Classification Counselor 1

State of Washington•Mason County – Shelton, WA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

This is an entry-level position that is instrumental in assuring a safe environment for staff and the incarcerated population. This is accomplished through established uniform procedures for assessing the risk of sexual victimization and/or predation for all individuals under its jurisdiction and maintaining information for use in housing and program assignment decisions. The Classification Counselor 1 (CC1) position also assists with the facilitation of state orientation and receives a small, prescreened caseload, as incumbents in these positions typically perform the less difficult assignments. Washington Corrections Center (WCC) is located 35 miles northwest of Olympia, the state capital. WCC is predominantly a Reception and Diagnostic Center, a close, medium- and long-term minimum custody facility. The facility has a primary responsibility to process, test, and classify all adult male incarcerated individuals sentenced to prison in Washington State. The facility has seven living units, compromised of 5 close custody reception units, and 3 medium and long-term minimum units. WCC houses approximately 1,800 incarcerated individuals. There are approximately 500 incarcerated individuals screened and processed each month. WCC also serves as a major transportation hub responsible for the transfer of incarcerated individuals to and from facilities throughout the state.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree involving major study in sociology, psychology, social work, criminology, or a closely related field.
OR Satisfactory completion of two years of college in sociology, psychology, social work, criminology, or closely related field and two years of experience in adult corrections, juvenile corrections, rehabilitation, or social casework.
OR Four or more years of experience in adult corrections, juvenile corrections, rehabilitation, or social casework.
Ability to write clearly, factually, and concisely.
Ability to analyze and interpret data, weigh the risks, and make decisions or recommendations to address staff and offender needs.
Ability to identify and address offender behavior/needs.
Ability to organize and prioritize work.
Ability to apply conflict resolution skills.
Observation - Observes and strategizes personal action based on environmental conditions and human behavior.
Technology - Learns and utilizes computer-based applications in the performance of job duties.
Stress Tolerance - Remains calm and rational while handling difficult situations to include, but not limited to, volatile, threatening or other crisis/emergency situations. Expertly intervenes in response to threats.
Professional Standards - Knows and applies relevant law, policy, procedure, and practice. Adheres to established productivity standards and timelines. Identifies own training needs and proactively seeks training opportunities.
Adaptability - Incorporates new information into an existing framework of understanding. Accepts change and supports the Agency through changes in law, policy and procedure.
A completed application packet will include: A detailed chronological resume, A cover letter outlining how you meet the qualifications for this position, At least (3) three professional references
Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references.

Nice To Haves

Corrections experience means your work involves dealing with incarcerated individuals the majority of the time.

Responsibilities

Facilitate in-person state orientation for all incarcerated individuals and prepare updated materials, assignments, and equipment for classroom use.
Handle less difficult, screened caseloads, managing day-to-day individual programming, behaviors, and class material needs.
Investigate all available information for arriving individuals to determine their specific documentation, tracking, and programming needs.
Administer Risk Assessment Tools and PREA Risk Assessments (PRAs), ensuring all mandatory documentation is completed within required timelines.
Collect data to complete facility plans, criminal history portfolios, and risk management profiles to determine security and programming needs.
Prepare and submit Release Plans and Mutual Agreement Plans, coordinating with internal entities and other facilities for acceptance.
Counsel and inform individuals regarding community resources and potential challenges they might encounter during transition to work release, supervision, or release.
Enforce court-ordered conditions and impose DOC conditions, exercising sound judgment aligned with Department policy regarding sanctions and treatment referrals.
Participate in Risk Management and multi-disciplinary teams, attend facility meetings, and provide monthly tracking reports.
Maintain communication to assist individuals with critical needs, including attorney calls, DSHS child custody or court hearings, translator services, emergency family contact, and specialized paperwork (such as visits, outings, and End of Sentence Review Packets).