Cognitive Counselor: St. Brides Correctional Center #01120

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Chesapeake (VA); On-site; USD 49,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of VA Careers seeks a Cognitive Counselor at St. Brides Correctional Center to lead reentry and cognitive programs, coordinating with the treatment team to support inmate progress and successful reintegration.

The role requires knowledge of social work or rehabilitative counseling, strong communication, and ability to monitor progress, manage housing and program assignments in a correctional setting.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of social work or rehabilitative counseling principles and techniques.
• Knowledge of inmate programs and supervision techniques.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to model pro-social behavior and manage boundaries in clinical settings.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, implement and evaluate inmate reentry and cognitive community programs.
• Monitor housing assignments, job assignments and program participation.
• Co-lead multidisciplinary teams and document inmate treatment progress.

Skills

Motivational interviewing

Communication skills

Conflict resolution

Team leadership

Education

Professional certification in a human services field

Job description

Title: Cognitive Counselor: St. Brides Correctional Center #01120

State Role Title: Counselor II

Hiring Range: $49,391.00 - $71,353.00

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Dept of Corr - Central Admin

Location: St. Brides Correctional Center

Agency Website: www.vadoc.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

To plan, coordinate, implement, and evaluate the institution’s approach to inmate reentry and cognitive community based on principles of evidence-based practices. Operations, programs, and services are founded on the well-established, contemporary body of evidence-based practices for inmate management that complement traditional security tools and incorporate the following: effective communication; identifying inmate criminal risks and treatment needs; motivating inmate change through case plan agreements, incentives and sanctions; and providing programs/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.

Special Instructions

VADOC is an EEO employer and is committed to supporting workforce diversity, equitable opportunities and inclusivity. 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.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: [phone]

Email: EMAILED APPLICATIONS/RÉSUMÉS / WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR THIS POSITION

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.