Correctional Release Counselor, Entry level option (Lakeview)

State of Oregon • Lakeview, OR

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This employment opportunity is with the Release Services Unit within the Correctional Services Division of the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) at Warner Creek Correctional Facility (WCCF) in Lakeview, Oregon. The role is for a professional case manager who can work with clients to overcome barriers to positive change. Candidates who do not meet the minimum qualifications for the Correctional Counselor may be considered as an underfill in the Entry Correctional Counselor classification, receiving pay in accordance with the lower classification's salary range until they meet the full qualifications. The primary duties involve interviewing and working with adults in custody (AIC) to gather information, assess needs, and collaboratively develop release plans. This includes explaining Short-Term Transitional Leave, Alternative Incarceration Program, and projected physical release date eligibility. The counselor will frequently meet with AICs to address release-related concerns, explain post-prison supervision conditions, and county reporting instructions. Collaboration with stakeholders like the Reentry Benefits Coordinator, Health Services, and Behavioral Health Services is required for AICs with mental health, medical/physical special needs. The position also involves confirming release transportation, housing, and incidental funds prior to release, responding to AIC grievances and requests, facilitating communication between AICs and outside agencies (Community Corrections, Board of Parole, housing, transportation), and corresponding with the general public, including AIC family members.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a behavioral science, criminal justice or related field with major coursework in behavioral science AND two (2) years of professional counseling experience working with clientele in a social service or rehabilitative program.
• 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.
• Master's degree in a behavioral science AND one year of professional counseling experience working with clientele in a social service or rehabilitative program.
• 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.
• For Entry Level/Underfill: 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.
• For Entry Level/Underfill: A Bachelor's degree in a behavioral science or a related field with major courses in behavioral science.
• Pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to assess, plan, and coordinate services for adults in custody (AICs) to ensure a smooth transition to the community.
• Proficiency in evaluating AICs' risks, needs, and support systems to develop individualized release plans.
• Experience in 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 to interact 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 for barriers to reentry, such as housing, employment, and treatment access.
• Commitment to upholding ethical standards and maintaining the confidentiality of AIC information.
• Possess a current Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS) certification.

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.

Benefits

• Family health, vision, and dental insurance
• Vacation, sick leave, and 11 paid holidays
• 21 days 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
• PERS qualifying applicants may be eligible for an adjusted salary range to reflect an additional 6.95%.

What This Job Offers

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