Examining Community Based Corrections Staff Workloads

• In Event: The Practices and Strategies of Treatment and Community-based Corrections Personnel

Abstract

Workload studies have been used in a variety of states to assess workload standards and provide recommendations for appropriate staff allocations necessary to achieve a minimum quality of supervision services to enhance public safety. In 2016, with support from the Iowa Department of Corrections (DOC), APPA conducted a workload study of its community based corrections (CBC) staff working in judicial districts across the state. This study was designed to provide a greater understanding of the nuanced work performed by CBC staff. It intended to understand several areas of CBC staff work, including the most common activities performed, time associated with the activities, challenges in completing activities, alignment of activities with DOC’s evidence-based practice goals, and DOC’s staffing needs across the judicial districts. This paper will provide the study’s findings and discuss the ways in which DOC has used the findings to inform policy, practice, and staffing needs.

Authors

• Nathan Lowe, American Probation and Parole Association

• Dee Bell, American Probation and Parole Association

• Beth Skinner, Iowa Department of Corrections

• Adam Matz, University of North Dakota