Correctional Counselor (Pendleton)

State of Oregon

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Correctional Counselor (Pendleton) Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution Oregon Department of Corrections Do you have experience working with clients to break down the barriers that are impeding positive change? If so, we are expanding our team and seek an experienced professional case manager like you. This employment opportunity is with the Correctional Services Division of the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution in Pendleton, Oregon. About the Job – Your Role Your primary duties are to set the stage for rehabilitation and elicit motivation for change in each Adult in Custody (AIC) from the beginning of their incarceration. You are responsible for conducting daily interviews and intake assessments on a one-on-one basis for all AICs at the institution. This includes conducting assessments, risk/needs evaluations, and file reviews to determine custody classification and gate clearance, which directly influence population management decisions. You will provide intensive and intermediate case management for AICs based on their risk to recidivate and special needs. This comprehensive case management system ensures that resources are focused on AIC success by identifying the right needs, utilizing the right interventions, and managing AICs at the appropriate level of case management. Additionally, you would provide basic services to low-risk AICs, ensuring a broad and effective range of support across all risk levels. As the core correctional resource for case management, you would play a central role in the multi-disciplinary team approach within the institution. This collaborative approach fosters rapport-building across various program disciplines, resulting in a holistic, systems-based model for working with each individual AIC. By focusing on rehabilitation and supporting each AIC’s success, you would contribute to both individual and institutional safety, while working toward reducing recidivism and supporting a successful reintegration into society. This position is represented by American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). This position may be eligible for Police & Fire (P&F) benefits through Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), as defined by statute. Note: Effective Feb. 1, 2026, the compensation plan for this position will be increased to reflect a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) of 2.5%. The salary listed in this posting does not reflect the COLA.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a behavioral science, criminal justice or related field with major coursework in behavioral science; AND have two (2) years of professional counseling experience working with clientele in a social service or rehabilitative program; OR Three (3) years of experience in a social service, rehabilitative, or correctional program with primary responsibility for guiding and/or counseling individuals or groups in the solution of occupational, educational, personal, or social problems AND two (2) years of professional counseling experience working with clientele in a social service or rehabilitative program; OR Master's degree in a behavioral science or criminal justice AND one (1) year of professional counseling experience working with clientele in a social service or rehabilitative program.
Experience in any security series position in and of itself does not substitute for the required minimum qualifications.
Professional counseling experience must include providing supportive counseling to clients on a one-to-one basis with full responsibility for developing and managing each case plan.
Strong verbal and written communication skills to interact with AICs, legal representatives, families, and community organizations.
Ability to manage multiple cases, meet deadlines, and adapt to fast-paced, short-term casework.
Commitment to upholding ethical standards and maintaining the confidentiality of AIC information.
Strong personal boundaries
Willingness to learn from others
A belief that people can change
Displays an attitude that conveys dignity and respect in the treatment of others
Ability to be part of a team and maintaining positive, respectful, and productive work environment
Ability to form collaborative and productive partnerships with a diverse set of stakeholders
Adaptable and open to change; flexible and solution oriented
Proficiency in documentation and use of electronic case management systems.
The successful candidate for this position must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility.
Within three days of hire, applicants will be required to complete an I-9 and confirm authorization to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Possess a current Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS) certification

Responsibilities

Set the stage for rehabilitation and elicit motivation for change in each Adult in Custody (AIC) from the beginning of their incarceration.
Conduct daily interviews and intake assessments on a one-on-one basis for all AICs at the institution.
Conduct assessments, risk/needs evaluations, and file reviews to determine custody classification and gate clearance, which directly influence population management decisions.
Provide intensive and intermediate case management for AICs based on their risk to recidivate and special needs.
Provide basic services to low-risk AICs, ensuring a broad and effective range of support across all risk levels.
Play a central role in the multi-disciplinary team approach within the institution.
Contribute to both individual and institutional safety, while working toward reducing recidivism and supporting a successful reintegration into society.