Jail Program Specialist

Are you looking for a career where your leadership, organization, and communication skills directly empower community rehabilitation and safety? As a Jail Program Specialist with Larimer County, you will sit at the intersection of security, administration, and support services. You will play a pivotal role in maintaining a secure environment while orchestrating daily educational, vocational, visitation, and recreational programs that transform lives.

If you thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments and are passionate about helping individuals develop essential life skills, we want you on our team!

The starting salary range for this position is $52,875.00 - $63,450.00.

• Provide direct supervision, movement escort, and safety oversight for inmates, volunteers, and visitors during jail programs and visitation periods.
• Develop curriculum, lesson plans, and services—including classes, leagues, and tutoring—and teach inmates in one-on-one or group settings.
• Manage inmate visitation scheduling, haircut arrangements, reading glasses distribution, and commissary logistics in partnership with external contractors.
• Inspect program areas, run warrant checks on visitors/volunteers, respond appropriately to conflicts, and implement emergency procedures as needed.
• Maintain detailed records, compile statistics, track unit budgets, handle inmate grievances, and enter data into county databases.
• Schedule, evaluate, and collaborate with external service providers and volunteers to coordinate community resources for inmate programs.
• Handle multi-line phone systems during visitation periods and respond constructively to inquiries from inmates, families, and the public.
• Serve backup security functions for jail deputies and handle emergency situations or CPR response if required.

• A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent education) from an accredited institution with major coursework in Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, Law Enforcement, Public Administration, or a related field.
• At least one (1) year of directly related experience performing similar duties or responsibilities.
• A valid Driver’s License and current CPR and First Aid certifications by the date of hire.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities to effectively interact with inmates, staff, outside agencies, and the general public.
• Understanding of human behavior, adult education principles, counseling techniques, and life skills instruction.
• Ability to evaluate conflict, interpret county rules and laws, make independent daily decisions, and maintain strict record confidentiality.
• Skilled in public speaking, supervising diverse groups, and building cohesive working relationships across county departments.
• Willingness and physical ability to work weekends and evenings in a specialized, secure facility setting.

• One (1) year of experience in a directly related field or in the performance of similar duties and responsibilities is required.
• A bachelor's degree, or equivalent education, from an accredited college or university with major coursework in human services, psychology, sociology, law enforcement, public administration, or a related field is required.
• Possession of a valid Driver’s License by the date of hire is required.
• Possession of CPR and First Aid certifications by the date of hire is required.

All temporary positions include sick leave, our Employee Assistance Program, and other benefits may be available.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits.
• Flexible Spending Accounts / Health Savings Account
• Short and Long-Term Disability.
• Employee Assistance Program
• Basic Life/Accidental Death & Dismemberment
• Accident Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Retirement Plan 401(a)…