Correctional Counselor

State-of-Iow; Newton (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Iowa seeks a dedicated professional at Newton Correctional Facility to provide sex offender treatment, develop release plans and coordinate re-entry services. You will manage group sessions, maintain records, and participate in program reviews to improve offender outcomes.

Minimum qualifications include four years of education or experience in counseling or related fields, with certification pursuit and strong collaboration with CBC staff and re-entry coordinators.

Qualifications

• Four years of full-time work experience in providing individual and group guidance and related counseling services, or related correctional duties.
• Experience in program planning, community reentry preparation or supervision of individuals in work assignments.
• Ability to complete accurate documentation and program reviews.

Responsibilities

• Provide primary sex offender treatment, facilitate groups and maintain ICON entries.
• Obtain certification through the Iowa Board for the treatment of Sexual Abusers.
• Complete case management, classifications and program reviews.
• Prepare court progress reports and transfer paperwork as needed.
• Develop release plans and coordinate re-entry services with staff and community resources.
• Attend trainings, complete E-learning and participate in institutional committees.

Skills

Counseling

Group facilitation

Case management

Documentation

Interagency collaboration

Education

Four years of education/experience

Job description

Centrally located in Iowa just off I-80, Newton, www.newtongov.org, boasts a diverse array of shopping, recreational and dining choices, both locally and within short driving distances. Des Moines is just 35 miles west, Ames is 62 miles NW, and Iowa City is 87 miles east. “America’s Dutch Treasure”, Pella, www.pella.org, lies just 23 miles to the southeast. Enjoy camping, boating, fishing and swimming activities at nearby Lake Red Rock, www.redrockarea.com, 20 miles south. Take in some fast-paced action at an Indy Car or NASCAR race at the Iowa Speedway, www.iowaspeedway.com, or visit the Sprint Car Capital of the World, www.knoxvilleraceway.com, just 25 miles south in nearby Knoxville.

At Newton Correctional Facility, we offer a wide range of career opportunities in various departments; i.e., Security, Treatment, Medical, Administrative, Business, Records, Maintenance/Trades, Warehousing, Food Service and other support areas.

Join our team of dedicated professionals who provide an environment that facilitates change for incarcerated individuals as they prepare for release. Come be a part of creating opportunities for safer communities. You’ll find an exceptional workplace where mutual respect and support are part of the culture.

In this position you will:

• Provide primary sex offender treatment. Includes facilitating groups, maintaining accurate ICON entries, entry of session notes and participating in program reviews.
• Work towards/obtain sex offender treatment provide certification through the Iowa Board for the treatment of Sexual Abusers.
• Complete case management services for offenders. Involvement in primary classifications, pre-parole classifications scheduling and attending program reviews, custody classifications, SVP and other assessments.
• Also court progress reports, funeral trips and transfers.
• Assist offenders in planning for transition from community.
• Work with offenders to develop release plans, work with others including CBC staff and re-entry coordinators to provide re-entry services, direct offenders to appropriate resources in the community and complete all required paperwork including the sex offender registry.
• Attend staff meetings and training as required.
• Complete all E-learning.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Complete all assigned duties and special projects in a professional and timely manner.
• Provide assistance to security and support staff, as well as other treatment staff and services to offenders as necessary.
• Take part in institutional committees to assist others in improving institutional operations.
• Participate in training activities sponsored by the DOC or other organizations or agencies.
• Comply with all policies and procedures applicable to assigned duties.
• Treat all fellow employees, contractors, offenders, visitors and the public with due respect.

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

1. Four years of full-time work experience in providing individual and group guidance and related counseling services in the areas of social, behavioral, educational, vocational and related program planning; or performing correctional, law enforcement, or jail administration duties involving community reentry preparation, pro-social behavior modeling, or supervision of individuals in work assignments.
2. A total of four years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in number one), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in any field equals one year of full-time experience.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description. Within a period of time after hire, as determined by the appointing authority, employees in this class may be required to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and endorsements.