Corrections Counselor

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

• Assess needs and risk factors to provide for comprehensive case management and planning; prepare personalized case plans to assist with individual problems and concerns based on the offender’s responsivity factors including culture, learning style, gender, and identified criminogenic needs; determine facility placement and community risk related to release to community based programs; monitor to ensure compliance and alter case plan as needed; impose sanctions, including revocation of release status and return to custody.
• Develop and implement cognitive-behaviorally based curricula; facilitate educational or support groups for medium and high-risk offenders to meet the needs of a specific population; provide training for curriculum content and areas for best practices to Parole and Probation Officers, community members, and others.
• Administer needs and risk assessments, conduct interviews, and research history to recommend the appropriate level of custody and type of services; provide referrals for medical and psychological evaluations as needed.
• Provide transition planning, including intensive communication and case coordination with individuals, offender groups, community-based providers, institution staff, and family members; develop individualized transition plans and provide them to local and state institutions to transition from custody to the community. 
• Provide individual counseling services for issues related to confinement, formal supervision, abstaining from crime, drugs, or alcohol, and living in the community; diffuse escalating and violent behavior; provide crisis management and counseling during in-office visits.  
• Provide alcohol and drug assessment and intervention; provide referrals and facilitate placement into and out of treatment programs; monitor progress and motivation while waiting for treatment; facilitate alcohol and drug education; attend case planning meetings with treatment providers and residential program graduations.
• Develop and implement care management plans for offenders with chronic and persistent Axis I and II mental health diagnoses; consult with mental health experts; provide referrals to community-based clinics and other resources to address serious mental health issues and behavioral problems.
• Participate in case planning meetings in institutions and the community; attend advisory committees for implementations of programs; attend neighborhood meetings; provide input and support at community-based events; participate in the review of contracted partners to determine performance.
• Hold offenders accountable to plans and agreements, court directives, and/or Parole and Probation directives; assist with skill development; provide direct access to community partners in the jail setting; secure community resources upon release; may transport inmates and offenders to impatient treatment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

LEVEL AND TYPE OF WORK AND/OR SUPERVISION:

Corrections Counselor

• Journey level
• Professional
• Perform the full range of duties, working independently, applying well-developed subject knowledge, and exercising judgment and initiative.
• Receive occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise.
• Fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit.
• Work is reviewed based on compliance, appropriateness, and effectiveness in meeting goals and deadlines.
• Receive direction from manager or staff.
• May exercise technical and functional supervision over staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS GUIDELINES:

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.  Requirements are determined at the time of recruitment based on responsibilities of the individual position and business needs of the department.

Corrections Counselor

Training and experience for journey level, professional classifications are typically equivalent to a bachelor's degree and one (1) to four (4) years of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position. (Equivalency 5-8 years of qualifying training and/or experience).

Depending upon assignment, candidates may be required to pass a criminal background check, have a valid driver license, and /or additional training, licenses, or certificates.

REQUIRED TRAINING, LICENSES, AND/OR CERTIFICATES:

• Some positions may require the ability to obtain a Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS) certification within 90 days of employment. 
• Some positions may be required to possess CADC I certification or QHMA/QHMP with the ability to become CADC I certified within 6-12 months.