Counselor - G120 Muscogee County Prison

Columbus Consolidated Government • Columbus, GA

406d • $42,724 - $42,724

About The Position

The Counselor position at Muscogee County Prison is responsible for monitoring the health and welfare of inmates, providing orientation briefings, conducting interviews, and assisting inmates in preparing their needs assessment plans. The role involves coordinating mental health appointments, conducting group counseling, and preparing various documentation related to inmate reclassification and parole. The Counselor also serves as an advocate for inmates during disciplinary hearings and assists with their post-incarceration preparations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, Sociology, or a related field.
• One year of progressively responsible related experience.
• Knowledge of department rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of office administration practices and procedures.
• Skill in interpersonal relations and organization.
• Skill in problem-solving and communication.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a correctional facility or similar environment.
• Familiarity with mental health counseling techniques.
• Ability to work with diverse populations.

Responsibilities

• Monitor the health and welfare of prisoners.
• Provide or supervise the Orientation Briefing for newly assigned prisoners.
• Supervise inmates completing their visitation lists in a group setting and investigate their validity.
• Conduct initial interviews with inmates.
• Assist inmates in preparing a Need Assessment Plan with goals.
• Collect, review, and respond to Prisoner Request Forms.
• Coordinate and schedule prisoners for mental health appointments and conduct group counseling.
• Prepare Security Reclassification Forms for the Reclassification Committee and serve as a member of the committee.
• Prepare Parole Summaries for prisoners and recommend release dates.
• Assist homeless inmates in locating acceptable parole addresses.
• Prepare and assist with Interstate Parole Transfers.
• Assist inmates in corresponding with courts, parole boards, and other agencies.
• Assist prisoners in post-incarceration preparation.
• Refer prisoners to an OJT Certification Coordinator and follow up on their enrollment.
• Serve as a librarian for the law library and maintain its references.
• Prepare documents for prisoners' legal mail and manage their allotted computer time.
• Inform inmates about family emergencies and coordinate sheriff's escorts for funerals.
• Issue and investigate Formal and Informal Grievances and prepare recommendations for resolution.
• Serve as an advocate for prisoners during Disciplinary Hearing Court.
• Update prisoners' records regularly and assess offenders on isolation status.
• Meet with offenders quarterly for counseling sessions and review their case plans.
• Use customer service skills to interact with family members and address their concerns.
• Work with different agencies across the state and assist offenders with their interactions.

Benefits

• Full-time position with a salary of $42,723.83 per year.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree