assigned group of inmates in various vocational, educational and recreational activities; observe, evaluate and report on the conduct, needs, personality, adjustment and progress of inmates; identify and notify detention personnel of inmates exhibiting behavioral or emotional problems and recommend appropriate referrals; coordinate purchase and inventory of supplies necessary to maintain programs and services; answer inquiries and provide information by telephone and in person to the public or other interested parties.

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum qualifications are used as a guide for establishing the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license which are required and equivalent to the following.

Education/Experience: Graduation from an accredited college with an Associate's degree in Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Sociology or a related field AND two (2) years of experience involving interviewing or counseling in a social services or criminal justice environment.

Knowledge of: Community resources available to inmates and their families; group leadership methods and techniques for directing work; instructional and recreational activities for adults; social and emotional factors which influence human behavior; basic algebra; proper English usage, grammar, spelling and punctuation.

Skill/Ability to: Read, interpret, implement and explain program rules, regulations, policies and procedures; collect and evaluate information, draw valid conclusions and make appropriate recommendations; write clear, concise, grammatically correct correspondence and reports; establish and maintain effective working relationships with custodial and civilian staff, inmates, and inmate family members; assess inmates' needs; work independently; maintain a variety of information and statistics using word processing and spreadsheet applications; organize work in a step-by-step order and keep systematic and accurate records; use patience, tact and courtesy in dealing with a variety of people under various circumstances and under emotional stress; follow verbal and written instructions; retain and recall information.

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license.

Additional Information

Conditions of Employment

Candidates selected will be required to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Additionally, a background investigation may also be conducted, which may include a re-investigation every 10 years for some positions.

An Employment Eligibility Verification using E-Verify may be required on the first day of employment for some positions. Some job classes may also require a physical exam.

College Cost Reduction Access Act

This may be a qualifying position for student loan forgiveness through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA). Only student loan payments made after October 1, 2007 and in a qualified repayment plan are eligible. For more information you are encouraged to speak with your student loan servicer or visit: http://studentaid.ed.gov/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation.

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