Career Progression FAQs

GENERAL

Who can participate?   
All correctional officers, food service officers, probation and parole officers and case managers with the minimum months of service for their career track, maintain a least an overall “meets VIP,” no documented counseling, no active disciplinary actions or time management issues, and are not under investigation in the last 12 months.

How long will it take to complete the First Class level?   
This program is self-paced. Work on the course requirements was designed to be taken over the initial length of the program or 12 months. Many courses are offered online so that you may take them when it is most convenient to you.

Do I need to get permission to participate in the Career Progression Program?   
No. If you meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the orientation, you can start at any time. You self-initiate this program through the LMS.

How do I start the program?   
When you enter the LMS, look for the Career Progression tab at the top of the page and complete the orientation. If you believe this program is for you, complete the registration form and the letter of acknowledgement and verify the statement at the bottom.

What do I get when I complete the program?   
When you complete the Career Progression program, you will receive a certificate of completion, a transcript of the courses you completed, a letter of recognition, a uniform patch noting achievement of the First Class level, and a one-time pay adjustment.

How much of an in-range adjustment will I earn?   
Each track has a defined amount based on the classification level and eligibility standards.
•    COs and food service officers receive $1250.
•    Case managers receive $1350.
•    Probation and parole officers receive $1500.

When can I start the Senior and Master levels?    
During the first year of the program, only the First Class level will be offered. You will need an additional 12 months of service to start work on the Senior Level. Currently only the COs have a defined Master Level after an additional 24-months of continuous service. In future years, you will still only be able to complete one level during a 12-month period.

Does this program guarantee that I can get a promotion?   
No, you would still have to apply for any promotional opportunities. It is hoped that the added training you have completed will make you a better promotional applicant.

If I have an active disciplinary, a documented counseling or time management issues, can I participate in the program?    
No, not until you have either completed 18 months with no more ER issues or the active disciplinary action was removed.

If I am under investigation, can I participate in the program?
You can’t participate while you are under investigation. If you have already begun the program, your participation will be paused until the matter is resolved.

How long do I have to complete First Class?    
Once you have registered for the program, you have 12 months to complete the program, but you may also extend this time if you need to have an additional six months by emailing the Career Progression Mailbox.

Will I be given a fair review by the Regional Committee? How will the Committee work?     
The purpose of the Regional Review Committee is to ensure that each staff person has a fair and equal opportunity to participate in this program. The Committee will ask you to describe how the program provided you with additional skills, how you are able to apply these to your job, and any suggestions you have to improve the program.

How quickly will I get my pay increase? Will I see a noticeable pay change in my first monthly paycheck?    
The one-time pay adjustment will be processed in your next pay period (depending on the payroll schedule). 

Why is this worth my time? What’s really in this for me?     
This program is intended to build new skills and knowledge that you can use in your current job and will allow you to demonstrate more advanced skills outlined at the First Class level. Your own initiative to develop new skills/knowledge can demonstrate to others within the organization your ability to take on new roles in the future.

What kind of courses will be offered to me in my career track? How are classes different from other tracks?    
These courses are outlined in the orientation in the LMS. The courses are unique to those in the Career Progression. You may find similar titles elsewhere, but the contents have been matched up with what is required on your track checklist.

What if I don’t have an overall VIP “meets expectation” when I am completing the program?    
Initial eligibility is based on continuously meeting at least “Meets Expectations” during the program.

I have other questions, who can answer them?    
Each prison and region have an advertised name who is serving as a point of contact for the Career Progression Program. 
If you still have a question, you can also use the Department’s Career Progression Program email listed in the LMS.

INSTITUTIONS / PRISONS

Can I use my phone or computer to complete the training?    
This is set up in the LMS so you can complete the registration and any courses on your personal computer or smartphone outside of the facility. Each facility has at least one kiosk with a working computer available outside of your shift hours.

I don’t think my supervisor/sergeant will let me participate.   
You self-initiate by registering. Because COs and food service officers cannot leave their workstations or post during a shift, the courses can be taken at home or at a facility kiosk during off hours.

If I am a CO, can I register for an FSO/CM career track?    
No.

COMMUNITY SUPERVISION

When am I eligible to participate in the program?    
For the Advanced level, you must:
•    Have at least 24 months of continuous service as a case-carrying, certified probation/parole officer.
•    Have received a “meets” or “exceeds” expectation on your overall VIP performance rating for the past year and maintain that performance level during the progression program.
•    Not have active disciplinary action (Note: Active documented counseling session requires approval by Judicial Division Administrator on a case-by-case basis).
•    Not be under investigation initially or during the progression program.
•    Maintain Criminal Justice Certification including annual in-service training during the progression program.

For the Senior level:
•    Meet the criteria listed for the Advanced level.
•    Successfully completed the Advanced level.
•    Have a minimum of 36 months of continuous service as a case-carrying, certified probation/parole officer.

Does my CPPO need to approve my participation?
Your CPPO does not need to approve your participation; however, they will verify your eligibility to participate. Your CPPO will receive notification of your interest in participation when you complete the Registration Smartsheet. 

Will I be forced to participate even if I don’t want to?
No. This is a voluntary self-initiated, self-paced program.

If I have an active disciplinary action, can I participate in the program?
While your disciplinary action is active, you are not permitted to participate in the program. When the disciplinary action expires, you may continue the program.  

On my last annual performance evaluation, I received a “does not meet expectations”. Can I participate in the program?
When your annual performance evaluation is “Meets” or Exceeds Expectations,” you may then participate in the program.

Why is this worth my time?  What’s really in this for me? 
This program will:
•    Provide you opportunities to develop additional knowledge and skills.
•    Enhance your case management and leadership skills.
•    Build your interest in career development.
•    Prepare you to apply for leadership positions.
•    Earn recognition and a one-time payment upon completion.

Why are there two levels? Can I do both at once? I have been a PPO for longer than 3 years, can I start with the Senior level?
There are two levels: Advanced, for PPOs with a minimum of 24 months continuous service as a case-carrying PPO, and Senior, for PPOs with more than 36 months continuous service as a case-carrying NC PPO.  

You must complete the Advanced level prior to enrolling in the Senior level regardless of your longevity. Participants may only attempt one level at a time over a 12-month period, regardless of years of service. 

How do I start the program?
1. Submit the Registration form after completing the orientation in the LMS career progression page. 
2. Begin working through the Career Progression curriculum (assigned by your CPPO upon verification of your eligibility).

How long does it take to go through the program?
There is no defined timeframe to complete the program. However, if you do not begin activity in the program within 12 months of enrollment, the registration will be considered inactive. You may request an additional six months if needed.

How can I learn more about the program?
There is an orientation course in the LMS that will provide you with detailed information.  

Can I take classes during work time?
You may take your training classes during work time. Participation in this program must not interfere with your regular work responsibilities and should not result in overtime. It is expected that you will be able to complete your job duties and the training within your regularly scheduled 40-hour work week.

What do I do when I have completed all the training?
After completion of the required training, you will complete a Curriculum Self-Reflection Smart Sheet, where you make a projection about how you will use your new skills, knowledge and competencies. Your reflection will be reviewed by the Program Manager and, ultimately, a Regional Review Committee. The Regional Review Committee will meet with you in-person or virtually to confirm your completion of the progression program requirements and gather feedback about the program.   

How long does it take to complete the program?
The program is self-paced. The Advanced PPO level includes 30 hours of coursework in LMS.  

What is the Review Committee?
Upon completion of the program, you will meet with a Regional Review Committee. The Committee will ask you to describe how the program provided you with additional skills, how you are able to apply these to your job and offer you a chance to provide any suggestions to improve the program.

When will I receive compensation after completion of the program? How much money will I receive?
Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive $1500 as a one-time payment (based on availability of funds; payment subject to taxes and retirement contribution). 

Will I get a raise?  Will my annual salary increase?
Because PPOs are on a legislatively mandated step-pay plan, your annual salary will not increase with this program.

What happens when I have competed the program?
You will receive recognition from the Deputy Secretary of Community Supervision, a one-time payment, a badge to wear on your uniform, and a framed certificate of completion. You will be publicly recognized for your hard work.