Treatment Counselor (Berks County Jail Systems)

Berks Libraries

Leesport (Berks County)

On-site

USD 40,000 - 60,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

A local correctional facility in Leesport is looking for a Treatment Counselor to conduct group and individual counseling for inmates. Responsibilities include overseeing institutional programs, managing inmate cases, and maintaining accurate documentation. Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in Psychology or a related field and at least two years of counseling experience. The position may require working in a secure environment with potential safety concerns. Full-time employment offers a chance to make a difference in the lives of others.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree must be from an accredited institution.
Two years direct counseling experience required.
Possess any equivalent combination of experience and training.

Responsibilities

Conduct group and individual counseling.
Oversee programs like institutional employment and earned time.
Perform case management and classification reassessments.
Maintain documentation of inmate records.
Serve as liaison to community providers.

Skills

Knowledge of counseling theories and interventions

Ability to communicate effectively

Ability to prioritize and organize tasks

Ability to train and oversee staff

Ability to handle stress

Ability to meet employment criteria

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work

Job description

Treatment Counselor (Berks County Jail Systems)

Leesport, PA, United States

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Treatment Counselor conducts group and individual counseling. This position oversees other programs and services such as institutional employment, earned time, volunteer process, and services provided by volunteer organizations. This position is also responsible for conducting case management on units, which may include performing classification reassessments, preparing institutional parole summaries, writing referrals, creating visitation schedules, and networking on behalf of inmates.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions

The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not necessarily limited to:

Conducts group and individual counseling.
Addresses inmate concerns through case management on the unit, which may include completing institutional parole summaries and classification reassessments.
Coordinates other institutional programs, which may include institutional employment, earned time, volunteer process, and programs implemented by volunteer organizations.
Maintains required and appropriate documentation of inmate records, which may include reports, logging of inmates’ programming, visitation lists, funeral furloughs, and reviews for inmates in administrative segregation.
Serves as liaison to community providers, which may include parole authorities, court officials, and treatment service providers.
Collects and dates stamps communication forms from units. Also distributes answered communication forms to inmates.
Completes any other duties as assigned by the Deputy Warden of Treatment, Clinical Counseling Supervisor, or Treatment Supervisor.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, or a closely related field. A degree must be obtained from an accredited college or university.
Two (2) years of documented direct counseling experience in an agency or government setting.
Possess any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of counseling theories and interventions.
Awareness of multicultural issues in counseling.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to prioritize and organize multiple tasks to meet deadlines.
Ability to handle and operate personal computers, copiers, printers, radios, keys, telephones, and other office equipment.
Ability to work independently on a variety of duties.
Ability to train new staff in all duties of a treatment counselor.
Ability to oversee and train interns in all duties of a treatment counselor.
Ability to meet all employment criteria established by the Berks County Prison, which may include a job interview, urine drug screen, physical/health assessment, criminal background check, aptitude assessment, psychological assessment, and interview by a psychologist.
Ability to meet standards established by the PA DOC in PA Code Title 37.
Knowledge of the ethical standards as outlined by the American Psychological Association.
Ability to handle stress.
Physical presence in the office is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Position requires sitting and typing for extended periods of time. Work involves talking, hearing, reaching overhead, climbing stairs, using hands to handle and feel objects, tools, or controls. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Ability to lift and carry files and documents weighing up to and including twenty-five (25) pounds. Ability to ambulate frequently to all departments and areas within the facility. Ability to stand for periods up to two (2) hours. Ability to sit for periods up to two (2) hours. Ability to pull and open grill gates and unit doors. Ability to reach overhead at a full arm's length.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Requires working within the confines of a secure facility. Requires working in loud, small, and communal workspaces. Requires working in an environment where personal safety may be of concern. Requires working in an environment where there is the possibility of foul odors. Requires working in an environment where cameras are present and utilized.

This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant/employee. It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position, and may be changed where appropriate.

About Us

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The County of Berks provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

About Us:

Berks County is a combination of rich farm country, industry, beautiful parks, entertainment, and top‑on‑t school institutions. Whether you are interested in County services, the availability of our parks, tax rates, or other county information, this is the place to start.

About the Team

Mission Statement:

It is the mission of Berks County government and all County employees to administer and deliver services to the citizens of the County in the most effective, efficient and professional manner possible within the constraints of the financial resources available.

Job Info