Correctional Retention Specialist

Date Posted: Jul 2, 2024

Requisition ID: 446000

Location:

Greencastle, IN, US, 46135

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a diverse range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

At the State of Indiana, we don’t just talk about diversity and inclusion—we make it our goal to create a welcoming, accessible, and equitable workplace with a workforce that is representative of Indiana's population. As a proud equal opportunity employer, reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role.

About Miami Correctional Facility, Division of Parole Services, & About Logansport Juvenile Correctional Facility:

As a part of the Indiana Department of Correction, the Miami Correctional Facility promotes public safety by providing meaningful, effective opportunities for successful re-entry. We strive to model best Correctional practices, return productive citizens to our communities, and inspire a culture of accountability, integrity and professionalism. The Miami Correctional Facility is a maximum security Correctional facility for adult males. The Miami Correctional Facility is located in Bunker Hill. Miami Correctional Facility is on the southeast corner of the Grissom Aeroplex, just south of Peru, Indiana, in Miami County. Miami Correctional Facility offers several opportunities for work and educational programs, including a program where incarcerated individuals translate reading materials to Braille and a sewing shop that provides items for partner organizations.

The Division of Parole Services was established within the Indiana Department of Correction in the 1960’s severing its relationship with the State Welfare Department. Parole Services is charged with enhancing public safety by providing community based supervision and services for individuals through the use of evidence based practices as they transition from a Correctional Facility to Community Supervision. Parole Services Division operates out of ten district offices located across the State.

As a part of the Indiana Department of Correction, the Logansport Juvenile Correctional Facility Intake Unit promotes public safety by providing meaningful, effective opportunities for successful re-entry. We strive to model best Correctional practices, return productive citizens to our communities, and inspire a culture of accountability, integrity and professionalism. The Logansport Juvenile Correctional Facility is a maximum security Correctional facility for juvenile males. The Logansport Juvenile Correctional Facility is located in Logansport, Indiana. The Logansport Juvenile Correctional Facility (formerly the Logansport Juvenile Intake/Diagnostic Facility) serves as the intake facility for all male juveniles committed to the Indiana Department of Correction.

Role Overview:

The Correctional Retention Specialist is responsible for making recommendations for the design, establishment, and administration of the Indiana Department of Correction’s employee retention programs. The incumbent works under the direct supervision of the Retention Specialist Supervisor. Incumbent is responsible for implementing and monitoring programs and initiatives as directed by the Retention Specialist Supervisor, Correctional Retention Manager, and Executive Director of Workforce Engagement. This position will adhere to established guidelines for personnel, departmental policies, State and Federal law and ACA standards. Knowledge requirements are varied and include a thorough understanding of State Personnel Standardized Policy, Department Policy, human resource practices, and Adult Learning Principles. They provide instructional support throughout the Department as needed. This role will cover Miami Correctional Facility, Logansport Juvenile Correctional Facility, & Parole District 2 (Fort Wayne).

Salary Statement:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $42,900.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Coordinates and market retention programs for their assigned region, including researching, designing, developing, and executing strategies to achieve goals and objectives.

• Conducts cultural assessments utilizing approved surveys and instruments.

• Evaluate localized procedures by gathering feedback and input from employees regarding work processes, operational procedures, and administrative procedures.

• Reporting research findings to leadership staff as directed by the Correctional Retention Specialist Supervisor and Correctional Retention Manager.

• Performs employee engagement activities inside the correctional facility by interacting with staff members on post to gauge cultural climates, evaluate working conditions, and promote retention programs.

• Engage with employees following critical incidents, staff assaults and work-related injuries to promote employee wellness and individual wellbeing.

• Conducts Exit Interviews, Long-term Employee Surveys, and Returning Employee Surveys to formulate strategies for improving employee engagement and retention.

• Collaborate with Facility Diversity Inclusion and Belonging (DIB) Representatives to coordinating local events promoting equity and inclusion.

• Facilitate focus groups / continuous work improvement projects to enhance local and organizational employee satisfaction and job performance.

• Promote a positive work-culture through role modeling and team building.

• Promote open communication by presenting at department head meetings and facility recalls.

• Participate in Employee Appreciation Committees (EAC) by supporting and promoting local activities.

• Assists the Retention Supervisor in developing goals and objectives as well as implementing tools to effectively measure program and staff performance.

• Responsible for implementing and monitoring localized retention plans.

• Responsible for the reduction of voluntary resignations by 5% during each evaluation period.

• Coordinate and instruct training programs as needed at regional training locations and facilities throughout the State at various locations.

• Organize and coordinate employee recognition events throughout the department.

• Works closely with Wardens, Division Directors, and State Personnel staff to design, implement, and evaluate strategies for employee engagement.

• Responsible for remaining current on any departmental and or state policy changes.

• Prepares and develops reports.

• Ensures adherence to State Standardized Policies, Departmental Policies and Operational Procedures.

• Assists in performing special projects/assignments as directed by Workforce Engagement Management Team.

• Conduct site inspections, review audits, review/recommend training curriculum and annual training needs assessment/plans.

• Operates departmental vehicles to travel to other facilities, seminars, conferences, or training sites.

• Maintains confidentiality

• Performs other duties as assigned

• Assist the Equity & Inclusion Directors with monitoring and addressing Community Concerns through the IDOC website.

• Working with the State Personnel Department to monitor resignations and rehires.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

Job Requirements:

• Maintain confidentiality

• Ability to incorporate “Adult Learning” principles into training programs.

• Ability and willingness to work a non-traditional work schedule, including evening shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays.

• Working knowledge of principles and practices of the division of Workforce Engagement including Operational Procedures.

• Ability to develop and implement program goals, objectives, and employee programs.

• Basic understanding of statistical analysis and performance review/evaluation.

• Working knowledge of training liability issues, operational issues, treatment programs, ACA standards and departmental policies and procedures.

• Ability to evaluate and develop written procedures for retention programs.

• Above average communication skills – both oral and written.

• Ability to read, comprehend and to write professional correspondence and/or documents in variable formats, using correct grammar and punctuation.

• Ability to tactfully gain information and cooperation from others.

• Working knowledge of safety and security procedures in a correctional environment.

• Ability to abide by the Department’s Standards of Conduct.

• Ability to operate and train others on all applicable office and safety equipment as well as specialized educational materials for presentations.

• Ability to accept supervision and constructive feedback.

• Ability to function as a team member and team leader.

• Ability to adhere to agency dress code and/or grooming standards.

• Ability to successfully complete all required training.

• Ability to work within a culturally diverse environment.

• Excellent observational skills.

• Specialized ability and knowledge to train employees.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans

• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards

• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution

• Flexible work scheduling options, including the potential for hybrid remote work for employees whose work may be performed outside state facilities

• Deferred compensation 457B account (similar to 401k plan) with employer match

• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options

• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:

• 150 hours of paid new parent leave

• Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave

• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off

• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years

• Education Reimbursement Program

• Group life insurance

• Referral Bonus program

• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits

• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

• Free Parking for most positions

• Free LinkedIn Learning access

  Equal Employment Opportunity:

  The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunity to all people in all aspects of employer-employee relations without discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or veteran status. We will comply with the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable state and federal laws.

  If you are a qualified individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at [email protected] .

  The State of Indiana has established a culture that welcomes equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all employees and applicants. We encourage you to apply if you feel you have the transferrable skills to be successful in this position and we look forward to reviewing your application.

  Current Employee? Click here (https://performancemanager8.successfactors.com/sf/careers/jobsearch?bplte_company=indianaoff) to apply.