Correctional Officer (Correctional Counselor)

Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System • Montgomery, AL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Corrections professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by preparing individuals for successful reentry into our communities. The Correctional Counselor develops and implements programs within the unit to meet the individual needs of the inmates confined, to include individual as well as group counseling. As part of the institution intake process (Admissions & Orientation), must interview newly admitted inmates. The Correctional Counselor plays a key role in maintaining and enhancing the security of the unit and institution by their extensive contacts with the inmates. Serves as the unit expert and coordinator on matters pertaining to: (a) inmate personal property, including incoming and outgoing package approvals; and (b) trust fund activities, including inmate withdrawals and special purchase orders. Along with all other correctional institution employees, incumbent is charged with responsibility for maintaining security of the institution. The staff's correctional responsibilities precede all others required by this position and are performed on a regular and recurring basis.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship is Required.
• One full academic year of graduate education with major study in criminal justice, social science or other field related to the position.
• At least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade level.
• Experience in work such as a correctional officer, residential counselor for at-risk individuals, or re-entry services specialist.
• Experience in demonstrating knowledge of obtaining information and resources.
• Experience in demonstrating the knowledge of policies regarding inmate programs.
• Experience enforcing rules and regulations in a correctional environment.
• Experience making decisions in a crisis.
• The duties of these positions involve unusual mental and nervous pressure and require arduous physical exertion involving prolonged walking and standing, restraining of prisoners in emergencies, and participating in escape hunts.
• Applicants must be physically capable of performing efficiently the duties of these positions and be free from such defects or disease as may constitute employment hazards to themselves or others.
• The duties of a Correctional Officer are arduous; and sound health as well as physical fitness is required.
• Maximum entry age of 36 has been established for original appointment to a position in a Bureau of Prisons institution.
• Appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of a urinalysis, physical, and background investigation.
• All applicants are subject to National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and credit checks.
• All applicants not currently working in an institution will be required to complete a qualification inquiry regarding convictions of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence in order to be authorized to carry a firearm.
• Successful completion of the "Introduction to Correctional Techniques," three-week training course at Glynco, Georgia is required.
• The addresses listed on the USAJOBS account/resume must be the primary residence at the time of application.
• Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Nice To Haves

• Career Transition Programs (CTAP) eligibility

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements programs within the unit to meet the individual needs of the inmates confined, to include individual as well as group counseling.
• Interviews newly admitted inmates as part of the institution intake process (Admissions & Orientation).
• Maintains and enhances the security of the unit and institution through extensive contacts with inmates.
• Serves as the unit expert and coordinator on matters pertaining to inmate personal property, including incoming and outgoing package approvals.
• Serves as the unit expert and coordinator on matters pertaining to trust fund activities, including inmate withdrawals and special purchase orders.
• Maintains the security of the institution.

Benefits

• A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
• As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level