Regional Correctional Retention Specialist

Work for Indiana

Grow your career with the State of Indiana! With more than 50 executive branch agencies, the State of Indiana is a diverse workforce offering employees stimulating and challenging projects across a broad scope of career opportunities. As a State of Indiana employee, you impact the well-being of Indiana’s communities every day.

At the State of Indiana, we don’t just talk about diversity and inclusion – Our goal is to create a welcoming, accessible, and equitable workplace, with a workforce that is representative of the State of Indiana population. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

About Westville Correctional Facility:

The Westville Correctional Facility is a minimum/maximum security adult facility located on approximately 411 acres near Westville, Indiana in LaPorte County. It currently houses approximately 3,200 offenders.

Role Overview:

As the Correctional Retention Specialist, you will be responsible for making recommendations for the design and establishment and administration of the Indiana Department of Correction employee retention programs. You are also responsible for implementing and monitoring programs and initiatives as directed by the Correctional Retention Manager and Executive Director of Workforce Engagement. This position performs employee engagement activities inside correctional facilities as well as conducting exit interviews, long long-term surveys, and is involved with facility employee appreciation committees. We are looking for someone who has a positive outlook on the work culture and loves to talk with Staff. 

This position is responsible to provide support with retention for Westville Correctional Facility, Laporte Correctional Facility, & Parole District 6. The Retention Specialist for Region 2 is responsible for helping retain employees by following the 2023 and 2024 IDOC DWE Plan which outlines detailed responsibilities.

Salary:

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

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this roles are as follows:

• May act as a resource regarding retention, and employee engagement related matters.
• Coordinate the planning, development, performance and evaluation of retention programs for your assigned region, including researching, designing, developing and executing strategies to achieve goals and objectives.
• Assist the Retention Supervisor in developing goals and objectives as well as implementing tools to effectively measure program and staff performance.
• Coordinate the revision of marketing materials utilized for retention programs
• Monitor and implement a Regional Retention Plan, and reduce voluntary resignations by 5% during each evaluation period. In addition, achieve or exceed the Recruitment Metric Standards that are implemented.
• Coordinate, develop and instruct training programs as needed at regional training locations and facilities throughout the State at various locations.
• Develop Social Media strategies for enhancing recruitment of perspective employees, interns, and volunteers.
• Work closely with Wardens, Division Directors, and State Personnel staff to design, implement, and evaluate strategies for employee engagement.
• Establish collaborative working relationship with community leaders, allied criminal justice agencies, employment agencies, colleges, universities, trade schools, and other State Agencies to foster partnerships for employee recruitment and retention.
• Prepare and develop reports pertaining to staffing vacancies, recruitment, retention, and attrition rates, and remain current on any departmental and or state policy changes.
• With prior approval, represent the Division at public speaking engagements, and coordinate other programs and program sections, as assigned or needed.
• Evaluate on-the-job training, and ensure adherence to correctional facility/CTI security policies (key control, count, shakedowns, searches, inventory, office equipment, radios, security systems, etc.)
• Assist in performing special projects/assignments as directed by Staff Development and Training Management Team.
• Conduct site inspections, review audits, review/recommend training curriculum and annual training needs assessment/plans.
• Operate departmental vehicles to travel to other facilities, seminars, conferences, or training sites.

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.

What We're Looking For:

• Must act as a positive role model in use of language, demeanor, behavior and dress for all employees and as a representative for the department.
• Must be able to work in a confidential environment and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work within a culturally diversified environment.
• Possession of excellent observational skills.

What You'll Need for Success:

• Ability to incorporate “Adult Learning” principles into training programs.
• Thorough knowledge of principles and practices of Staff Development and Training Division including Administrative Procedures.
• Knowledge and skills to develop and implement program goals and objectives and staff development programs.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis and performance review/evaluation.
• Knowledge of training liability issues, operational issues, treatment programs, ACA standards and departmental policies and procedures.
• Ability to evaluate and develop written procedures for recruitment and retention programs.
• Knowledge of Department of Correction policy and procedure.
• Knowledge of community, academic institutional, and criminal justice agencies resources.
• 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.
• Broad knowledge of safety and security procedures in a correctional environment.
• Ability to abide by the Departments 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 work within a culturally diversified environment.
• Possession of excellent observational skills.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

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) and vision/dental coverages 
• Wellness program (offers premiums discount for the medical plan) 
• Health savings account (includes bi-weekly state contribution) 
• Deferred compensation account (similar to 401k plan) with employer match 
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options 
• Group life insurance 
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits 
• Paid vacation, personal and sick time off 
• Competitive leave policies covering a variety of employee needs 
• 12 company paid holidays, 14 on election years 
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program 
• New Parent Leave 
• Free Parking 
• Free LinkedIn Learning 

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer.