Correctional Release Counselor Entry Level Option (Salem)

State of Oregon

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Correctional Release Counselor Entry Level Option (Salem) Oregon State Penitentiary (Salem) 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 Reentry and Release Services Unit with the Correctional Services Division of the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) the Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP) in Salem, Oregon. Candidates who do not meet the minimum qualifications for the Correctional Counselor may be considered as an underfill in the Entry Correctional Counselor classification. An underfill must meet the minimum qualifications for the lower classification and would receive the pay in accordance with the lower classifications salary range until they meet the minimum qualification for the full position. At that time the successful candidate would be moved to the higher classification and salary range. The salary range for the underfill is: $5,342- $6,411. Preference may be given to candidates who can meet the full qualifications. About the Job – Your Role Your primary duties in this position will be to interview and work with adults in custody (AIC) to gather information to assess needs and to collaboratively develop a release plan. You will explain Short-Term Transitional Leave, Alternative Incarceration Program (non-prison leave), and projected physical release date eligibility and information. You will meet with AICs on a frequent basis to address their concerns/issues as related to release and release planning. Explain expectations for release including general and special post-prison supervision conditions as well as county reporting instructions. When you are made aware of mental health, medical/physical special needs, you will work collaboratively with stakeholders including the Reentry Benefits Coordinator, Health Services, and Behavioral Health Services. You will also confirm release transportation, housing, incidental funds etc., prior to release. You will respond in a timely and professional manner to AIC grievances and to written and verbal requests by AICs for information and interviews. You will facilitate communication between AICs and outside agencies, including Community Corrections offices, Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision, housing resources, and transportation services. You will correspond with the general public, including AIC family members. This position is represented by Association of Oregon Corrections Employees, (AOCE). This position may be eligible for Police & Fire (P&F) benefits through Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), as defined by statute.

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 AND one year of professional counseling experience working with clientele in a social service or rehabilitative program.
NOTE: 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.
Entry Level/Underfill Minimum Qualifications: 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; OR a Bachelor's degree in a behavioral science or a related field with major courses in behavioral science.
NOTE: 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.
Caseload Management experience
Ability to prioritize and manage time well
Knowledge of Department of Corrections systems
Positive outlook for working with adults in custody
Ability to hold adults in custody accountable in appropriate manner
Strong personal boundaries
Ability to work with multiple disciplines
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
Demonstrates good communication and writing skills
Be self-directed and motivated
Must be able to work independently within deadlines.
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

Proficiency in multiple languages.
Possess a current Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS) certification
Ability to work with adults in custody

Responsibilities

interview and work with adults in custody (AIC) to gather information to assess needs and to collaboratively develop a release plan.
explain Short-Term Transitional Leave, Alternative Incarceration Program (non-prison leave), and projected physical release date eligibility and information.
meet with AICs on a frequent basis to address their concerns/issues as related to release and release planning.
explain expectations for release including general and special post-prison supervision conditions as well as county reporting instructions.
work collaboratively with stakeholders including the Reentry Benefits Coordinator, Health Services, and Behavioral Health Services when made aware of mental health, medical/physical special needs
confirm release transportation, housing, incidental funds etc., prior to release.
respond in a timely and professional manner to AIC grievances and to written and verbal requests by AICs for information and interviews.
facilitate communication between AICs and outside agencies, including Community Corrections offices, Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision, housing resources, and transportation services.
correspond with the general public, including AIC family members.