Correctional Release Counselor, Entry Level Option (Wilsonville)

State of Oregon•Wilsonville, OR

6d•$6,895 - $9,140•Onsite

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Corrections is hiring for the Release Services Unit within the Correctional Services Division at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Wilsonville, Oregon. Candidates who do not meet the qualifications for Correctional Counselor may be considered for an underfill in the Entry Correctional Counselor classification, with the lower classification’s salary range applying until they meet the full-position qualifications. Preference may be given to candidates who meet the full qualifications. The role sets the stage for rehabilitation and encourages motivation for change from the beginning of an adult in custody’s (AIC’s) incarceration. The counselor conducts daily one-on-one interviews and assessments, including risk and needs evaluations and file reviews, to determine custody classification and gate clearance. These decisions inform population management. The counselor provides intensive and intermediate case management based on recidivism risk and special needs, as well as basic services to low-risk AICs. As a core case-management resource, the position works with a multidisciplinary team to support rehabilitation, individual and institutional safety, reduced recidivism, and successful community reintegration. Work takes place in a prison environment and includes inherent custodial responsibilities, occasional overnight travel, and a work schedule driven by institutional needs. The position requires emergency preparedness and may be subject to recall or reassignment during institutional unrest or other emergencies. The job is represented by AFSCME and may be eligible for Police & Fire benefits through PERS, as defined by statute.

Requirements

Meet one of the following full-classification qualification pathways: a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science, criminal justice, or a related field with major coursework in behavioral science, and 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 primarily guiding or counseling individuals or groups on occupational, educational, personal, or social problems, and 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 and one year of professional counseling experience with clientele in a social service or rehabilitative program.
For the entry-level underfill, meet one of the following: 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; 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 a smooth transition to the community.
Proficiency evaluating 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 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 treatment access.
Commitment to ethical standards and confidentiality of adult-in-custody information.
Ability to pass a CJIS fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility.
Ability to perform work in a prison environment with potential exposure to hostile or aggressive behavior, temperature extremes, inclement weather, long-distance walking, and stairs.
Use of a computer for email, word processing, and related adult-in-custody information systems.

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.
Complete risk and needs evaluations and file reviews to determine custody classification and gate clearance.
Provide intensive and intermediate case management based on recidivism risk and special needs.
Provide basic services to low-risk adults in custody.
Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to support rehabilitation and individualized case management.
Support adults in custody in preparing for release and successful reintegration into the community.
Maintain control and proper custody of institution keys, tools, and equipment; enforce safety and security directives; help prevent escapes; and document unusual incidents.
Maintain emergency preparedness and provide assistance through recall or reassignment during institutional unrest or other emergencies.
Use computers and adult-in-custody information systems for email, word processing, and related duties.
Maintain confidentiality of sensitive conversations and paperwork and interact professionally with coworkers, adults in custody, and the public.
Undertake occasional in-state and out-of-state overnight travel.

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 Saving Growth Plan.
Flexible spending accounts for health and childcare.
Potential Police & Fire benefits through PERS for eligible applicants, as defined by statute.