Correctional Release Counselor, Entry Level Option (Wilsonville)

State of Oregon•Wilsonville, OR

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Correctional Release Counselor works in the Release Services Unit of the Correctional Services Division at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Wilsonville, Oregon. Candidates who do not meet the qualifications for the Correctional Counselor may be considered for an underfill in the Entry Correctional Counselor classification, with the lower classification’s pay until they meet the qualifications for the full position. The role is represented by AFSCME and may qualify for Police & Fire benefits through PERS, as defined by statute. The counselor sets the stage for rehabilitation and encourages motivation for change among adults in custody (AICs). The position conducts individual interviews and assessments, including risk and needs evaluations and file reviews, to inform custody classification and gate clearance. It provides intensive and intermediate case management based on risk and special needs, as well as basic services for low-risk AICs. Working as a core case-management resource on a multidisciplinary team, the counselor supports rehabilitation, institutional and individual safety, reduced recidivism, and successful community reintegration. Work takes place in a prison housing adults in custody across security levels. The position involves sensitive and confidential information, routine computer use, custodial responsibilities, and potential exposure to hostile or aggressive behavior and emergency situations. Duties may require assistance during institutional unrest, recall to the institution during emergencies, outdoor work in inclement weather or temperature extremes, long-distance walking, and stair use. Occasional overnight travel within and outside Oregon is required. The schedule is driven by institutional needs to provide counseling services.

Requirements

For the full Correctional Counselor classification, one of the following: a bachelor's degree in behavioral science, criminal justice, or a related field with major coursework in behavioral science, plus two years of professional counseling experience with clientele in a social service or rehabilitative program; or three years of experience in a social service, rehabilitative, or correctional program with primary responsibility for guiding or counseling individuals or groups, plus two years of professional counseling experience with clientele in a social service or rehabilitative program; or a master's degree in behavioral science or criminal justice, plus one year of professional counseling experience with clientele in a social service or rehabilitative program.
For the Entry Correctional Counselor underfill, one of the following: three years of experience in a social service, rehabilitative, or correctional program with primary responsibility for guiding or counseling individuals or groups; or a bachelor's degree in behavioral science or a related field with major coursework in behavioral science.
Professional counseling experience must include one-to-one supportive counseling with full responsibility for developing and managing each case plan.
Experience in a security-series position alone does not substitute for the required minimum qualifications.
Ability to assess, plan, and coordinate services for adults in custody to support transition to the community.
Ability to evaluate risks, needs, and support systems to develop individualized release plans.
Experience preparing and processing immediate releases, including securing housing, employment, and community resources.
Ability to manage urgent situations and respond to immediate release needs.
Strong verbal and written communication skills for interacting with adults in custody, legal representatives, families, and community organizations.
Ability to manage multiple cases, meet deadlines, and adapt to fast-paced, short-term casework.
Understanding of institutional policies, legal requirements, and reentry programs related to correctional releases.
Ability to develop solutions to reentry barriers, including housing, employment, and access to treatment.
Commitment to ethical standards and maintaining confidentiality of adult-in-custody information.
Must pass a CJIS fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility.
Must complete employment eligibility verification (Form I-9) within three days of hire.

Nice To Haves

Experience with the female justice-involved population and awareness of its criminogenic and trauma-related needs.
Gender Responsive and Trauma Informed training.
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 ability.

Responsibilities

Conduct daily one-on-one interviews and assessments with adults in custody.
Conduct risk and needs evaluations and file reviews to determine custody classification and gate clearance.
Provide intensive and intermediate case management based on risk of recidivism and special needs.
Provide basic services to low-risk adults in custody.
Work as a core case-management resource within a multidisciplinary institutional team.
Support rehabilitation, individual and institutional safety, reduced recidivism, and successful reintegration into society.
Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information and use computer, email, word-processing, and adult-in-custody information systems in regular duties.
Perform custodial duties to support safe and secure operations, including control of keys, tools, equipment, and contraband and documentation of unusual incidents.
Assist as required during institutional unrest and other emergencies, including being subject to recall.
Travel occasionally overnight within and outside Oregon.