Correctional Caseworker

State of Indiana; Westville (IN); On-site; USD 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan options

Free Parking

LinkedIn Learning access

Education Reimbursement Program

Job summary

State of Indiana’s Westville Correctional Facility seeks a dedicated Correctional Caseworker to provide guidance and support to incarcerated individuals, help with housing, job placement, and re-entry planning, and coordinate with courts, community agencies, and employers. You will deliver clear recommendations on location, classification, employment, parole and program participation.

The role requires assessing risk with IRAS, creating individualized case plans, documenting progress, and

Qualifications

• Must have high school diploma or GED and 1+ years in social work, corrections, or related field.
• Must pass drug screening.
• Must obtain IRAS certification within 90 days of hire.
• Complete mandatory training: DOC Training Program, case management, First Aid and CPR.

Responsibilities

• Guide offenders on job assignments, housing changes, transfers and procedures.
• Act as liaison with employers, courts, community and agencies for job development and release work.
• Assess each offender's risk and needs using the Indiana Risk Assessment System (IRAS).
• Create individualized case plans addressing risk, track program participation and interventions.
• Document interactions and progress during incarceration and re-entry planning.
• Coordinate with staff to address re-entry and release issues.

Skills

IRAS knowledge

Interpersonal skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

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Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About Westville Correctional Facility:

Westville Correctional Facility is a multi‑level security facilitylocatedin Westville, Indiana, with a capacity of more than 3,400 incarcerated adult males. Originally built as a state hospital, the campus was converted to acorrectional facilityin 1979. The institution offersnumerousprograms focused on education, re‑entry, and community service. Partnerships include Gold Standard Truss, whichoperatesa truss manufacturing site on facility grounds, and the Moreau College Initiative through the University of Notre Dame and Holy Cross College. Incarcerated individuals can develop valuable vocational and academic skills. Staffmaintainan environment that promotes safety, structure, and rehabilitation.

As a Correctional Caseworker you will be responsible for providing information and facilitating attainment of needed resources. You will ensure that the department’s policies and established guidelines are met in providing incarcerated individuals proper guidance and supporting facility staff as needed. As a Caseworker, you will provide recommendations concerning the incarcerated individuals location, classification, employment, parole, opportunities, external contacts, and the most other aspects of facility life.

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $42,900 but may be commensurate with education and work experience.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Provide guidance to offenders on issues such as job assignments, housing changes, facility transfers, and other facility procedures.
• Act as a liaison between prospective employers, courts, community, and governmental agencies for the purpose of job development and release adjustment.
• Assess each assigned offender's risk and needs utilizing the Indiana Risk Assessment System (IRAS).
• Create individualized case plans that address the offender's risk and needs, track facility program and job participation, and prioritize interventions that address higher risk criminal behaviors.
• Effectively document interactions with assigned offender population and the offender's progress during incarcerations.
• Coordinate with all appropriate facility staff to address re-entry and release issues.
• Prepare documentation related to an offender’s temporary absences and progress reports, including case notes and program referrals over the course of an offender’s incarceration.
• Coordinate with the classification department staff to make appropriate classification recommendations for offenders.
• Conduct unit orientation for newly received offenders.
• Adhere to the re-entry policies to ensure all quality assurance job tasks are completed in accordance with policy.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

What You'll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Must test negative on all drug screenings.

You must satisfy the following requirements to continue employment:

• Within 90 days of hire, you must obtain the Indiana Risk Assessment System Certification through the Indiana Office of Court Services.
• Complete all mandatory training includingthe DOC Training Program, Case management specific training, First Aid, and CPR courses.

A degree is not required. However, a High School Diploma or High School Equivalent (HSE) and at least 1+ years of experience in social work, corrections, criminal justice, or related field applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role provides supervision for incarcerated individuals and requires a high level of judgment and care.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b)account (similar to401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
  • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
  • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parkingfor most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learningaccess

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at [e-mail].