OCC Program Evaluator & Quality Assurance Specialist

Posting number: RAA DCJ CS4 #9090 11/26

Department: Department of Public Safety

Division: Division of Criminal Justice

Job classification: Compliance Specialist IV

Posting type: Open

Categories: Corrections, Public Safety, Criminology, Community and Social Services

*This position is open only to current Colorado state residents.An eligible list established with this recruitment may be used to fill other similar positions within the Colorado Department of Public Safety in the next 12 months. 20250529105201_CDPS logo soup-slider-new.png

Our Mission - Engaged employees working together to safeguard lives and to provide diverse public safety services to local communities.

Our Vision - Creating safer and more resilient communities across Colorado.

Our Core Values - Unity, Honor, Service

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 dedicated to non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.

At CDPS, our culture is driven by our commitment to creating a safer Colorado and guided by a public service focus. We strive to provide effective solutions and services to our fellow Coloradans. We model a culture of collaboration, innovation, and growth for our employees. We maintain a professional and inclusive workplace.

This position serves as a Program Evaluator and Quality Assurance Specialist for providers of community corrections supervision and treatment. The Program Evaluator and Quality Assurance Specialist has the primary leadership and consultation responsibility for the ongoing oversight and feedback regarding adherence to Colorado Community Corrections Standards within residential and non-residential community corrections programs. When issues of compliance are identified, the Program Evaluator and Quality Assurance Specialist, issues corrective actions, follows-up on corrective actions and determines whether further sanctions/interventions are required in order for programs to continue to operate. Program evaluation activities will emphasize the Principles of Effective Intervention, Evidence Based Practices (EBP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapeutic approaches and Implementation Science within the field of reentry, inclusive Colorado Community Corrections Standards. This position works with the OCC Unit Manager, Supervisors, OCC Staff, the Governor’s Community Corrections Advisory Council and professional consultants to develop program evaluation protocols.

Key ResponsibilitiesProgram Quality Assessment and Performance Feedback

Serves as a lead auditor of the integrated quality assurance team in the overall execution and finalization of formal performance audits, evaluations and quality assurance reviews for community corrections programs. This position takes the lead role in completing all field work steps including on-site data collection and file reviews; staff interviews; client interviews; direct observation of supervision and treatment practices; policy and procedure reviews; information system data analysis; and application of quality assurance tools and data collection instruments.

Complete collaborative exit interview and formal feedback sessions with program administration. Leads all post-field-work data management including data entry, data analysis and audit team meetings to review audit data. Complete draft of formal quality assurance feedback report including drafting of initial report and coordination of formal review by quality assurance team and supervisor. This requires travel throughout the State of Colorado to complete quality assessment functions.

Note, to be considered for this position, you must meet one of the following options for consideration.Proven Experience, Knowledge, Skills

• Seven (7) years of relevant experience in the performance of auditing and/or contract compliance experience in community-based corrections or a closely related field

• Excellent reasoning and analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Superior communication skills.
• Collaborative, professional, enthusiastic, positive attitude, able to collaborate, communicate and cooperate with multiple cross-functional partners.
• Execute good judgment and acumen in solving problems. Building strong working relationships and responding to the needs of partners and stakeholders.
• Ability to work and successfully navigate in a highly politically charged environment at times; ability to maintain relationships.

We provide a wide range of benefits to our employees.

• Medical and dental options are available for permanent employees and their dependents. We also offer short and long-term disability coverage, and life insurance that includes legal resources and discounts.
• Eligible employees receive Basic Life and AD&D insurance equal to their annual earnings subject to a minimum benefit of $50,000 and a maximum of $250,000. Basic Life and AD&D are provided by the State of Colorado at no cost to employees.
• The State of Colorado's Wellness Program, State of Health, is a no-cost, year-long program that supports an employee’s health and wellness goals. This program offers personalized health coaching, skill groups and more. Participants can earn a $20 per month health insurance premium discount.
• Through BenefitHub, State of Colorado employees have access to discounts, promotions and special programs from hundreds of retailers, restaurants, travel and entertainment venues throughout Colorado and across the country.
• State contribution into a Health Savings Account when enrolled in a High Deductible Health Plan.
• Eligible employees have access to medical leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the State of Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI).
• Eligibility for hybrid or other flexible work arrangements based on the nature of the role.
• We offer excellent retirement benefits including mandatory PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans. For information on mandatory employee salary deferral (in lieu of contribution to Social Security), visit Colorado PERA for details.
• We provide generous time off including 11 paid holidays annually and accrued annual and sick leave and four annual wellness days.
• The Employee Assistance Program (C-SEAP) is available in every region of the state. It is our effort to support the well-being of employees and the workplace. EAPs provide short-term counseling, referrals and resources, as well as training and organizational development services.
• Tuition reimbursement and reduced college tuition at CSU Global and DeVry University.
• We offer Credit Union of Coloradomembership eligibility.

To learn more about State of Colorado benefits, please visitState of Colorado benefits.

If you are passionate about public safety and public service, and are eager to dedicate your career to serving Coloradans, consider joining CDPS. Our team at CDPS consists of exceptional individuals and is an environment where you can challenge yourself and acquire new capabilities to build a rewarding and fulfilling career.

We are committed to providing public safety services to our communities including safety on our roads, preparing for and mitigating environmental disasters such as floods and wildland fires, disaster recovery, combating crime, promoting school safety, and victim services.

COMPLIANCE SPECIALIST IV

Anticipated Hiring Range: $72,264 - $83,652/year

Full Salary Range: $72,264 - $101,688/year

• Hybrid, two days per week minimum in the Lakewood office
• Work unit core business hours, Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. with some flexibility available
• Travel is required throughout Colorado including day trips and to scheduled overnight locations approximately 25% of the time in all weather conditions.

Serve as a member of an integrated team for the execution, adaptation and improvement of a formal specialized program evaluation process for community corrections programs. Support and complete all pre-evaluation preparation steps including scheduling; provider education and notice; coordination with referral agencies; determination of sampling methods; sample selection; coordinating team assignments and preparation of all evaluation tools and materials. Support and complete all field work steps including on-site data collection; file reviews; staff interviews; client interviews; direct observation of supervision; treatment and behavioral intervention practices; policy and procedure reviews; information data system analyses; and application of evaluation tools and data collection instruments.

Support in the completion of collaborative and formal feedback sessions post evaluation with program administration, implementation teams and staff. Support and complete all post-field-work data management including data entry, data analysis and evaluation team meetings to review observations. Support and complete written feedback report including drafting of initial report and coordination of formal review by evaluation team and supervisor. Support and coordinate collaborative feedback process with program administration and staff. When necessary, issue and follow-up on corrective actions. This position supports the staff authority position in review and oversight of resulting specialized service contracts held by the Office of Community Corrections. They engage with stakeholders to assist in the development of the scope of work for these programs, oversight of compliance, and any regulatory updates of applicable waivers as needed throughout the contract period.

• A combination of education and relevant experience in the performance of auditing and/or contract compliance experience in community-based corrections or a closely related field equal to seven (7) years.
• If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications, transcripts must be attached at the time of application.

• Must be a Colorado resident at the time of application.
• Requires successful completion of a background investigation that includes a polygraph exam, a fingerprint based criminal history search, reference checking, and driving history .
• Current valid driver's license at time of hire, and must obtain a Colorado-issued driver's license within 30 days of hire. Ability to operate motor vehicles and to travel throughout the state in a variety of weather conditions.

Appeal RightsIf you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for the position, you may protest the action by filing an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the date you receive notice of the elimination. Also, if you wish to challenge the selection and comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the receipt of notice or knowledge of the action you are challenging. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for more information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available at A standard appeal form is available at: If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within 10 days of your receipt of notice or knowledge of the action: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: . Phone: . The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination.

If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure equitable opportunity applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to Human Resources at: cdps.

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.

Colorado Department of Public Safety 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.

• Applicationsare considered complete and accurate at the time of submission. Therefore, additional information may not be solicited or accepted after your application has been received.
• Closing Date:All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications may proceed to the next step. Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.
• Supplemental Question:Effective responses to Supplemental Questions will directly relate to your professional experience, career accomplishments, and views about organizational values and approaches, and how they relate specifically to this position and requirements as you understand them. Answers generated by AI-tools will typically be unresponsive.
• Transcripts: An unofficial copy of transcripts must be submitted at the time of application should education be used as qualification. 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.
• Military Veterans: If you are a military veteran you must submit a copy of your DD-214, Member 4 Copy, and VA disability letter if available/applicable at the time of application so we can determine if you are eligible for veteran's preference points. Military personnel who are stationed outside of Colorado may be eligible for this position by submitting the completed DD-2058 "State of Legal Residence" form.
• Application Tips: For an overview of the State of Colorado application process and application tips, please view this video.
• Resumes, Cover Letters,or other documents submittedwill not be reviewed, assessed, or used in the initial stages of the comparative analysis (transcripts submitted to verify that the applicant meets either the education requirement or minimum qualification substitution are exempt from this).
• Notifications:All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be sent via email to the email address listed on your application.  Include your current working email addresson your application and check the email provided on your application frequently as you could receive time sensitive correspondence regarding this position. We highly recommend that you set up your email to accept messages from "state.co.us" and "" addresses. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam filtered email.
• e-Verify: CDPS uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
• Selection Process: After applications are screened for the Minimum Qualifications, CDPS intends to use the comparative analysis process outlined below. Pursuant to state personnel board rule, if there are 6 or few candidates who minimally qualify, said candidates may be referred directly to the Appointing Authority for a post referral assessment and/or consideration.
• Comparative Analysis Stepsmay include(dates are tentative and subject to change):

• Structured application review by a panel of SMEs - November 20-25
• One-way video interview via SparkHire - November 25 - December 2
• In-person panel interview - December 8-11

The Office of Community Corrections (OCC) is statutorily authorized to provide funding, regulation, and technical assistance to community corrections providers and boards throughout the State of Colorado. CRS 17-27-108 requires the OCC to administer and execute all contracts with units of local government, community corrections boards, or nongovernmental agencies for the provision of community corrections programs and services. The statute also authorizes the OCC to establish, enforce, and audit compliance with professional standards for community corrections programs operated by units of local government or nongovernmental agencies.

Colorado state statute also requires the OCC to provide technical assistance to community corrections boards, community corrections programs, and referring agencies in the interest of compliance and system improvement. This position will work within a hybrid model of home office and the field. The position will need to be flexible in their work site location.