Chapter 3 – Personnel, Training, and Employee Relations

The Department shall work closely with colleges and universities of the State and participate in federally funded programs to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of correctional programs and for the betterment of persons received as staff from these resources. Through liaison with colleges and universities, the Department shall:

• Recruit academically qualified employees.

• Provide for the academic and professional development of existing employees.

• Make correctional goals and methods known to the academic community by:

  • Increasing and coordinating departmental employee contact with various college and university departments which have an interest in correctional programs (Social Welfare, Criminology, Sociology, Police Science, etc.).

  • Encouraging cooperative training efforts such as courses offered in correctional facilities and use of departmental employees as guest lecturers or instructors on campus.

  • Providing for the placement of students who are interested in a correctional career.

This section describes job classifications and federally funded programs for the recruitment and development of paraprofessional employees.

Hiring authorities shall develop and implement evaluative techniques and methods for the selection and assignment of paraprofessional employees.

The Department’s TSBTraining Services Branch and the HRS shall assist by providing whatever material, information, etc., is needed to carry out plans regarding college liaison or intern and training programs.

The Work Incentive Program (WIN) is administered jointly by the U.S.United States Departments of Labor and Health and Human Services. The Department’s Selection and Standards Branch coordinates all departmental involvement in the WIN program.

Work Incentive Program

• The Department participates in two types of WIN training:

  • OJTOn-the-Job Training experience. The Department contracts with WIN to provide a work situation wherein enrollees can prepare for and obtain permanent employment. Under this program, WIN enrollees receive their regular grant from local welfare departments and incentive pay from WIN.

  • Focused Recruitment Program (FRP). Under this Career Opportunity Development Program, the Department contracts with the Employment Development Department and the SPBState Personnel Board (see CalHR) to hire WIN eligibles.

The Department’s Selection and Standards Branch recruits, tests, and hires the departmental FRP personnel. This branch advises facilities of the identity of FRP personnel, and provides instructions on billing SPBState Personnel Board (see CalHR) for their 80 percent contribution to FRP personnel’s salaries.

Appointment to these job classifications depends upon the number of positions available through funds acquired from State resources. The positions are nontesting, nonstatus classes and temporary in nature.

• Student Intern

  • This program is designed for the student who desires to extend the learning experience to include actual work assignments in the correctional setting. Applicants shall be enrolled in an accredited college program. The positions are not civil service and are not salaried. However, most colleges allow units of credit for this type of experience. Tenure may be for several weeks or months.

• Student Assistant

  • The student assistant assists regular departmental employees in services such as psychological, sociological, educational or administrative; assists in experimental and research projects by gathering data; observes and reports on departmental methods and procedures. Candidates shall produce proof of application for, or enrollment as a student in an appropriate college or university program. Work assigned to incumbents shall be directly related to their college curriculum and academic goals.

• Graduate Student

  • This temporary authorization class is designed to provide currently enrolled graduate students with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the State’s professional work, consistent with their course of study. The major Department use of the class has been in the law student program.

• Professional Intern

  • There are several ways to qualify for the class of professional intern; the most typical being registration in a recognized college or university. The professional intern functions in much the same capacity as the student assistant; however, as experience and training are acquired, responsibilities are increased. The class is nonsalaried, but maintenance items such as employee quarters may be provided if available. The local business manager and personnel representative act as coordinators for this type of appointment.

The Deputy Director, ASDSee Division of Administrative Services (DAS) (see ASB), or designee shall be responsible for ensuring that the contents of this article are kept current and accurate.

None.