Correctional Counselor, Entry Level Option (Wilsonville)

Correctional Counselor, Entry Level Option (Wilsonville)

Recruitment began on April 28, 2025

and the job listing Expires on May 5, 2025

Correctional Counselor, Entry Level Option (Wilsonville)

Do you have experience working with clients to break down the barriers that are impeding positive change? If so, we are expanding our team and seek an experienced professional case manager like you.

This employment opportunity is with the Correctional Services Division of the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) at the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Wilsonville, Oregon.

Candidates who do not meet the minimum qualifications for the Correctional Counselor may be considered as an underfill in the Entry Correctional Counselor classification.

An underfill must meet the minimum qualifications for the lower classification and would receive the pay in accordance with the lower classifications salary range until they meet the minimum qualification for the full position. At that time the successful candidate would be moved to the higher classification and salary range.

The salary range for the underfill is: $5,105- $6,418.

Preference may be given to candidates who can meet the full qualifications.

About the Job – Your Role

Your primary duties are to set the stage for rehabilitation and elicit motivation for change in each Adult in Custody (AIC) from the beginning of their incarceration. You are responsible for conducting daily interviews and assessments on a one-on-one basis for AICs at the institution. This includes conducting assessments, risk/needs evaluations, and file reviews to determine custody classification and gate clearance, which directly influence population management decisions.

You will provide intensive and intermediate case management for AICs based on their risk to recidivate and special needs. This comprehensive case management system ensures that resources are focused on AIC success by identifying the right needs, utilizing the right interventions, and managing AICs at the appropriate level of case management. Additionally, you would provide basic services to low-risk AICs, ensuring a broad and effective range of support across all risk levels.

As the core correctional resource for case management, you would play a central role in the multi-disciplinary team approach within the institution. This collaborative approach fosters rapport-building across various program disciplines, resulting in a holistic, systems-based model for working with each individual AIC. By focusing on rehabilitation and supporting each AIC’s success, you would contribute to both individual and institutional safety, while working toward reducing recidivism and supporting a successful reintegration into society.

This position is represented by American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). This position may be eligible for Police & Fire (P&F) benefits through Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), as defined by statute.

Minimum Qualifications

Your application materials will be reviewed to verify that you have:

• Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science, criminal justice or related field with major coursework in behavioral science; AND have two (2) years of professional counseling experience working with clientele in a social service or rehabilitative program; OR
• 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; OR
• Master’s degree in a behavioral science or criminal justice AND one (1) year of professional counseling experience working with clientele in a social service or rehabilitative program

Experience in any security series position in and of itself does not substitute for the required minimum qualifications.

NOTE: 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.

Entry Level/Underfill Minimum Qualifications:

• 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; OR
• a Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science or a related field with major courses in behavioral science.

Experience in any security series position in and of itself does not substitute for the required minimum qualifications.

NOTE: 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.

Requested Skills

• Knowledge of Department of Corrections systems;
• Ability to hold adults in custody accountable in appropriate manner;
• Willingness to learn from others;
• A belief that people can change; displays an attitude that conveys dignity and respect in the treatment of others;
• Ability to be part of a team and maintaining positive, respectful, and productive work environment;
• Ability to form collaborative and productive partnerships with a diverse set of stakeholders;
• Adaptable and open to change; flexible and solution oriented;
• Demonstrates good communication and writing skills;
• Be self-directed and motivated;

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with the female justice-involved population and awareness of their unique criminogenic and trauma-related needs.
• Strong understanding of behavioral change principles, especially the Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) model.
• Proficiency in documentation and use of electronic case management systems.
• Certification in Motivational Interviewing.
• Bilingual or multilingual candidates encouraged to apply.

The salary range listed above is for non-PERS qualifying applicants. PERS qualifying applicants may be eligible for an adjusted range to reflect an additional 6.95%.

The State of Oregon provides a generous benefit package, which includes:

• Vacation, sick leave, and 11 paid holidays
• 21 days paid military leave for national guard and reserve components
• Flexible spending accounts for health and childcare