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8908
CORRECTIONAL COUNSELOR 1
Nature of Work
Under general supervision, provides a
variety of counseling services for the inmate population of a
correctional facility. Positions may vary as to predominant job
function or area of specialization from facility to facility.
Areas of specialization include vocational counseling, substance
abuse counseling and guidance for inmates on work release.
Performs related work as required.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This is the entry or
beginning level of the Correctional Counselor class series. The
employee works closely with the immediate supervisor or a senior
counselor to learn correctional programs, accepted methods of
interaction with inmates and facility security rules and
regulations.
Examples of Work
Interviews inmates upon arrival to facility and/or specific
program; writes a summary of the session, gathers pertinent
information and drafts an outline of proposed treatment,
employment strategy or course work.
Meets with inmates on a regular basis to discuss progress, to
assess problems or needs to be addressed and to inform the
inmate of changes in program or schedule.
Maintains records to go into permanent files.
Writes monthly reports to document work with inmates, achieve
ments in progress, activities held or problems encountered.
Counsels inmates in crisis situations; deals with potentially
violent or suicidal inmates to stabilize their behavior.
Arranges ministerial, psychological or employment counseling
outside the facility.
Teaches interpersonal skills to help inmates obtain and retain
employment.
May assist correctional officers on living unit.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of the Department of Corrections policies and
procedures.
Knowledge of behavior modification techniques and philosophies
used in corrections.
Knowledge of techniques used in crisis intervention.
Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of
people.
Ability to observe changes in inmate behavior.
Ability to keep accurate records.
Minimum Qualifications
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Training:
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or
university with a major in criminal justice, corrections,
psychology, sociology, counseling, counseling and guidance,
criminology, social work, education, therapeutic recreation
or closely related field.
Substitution:
Experience in the area of corrections or
related fields may be substituted for the required
training on a year-for-year basis.
Established: 8/19/93
Revised: 5/1/94, 6/22/98
Effective:
6/22/98