CORRECTIONAL COUNSELOR I

CA Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation; Madera (CA); On-site; USD 9,000 - 11,000; Full time

Job summary

California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) seeks a Correctional Counselor I at Valley State Prison, Chowchilla, CA. This 12-month limited-term, full-time role requires meeting the minimum qualifications and may involve working in a high-security correctional setting.

Applicants should be prepared for in-office work, with duties focused on assessment, case management, and coordination with staff to support rehabilitation and public safety goals.

Qualifications

• Must have strong verbal and written communication skills to interact with staff, management, other agencies, incarcerated population, and the public effectively, tactfully, and professionally.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills to efficiently manage a high-volume caseload.
• Ability to prioritize and work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of correctional casework procedures, incarcerated persons (IP) classification, court mandates, and IP discipline.
• Demonstrate good judgement/leadership and make sound decisions and recommendations in high stress situations.
• Ability to complete multiple tasks, changing priorities, and coordinate assignments efficiently, independently, and by established deadlines.

Job description

Job Description And Duties

This job posting is being used to fill a limited-term, full-time Correctional Counselor I position. Limited term appointments are for 12 months; may be extended up to 24 months or become permanent.

This vacancy will be filled in accordance with implemented hiring restrictions. This advertisement may be used for other vacancies that occur during the life of this recruitment.

You must have taken and passed the examination for the Correctional Counselor I classification, be a current state employee with lateral transfer eligibility, or have reinstatement eligibility to apply.

Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).

Effective July 1, 2025, the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) was implemented. PLP 2025 requires that each full-time employee receive a 3 percent reduction in pay in exchange for 5 hours of PLP 2025 leave credits monthly through June 2027. Salaries do not reflect the recent changes.

CDCR employees are encouraged to use their existing CDCR email address on their application.

Note: Main communication for this position will be through email. Please ensure you have a valid email address on your application.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

Position is located at Valley State Prison in Chowchilla.

Valley State Prison is in the central San Joaquin Valley about 30 miles north of Fresno and close to Yosemite National Park. Surrounding communities are affordable and offer excellent educational opportunities.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• CORRECTIONAL COUNSELOR I

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details

Job Code #: JC-529470

Position #(s): 919-222-9904-XXX

Working Title:

CORRECTIONAL COUNSELOR I

Classification:

CORRECTIONAL COUNSELOR I

$7,278.00 - $8,726.00 A

$8,809.00 - $10,572.00 B

$7,642.00 - $9,162.00 J

$9,249.00 - $11,101.00 K

# of Positions:

1

Work Location:

Madera County

Telework:

In Office

Job Type:

12 Month Limited Term - Full Time

Work Week:

Work Hours and Schedules Will Vary

Department Information

Vision

We enhance public safety and promote successful community reintegration through education, treatment, and active participation in rehabilitative and restorative justice programs.

Mission

To facilitate the successful reintegration of the individuals in our care back to their communities equipped with the tools to be drug-free, healthy, and employable members of society by providing education, treatment, rehabilitative, and restorative justice programs, all in a safe and humane environment.

Commitment

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) are committed to transforming the correctional landscape to create safer, more professional, and more fulfilling environments for our employees, the incarcerated population, and those supervised in our communities. Through systemwide improvements grounded in proven and emerging practices, we aim to strengthen rehabilitation, enhance workplace satisfaction, and support successful reentry into the community through our institutions, parole, and community partnerships. Our shared mission is to promote safety, wellness, and human dignity while fostering positive change for all those who live and work within our institutions and communities.

CDCR and CCHCS are committed to building an inclusive respectful workplace. We are determined to attract and hire candidates from all communities and empower employees from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and personal experiences. We are proud to foster inclusion and drive collaborative efforts at all levels of the Department.

CDCR and CCHCS strive to collaborate with the community to enhance public safety and promote successful community reintegration through education, treatment and active participation in rehabilitative and restorative justice programs. Incumbents establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within the department, other governmental agencies, health care partners, and communities.

CDCR / CCHCS values all team members. We work cooperatively to provide the highest level of health care possible to a diverse correctional population, which includes medical, dental, nursing, mental health, and pharmacy. We encourage creativity and ingenuity while treating others fairly, honestly, and with respect, all of which are critical to the success of the CDCR/CCHCS mission.

Founded in 1885, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) is one of the nation’s largest and most diverse correctional departments in the country. We are dedicated to enhancing public safety through the safe and secure incarceration of individuals in our care, by providing effective parole supervision, and implementing rehabilitative strategies for their successful reintegration into our communities.

Department Website: http://www.cdcr.ca.gov

Special Requirements

Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for a job vacancy, such as your State application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, student identification number, driver’s license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. Confidential information on the first page of applications submitted electronically online, such as Easy ID number, SSN, examination related information, and driver’s license number will automatically be redacted upon submission.

Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting Minimum Qualifications with education, you should include your unofficial transcripts/diploma for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. If it is determined an applicant does not meet the Minimum Qualifications, the candidate will be withheld from the eligibility list, rendering them inactive and ineligible to be hired for the position. Candidates who have been withheld may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board.

Applicants who completed their education outside of the US (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of U.S. course/degree equivalency. Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at: NACES | National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.

Candidates new to CDCR/CCHCS are required to submit to a background investigation process utilizing Live Scan Fingerprinting, as well as a Tuberculosis test/evaluation prior to appointment, followed by department annual Tuberculosis testing/evaluation thereafter.

When submitting supporting documents, PDF file format is preferred.

CDCR/CCHCS utilizes E-Verify to confirm candidate’s identity and employment authorization. For more information about E-Verify, you may go to www.e-verify.gov.

This advertisement may be used for other vacancies that occur during the life of this recruitment.

If you are personally delivering your application, you must do so between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday – Friday, on or before the final filing date.

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

Final Filing Date: 9/8/2026

Desirable Qualifications

• Must have strong verbal and written communication skills to interact with staff, management, other agencies, incarcerated population, and the public effectively, tactfully, and professionally and write comprehensive, complete, and concise reports
• Excellent organizational and planning skills to efficiently manage a high-volume caseload
• Ability to prioritize and work under pressure to meet deadlines
• Knowledge of correctional casework procedures, incarcerated persons (IP) classification, court mandates, and IP discipline
• Demonstrate good judgement/leadership and make sound decisions and recommendations in high stress situations
• Ability to complete multiple tasks, changing priorities, and coordinate assignments efficiently, independently, and by established deadlines
• Ability to read, analyze, evaluate, and apply complex policies, laws, and rules
• Ability to perform peace officer duties (e.g. escort, search, etc.) in order to maintain the safety and security of the institution, staff, incarcerated population, and public and maintain all mandatory peace officer qualifications (e.g. firearms, chemical agents, etc.)
• Must possess basic computer skills in Word, Excel, Outlook, SOMS, and ERMS
• Shall create and promote an equitable and inclusive workplace where diversity is celebrated and valued

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) website, www.calhr.ca.gov, and the CalPERS website, www.calpers.ca.gov.

Information on benefits afforded by membership in the California Public Employees’ Retirement System can be found on the CalHR Salary and Benefits website at www.calhr.ca.gov/employees/pages/salary-and-benefits.aspx.

Information on the benefits and protections provided to public employees by the State Civil Service Act can be found on the CalHR website at https://www.calhr.ca.gov/Training/Pages/performance-management-merit-system- principles.aspx.

Additional benefit information can be found on the CalHR California State Civil Service Employee Benefits Summary website at https://www.calhr.ca.gov/Pages/California-State- Civil-Service-Employee-Benefits-Summary.aspx.

This webpage is intended to provide general information. Benefit eligibility may be based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base and length of appointment.

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.

Department Website: http://www.cdcr.ca.gov

Human Resources Contact:

CRYSTAL CONNER

[phone] ext: 5603

[e-mail]

Hiring Unit Contact:

CRYSTAL CONNER

[phone] ext: 5603

[e-mail]

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:

Hiring and Recruitment

[phone] ext: 5603

[e-mail]

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Statement Of Qualifications

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is being required to obtain information regarding each applicant’s knowledge, skills, and abilities as related to the position.

For helpful guidance on writing an effective SOQ, please visit:

Work4CA: How to Write a Statement of Qualifications.

Applications received without an appropriate SOQ based on the instructions below will be rejected for being incomplete and will not be considered.

Additionally, resumes, cover letters, and all other documents will not be considered as a response to the SOQ. The completed SOQ must follow this format:

No more than two single sided pages, standard letter-sized paper, single spaced, and 12 point Arial font. Your document needs to be titled “Statement of Qualifications” and your first and last name must be typed at the top of each page. In your SOQ, describe your experience and skills as it relates to the questions below. Type the question number and question before your response.

• Describe your verbal communication skills and experience, as you often will interact with both the incarcerated population and their outside support system in providing information, or recommendations to the incarcerated population, peers, and the public.
• Reliability, thoroughness, and the ability to work independently are essential qualities / traits of a successful Correctional Counselor I. Please provide specific details of how you demonstrate these qualities / traits within your current job assignment.
• Describe your ability to work independently, establish priorities, and develop a plan of action to meet deadlines.
• A Correctional Counselor I is responsible for a caseload of up to 120 Incarcerated People in the Enhanced Outpatient Program (EOP), or up to 148 in General Population. Describe how you would maintain an organized caseload and meet all work deadlines.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.