Cognitive Counselor: Baskerville Correctional Center #04175

DHRM; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 49,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Dept of Corrections - Central Administration is seeking a Cognitive Counselor: Baskerville Correctional Center. The role focuses on coordinating evidence-based inmate management strategies and program delivery across the facility.

The Counselor II position requires knowledge of social work and rehabilitative counseling, strong communication, and the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams while monitoring treatment progress.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of social work and counseling techniques.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
• Ability to resolve conflict and model pro-social behavior.
• Ability to co-lead multidisciplinary teams and document treatment progress.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate, plan, implement, and quality-control institution-wide inmate management approaches based on evidence-based practices.
• Incorporate motivational interviewing and intervention techniques in programming.
• Monitor housing, job assignments, progress, and program activities; oversee Diversionary Treatment and other classifications.
• Maintain documentation of inmate treatment progress and supervise clinical boundaries.

Skills

Social work principles

Rehabilitative counseling

Motivational interviewing

Case management

Inmate programs

Supervision techniques

Communication skills

Conflict resolution

Professional boundaries

Multidisciplinary teams

Education

Professional certification in human services or counseling

Job description

Title: Cognitive Counselor: Baskerville Correctional Center #04175

State Role Title: Counselor II

Hiring Range: $49,391.00 - $76,332.00

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Dept of Corr - Central Admin

Location: Baskerville Correctional Ctr

Agency Website: www.vadoc.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

To coordinate, plan, implement, and on-going quality control of institution-wide approaches to Inmate management in area of personal expertise based on the principles of evidence-based practices. Operations and services are founded on the well-established, contemporary body of evidence-based practices for Inmate management that in addition to traditional security tools incorporates the following: effective communication; identifying Inmate criminal risks and substance abuse treatment needs; motivating Inmate change through case plan agreements, incentives, and sanctions; and providing programming/services to address criminogenic needs. Also responsible for monitoring, tracking, and managing housing assignments; job assignments; progress; programmatic activities and review of inmates participating in the Diversionary Treatment Program, which have been classified as seriously mentally ill, Shared Allied Management and/or Restrictive Housing.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of the principles and techniques of social work or rehabilitative counseling, and of casework and treatment methods including motivational interviewing and various intervention techniques. Knowledge of inmate programs and supervision techniques. Effective communication skills, both orally and in writing. Demonstrated ability to resolve conflict and role model pro-social values and responsible behavior. Demonstrated ability to manage clinical/therapeutic boundaries, and to co-lead multidisciplinary teams while evaluating and documenting inmate treatment progress.

Additional Considerations

Work experience with inmates in reentry, pre-release and/or cognitive community settings. Professional certification in a relevant human services field or counseling discipline.

If selected as a finalist with the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC), candidates can expect the following:

Background Investigation Requirements: All applicants are subject to a background investigation. Investigations may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI); local agency checks; employment verification; verification of education (relevant to employment); credit checks; and other checks based on the position.

Drug Testing Requirements: Applicants applying to a designated safety sensitive position are subject to a pre-employment drug screen. Marijuana use is prohibited for positions that require possession of a firearm or a Commercial Driver’s License in the performance of official duties such as Corrections Officers, Probation Officers, Tractor Trailer Drivers and others.

Application Requirements: Application and/or résumé for this position are only accepted electronically through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Electronic Recruitment System. All applications should be submitted by 11:55pm on the closing date for the position. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and/or résumés will not be accepted. The decision to interview an applicant is based solely on the information received for this position from the electronic application and/or résumé.

Layoff Preferences: Applicants who possess an Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Form) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Form) as issued under the Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM) Policy 1.30 Layoff (Commonwealth of VA employees only) MUST attach these forms when submitting their state application and/or résumé.

VADOC is an Equal Employment Opportunity - EEO employer and is committed to supporting workforce diversity, equitable opportunities and inclusivity. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

VADOC values our Veterans and encourages all to apply and receive preference in the hiring process. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other nation service alumni are also encouraged to apply. Click here for more information: Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program - Virginia Department of Veterans Services

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Advertised: 25 Sep 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: 09 Oct 2026 Eastern Daylight Time