JOB TITLE: CORRECTIONS COUNSELOR 1

JOB CODE: 47530

DEFINITION: This is trainee level professional work in providing counseling and casework services to incarcerated individuals or residents in a state correctional facility.

An employee in this job participates in a structured training program counseling incarcerated individuals at a state correctional institution or residents in a community corrections center. Work involves utilizing casework, group, or individual counseling methods and techniques to help individuals adjust to institutionalized living or transition from a structured supervised institutional environment to a less structured community setting. Work includes assisting incarcerated individuals or residents in solving social, economic, and emotional problems and enabling them to develop a sense of dignity and responsibility. Work is performed under close supervision initially, with a gradual transition to more general supervision as an employee gains experience and begins to demonstrate competence in assignments. Work is reviewed through observation, conferences, and review of reports and recommendations.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Participates in formal training sessions, seminars, workshops, and on-the-job work experiences related to providing counseling and casework services to incarcerated individuals or residents in a state correctional facility.

• Provides individual and group counseling services to incarcerated individuals during reception and through their entire facility assignment, to include providing ongoing risk and needs assessments.

• Provides individual counseling and group therapy to assist community corrections center residents transition from structured, supervised institutional environments to less structured environments.

• Administers and analyzes aptitude and interest tests and assesses for risk and needs to assign programs based on assessment results.

• Compiles individual socio-demographic histories.

• Maintains case records, including initial medical, psychological, and psychiatric evaluations; tests and measurements; and final clinical evaluations.

• Resolves, through the support team, problems related to the implementation of individualized recovery plans, including housing, academic and vocational training, job placement, and social and behavioral adjustments.

• Participates in parole planning and makes recommendations regarding furloughs, special privileges, recovery plan changes, and release to a community corrections center.

• Assists incarcerated individuals or residents in pursuing employment opportunities, provides instruction on job application procedures, and conveys job retention requirements.

• Provides assistance in resolving personal and family problems, utilizing leisure time in recreation and entertainment, and managing finances.

• Applies rules for eligibility and continued assignment to a community corrections center.

• Provides information regarding availability of medical and social services through community and other government agency sources.

• Provides assistance in continuity of care planning to facilitate successful reentry of returning citizens.

• Engages in continuity of care planning to facilitate successful reentry of returning citizens.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of counseling and casework methods and techniques.

• Knowledge of individual and group behaviors.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to analyze and interpret written information.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• Three years and six months as a corrections officer, and 18 college credits in any combination of sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field;

or

• A bachelor’s degree including 18 college credits in any combination of sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes 18 college credits in any combination of sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All employees must obtain Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network (CLEAN) and Pennsylvania Justice Network (JNET) certification within two months of employment and maintain certification for the duration of employment in this job.