Correctional Classification Specialist I

JOB INFORMATION

Exempt; full-time; 40 hours per week; varied schedule; full-benefits

This professional position will manage inmates at the Frederick County Adult Detention Center (FCADC) in accordance with established processes and procedures. The successful candidate must be able to establish and maintain effective rapport with offenders and will directly assist in their reintegration back into their community. This position requires considerable contact with other criminal justice agencies as well as public and private agencies that provide services and programs to FCADC inmates. Supervision is received from the Assistant Director (Inmate Services).

NOTE: The upper pay range reflects possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions, which are calculated per County policy. For external hires, offers are made at the base wage rate.

• 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
• 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
• 11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays
• Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
• 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit
• County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
  • Vesting after 5 years of service
  • Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.
• Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan.
• Coming in 2025: Employee Health Center with no or low cost primary and urgent care

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct intake interviews with inmates; enter information into database; provide orientation to the FCADC, as well as the rules and regulations
• Coordinate the Victim/Witness Notification Program in accordance with Maryland law
• Oversee a caseload; perform case management duties to include the coordination of individual and housing units
• Review, investigate and respond to inmate requests; make arrangements for special
• Make appropriate referrals to inmate programs; participate in inmate disciplinary hearings and classification reviews
• Organize and actively participate in recreational and educational activities
• Collect DNA samples from convicted offenders in accordance with Maryland Law
• Provide HIV education and testing services to the inmate population
• Coordinate and assist with Parole and Probation pre-release and orders for Work Release; provide release planning for offenders re-entering into the community
• Assist inmates with securing employment, coordinating work schedules, and with transportation and court ordered programs
• Document inmate adjustment, compliance and program participation
• Maintain electronic documentation and program statistics in various databases; report as needed to FCADC leadership
• As needed, serve as a Notary Public to the inmate population
• Participate in specialized trainings, as needed and required
• Participate in Inmate Council meetings
• As needed, present testimony in court
• Maintain extensive involvement with community agencies and criminal justice agencies
• Perform other related duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Minimum age 21 years
• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology or a related field
• Minimum 1 year work experience closely related to corrections, criminal justice, and/or case management
• Satisfactory completion and certification thru Frederick County Criminal Justice Academy, or ability to fulfill this requirement within the probationary period
• Current certification as a Correctional Classification Specialist through MD Police and Correctional Training Commissions, or fulfill this requirement within 1 year after hire
• Current METERS/CJIS and NCIC certifications from MD State Criminal Justice Information System, or ability to fulfill this requirement within 1 year after hire
• Possession of CPR and First Aid certifications or the ability to obtain these certifications within 1 year of hire
• Current Notary for the State of Maryland or ability to become certified within 6 months of hire
• Possession of a valid automobile operator's license

• Ability to maintain County Authorized Driver privileges
• Knowledge of principles, practices, and objectives of casework, sociology, and corrections; the attitudes and behavior of persons in an institution such as a Detention Center; interviewing and counseling techniques; the methods and objectives of correctional treatment programs; and legal rights of inmates
• Ability to effectively present testimony in court
• Ability and willingness to attend and complete in-service trainings as necessary
• Ability to maintain and adhere to all applicable Sheriff's Office Rules of Conduct, Detention Center policies and procedures, and the Frederick County Government Personnel Rules and Regulations
• Ability to learn and effectively apply appropriate skills and techniques to supervise inmates and enforce facility rules and regulations
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks and complete assigned duties with minimal supervision
• Ability to effectively compile and evaluate data; prepare reports; and access/utilize automated information systems
• Ability to effectively use computerized office equipment
• Ability to effectively deal with situations requiring tact, diplomacy, understanding, firmness, fairness and good judgment; and to effectively explain, interpret and reinforce policies and procedures
• Ability to react quickly, calmly, and effectively in emergency situations
• Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain appropriate confidentiality
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers; representatives of other agencies; offenders, inmates and their family members; and the general public
• Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communication skills with the ability to write clear, concise and complete reports and record of activities

• Case management work experience, specifically in the criminal justice system

• While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly sit, walk, reach and perform repetitive motions; occasionally climb, stoop, lift up to 20 pounds, push and pull up to 40 pounds; and rarely lift between 20 - 50 pounds and drive.
• While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly work indoors, work in a noisy environment and has potential exposure to infectious diseases; occasionally works outdoors, and walks on uneven ground; and rarely works in dirty/dusty environments.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / EXAMINATION PROCESS

• Available for 24 hour call, shift work, weekends and holidays
• The probationary period for this position is 18 months
• This position is subject to random drug testing, to include testing for marijuana
• As a condition of employment, this position is expected to adhere to the Frederick County Sheriff's Office – Corrections Bureau Prison Rape Elimination Act policies as it relates to sexual misconduct, sexual assault, and sexual harassment. Violations of these policies could result in administrative action, termination, or criminal prosecution. This position is subject to a yearly Criminal History check
• When considered under the Frederick County Employees Retirement Plan, this position is designated as "non-uniformed"
• Licenses and certifications named must be maintained current while employed in this position
• Secondary employment will not be approved for FCSO personnel who have not successfully completed the probationary period
• Candidates who were previously rejected for FCSO placement may reapply for consideration, however those declined for reasons which assure another rejection will not be reconsidered

Retirement Plan:
A defined benefit retirement plan is provided for all regular County employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in either the Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting) or the Non-Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting, effective 07/01/2024) depending upon position classification. The majority of support for the plan is provided by the County; however, employees are required to make a mandatory pre-tax contribution towards their benefit. Retirement benefits are payable at normal, early or delayed retirement. Retirement benefits are also payable upon termination and in the event of death or disability.

Health Insurance:
County employees have a choice of two medical insurance plans, an In-Network (HMO) Plan or a High Deductible medical plan with a Health Care Savings Account, to provide coverage for medical and surgical expenses, hospital and emergency care expenses, mental health expenses and prescription drugs. The County and participants share in the cost of the health insurance with the employee having the benefit of pre tax contribution deductions. Medical insurance goes into effect on the first day of active employment.

Dental Insurance:
Employees may select coverage from one of three dental plan options, ranging from a PPO plan to a dental HMO plan. Coverage includes preventive care, fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures, and the cost of dental insurance is shared by both the County and the employee. Dental insurance goes into effect on the first day of the month that follows the eligible employee's completion of 30 days of active employment

NOTE: Employees working 75% or greater of a 35 or 40 hour position are eligible for health & dental insurance.

NOTE: Regular benefited part-time employees earn annual and sick leave on a pro-rated basis based on their actual number of hours worked biweekly up to their assigned number of regularly scheduled work hours.