Correctional Release Counselor, Developmental Job Rotation for ODOC, BOPPPS and OCE employees only (Ontario)
About The Position
The Correctional Release Counselor works in the Release Services Unit of the Correctional Services Division at Snake River Correctional Institution in Ontario, Oregon. This is a developmental job rotation available only to current regular-status employees of the Oregon Department of Corrections, Oregon Corrections Enterprises, or Oregon Board of Parole, Probation, and Post-Prison Supervision, with approval from their current manager. The rotation is anticipated to last 12 months but may be extended or shortened according to business needs. The counselor interviews and works with adults in custody (AICs) to assess needs and collaboratively develop release plans. The role explains release eligibility and processes, addresses AIC concerns about release, and coordinates services and resources with internal and external stakeholders. The counselor confirms transportation, housing, incidental funds, and other arrangements before release, responds to grievances and information requests, facilitates communication with community agencies and families, and supports smooth transitions into the community. The position is represented by AFSCME and may be eligible for Police & Fire benefits through PERS as defined by statute. It is based inside a secure adult correctional facility and involves daily interactions with AICs. The employee must help prevent escapes through proper control of keys, tools, and contraband, document unusual incidents, and may face risk of physical injury. In emergencies, the employee is subject to call-back and may be assigned to any post in administration or an institution.
Requirements
- For the standard classification, meet 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 working with clientele 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 on occupational, educational, personal, or social problems, plus two years of professional counseling experience working with clientele in a social service or rehabilitative program; OR a master's degree in behavioral science plus one year of professional counseling experience working with clientele in a social service or rehabilitative program.
- Professional counseling experience must include one-to-one supportive counseling with full responsibility for developing and managing each client's case plan.
- Experience in a security-series position alone does not substitute for the minimum qualifications.
- Developmental applicants do not have specific qualification requirements but must include approval from their direct supervisor; applications without approval will be dismissed.
- Applicants must be current regular-status employees of the Oregon Department of Corrections, Oregon Corrections Enterprises, or Oregon Board of Parole, Probation, and Post-Prison Supervision; current manager approval is required.
- Ability to assess, plan, and coordinate services for AICs to support a smooth transition to the community.
- Proficiency in evaluating AICs' 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 effectively to immediate release needs.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills for interacting with AICs, 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 creative solutions to reentry barriers, including housing, employment, and treatment access.
- Commitment to ethical standards and confidentiality of AIC information.
- Must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility.
- Must complete an I-9 and confirm authorization to work in the United States within three days of hire.
Nice To Haves
- Current Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS) certification.
Responsibilities
- Interview adults in custody (AICs), gather information to assess their needs, and collaboratively develop release plans.
- Explain Short-Term Transitional Leave, the Alternative Incarceration Program (non-prison leave), and projected physical release date eligibility and information.
- Meet frequently with AICs to address concerns and issues related to release and release planning.
- Explain release expectations, including general and special post-prison supervision conditions and county reporting instructions.
- Coordinate with the Reentry Benefits Coordinator, Health Services, Behavioral Health Services, and other stakeholders when AICs have mental health, medical, or physical special needs.
- Confirm release transportation, housing, incidental funds, and other arrangements before release.
- Respond promptly and professionally to AIC grievances and written and verbal requests for information and interviews.
- Facilitate communication between AICs and outside agencies, including Community Corrections offices, the Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision, housing resources, and transportation services.
- Correspond with members of the general public, including AIC family members.
- Prevent escapes from confinement through proper control of keys, tools, and contraband, and document unusual incidents.
- Model pro-social behavior and support a workplace environment respectful of human dignity, social responsibility, personal growth, and transition readiness.
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 (P&F) benefits through PERS, as defined by statute.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
