Correctional Counselor, Entry Level Option (Wilsonville)

State of Oregon•Wilsonville, OR

23h•$6,895 - $9,140•Onsite

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Corrections is hiring a Correctional Counselor at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Wilsonville, Oregon. Candidates who do not meet the qualifications for the full classification may be considered for an underfill as an Entry Correctional Counselor. Underfill employees receive the lower classification's pay range until they meet the full position's minimum qualifications and move into the higher classification. Preference may be given to candidates who meet the full qualifications. The position helps establish conditions for rehabilitation and motivate adults in custody (AICs) to change from the beginning of incarceration. The counselor conducts individual interviews and assessments, including risk and needs evaluations and file reviews, to determine custody classification and gate clearance. The role provides intensive and intermediate case management according to recidivism risk and special needs, as well as basic services to low-risk AICs. Working as a core correctional case-management resource within a multidisciplinary team, the counselor supports rehabilitation, safety, reduced recidivism, and successful reintegration into society. The position is represented by AFSCME and may be eligible for Police & Fire benefits through PERS as defined by statute. The work takes place in a prison environment and includes custodial responsibilities, emergency preparedness, use of computers and institutional information systems, and occasional overnight travel. The schedule is driven by institutional needs for counseling services. Extensive training through CCM is required after hire.

Requirements

Meet one of the full-classification qualification paths: a bachelor's degree in behavioral science, criminal justice, or a related field with major behavioral-science coursework and two years of professional counseling experience in a social-service or rehabilitative program; or three years of experience in a social-service, rehabilitative, or correctional program primarily guiding or counseling individuals or groups, plus two years of professional counseling experience in a social-service or rehabilitative program; or a master's degree in behavioral science or criminal justice and one year of professional counseling experience in a social-service or rehabilitative program.
Professional counseling experience must include one-to-one supportive counseling and full responsibility for developing and managing each client's case plan.
For the Entry Correctional Counselor underfill, meet one of these qualification paths: three years of experience in a social-service, rehabilitative, or correctional program primarily guiding or counseling individuals or groups in occupational, educational, personal, or social problems; or a bachelor's degree in behavioral science or a related field with major coursework in behavioral science.
Experience in a security-series position alone does not substitute for the required minimum qualifications.
Pass a fingerprint-based CJIS background check and maintain CJIS eligibility.
Complete extensive CCM training as part of onboarding and qualification.
Demonstrate caseload-management experience; knowledge of Department of Corrections systems; ability to hold adults in custody accountable appropriately; strong personal boundaries; willingness to learn; belief that people can change; and an attitude conveying dignity and respect.
Ability to work as part of a team and maintain a positive, respectful, productive work environment; form collaborative partnerships with diverse stakeholders; adapt to change; and be flexible and solution-oriented.
Demonstrate good communication and writing skills and be self-directed and motivated.
Meet the physical and working-condition demands of prison work, including walking long distances, using stairs, and working outdoors in temperature extremes or inclement weather when required.
Maintain confidentiality, professional conduct, and preparedness for institutional emergencies.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with the female justice-involved population and awareness of their criminogenic and trauma-related needs.
Strong understanding of behavioral change principles, especially the Risk-Need-Responsivity model.
Proficiency in documentation and electronic case-management systems.
Certification in Motivational Interviewing.
Bilingual or multilingual skills.
Current Law Enforcement Data System certification.
Meeting the full Correctional Counselor qualifications, as preference may be given to candidates who do.

Responsibilities

Conduct daily one-on-one interviews and assessments of adults in custody.
Complete assessments, risk/needs evaluations, and file reviews to determine custody classification and gate clearance.
Provide intensive and intermediate case management based on recidivism risk and special needs.
Provide basic services to low-risk adults in custody.
Work as a core case-management resource on a multidisciplinary institutional team to support rehabilitation and successful reintegration.
Perform custodial duties, including maintaining control of keys, enforcing directives for safe and secure operations, preventing escapes through control of keys, tools, equipment, and contraband, and documenting unusual incidents.
Respond to institutional unrest and emergencies as needed, including through recall or reassignment, and maintain emergency preparedness.
Use computers for email, word processing, and adult-in-custody information systems.
Travel occasionally overnight, in-state and out-of-state.
Maintain confidentiality of sensitive conversations and paperwork and interact professionally and respectfully with coworkers, adults in custody, and the public.

Benefits

Family health, vision, and dental insurance.
Vacation and sick leave.
11 paid holidays.
21 days of paid military leave for National Guard and reserve components.
Optional short- and long-term disability.
Term life insurance.
Fully paid retirement program.
Oregon Savings Growth Plan.
Flexible spending accounts for health and childcare.
Potential eligibility for Police & Fire benefits through PERS, as defined by statute.
PERS-qualifying applicants may be eligible for an adjusted salary range reflecting an additional 6.95%.