Cognitive Counselor: Coffeewood Correctional Center #00464

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Culpeper (VA); On-site; USD 49,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The Virginia Department of Corrections, Coffeewood Correctional Center, seeks a Cognitive Counselor: Counselor II to coordinate and oversee evidence-based inmate management programs and related housing, job, and program activities. Emphasis on case planning, incentives, sanctions, and progress documentation.

The role requires knowledge of social work and counseling techniques, strong communication, and the ability to co-lead multidisciplinary teams while maintaining professional boundaries.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of social work or rehabilitative counseling principles and techniques.
• Knowledge of inmate programs and supervision techniques.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to resolve conflicts and model pro-social behavior.
• Ability to co-lead multidisciplinary teams and document progress.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate, plan, implement, and ensure quality control of institution-wide inmate management approaches.
• Monitor housing assignments, job allocations, progress, and program activities.
• OverseeDiversionary Treatment Program and related housing classifications.
• Maintain and document inmate treatment progress and boundaries within a clinical team.

Skills

Social work principles

Rehabilitative counseling

Motivational interviewing

Inmate programs

Communication skills

Conflict resolution

Team leadership

Education

Professional certification in human services

Job description

Title: Cognitive Counselor: Coffeewood Correctional Center #00464

State Role Title: Counselor II

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

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Dept of Corr - Central Admin

Location: Coffeewood Correctional Center

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.
• 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 form 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. Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program - Virginia Department of Veterans Services

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

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.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: [phone]

Email: Emailed applications are not accepted.