Correctional Counselor

Quick Facts

• Role: Correctional Counselor (correctional counseling and unit coordination)

Description

The Correctional Counselor develops and implements counseling programs for inmates, including individual and group counseling, and interviews newly admitted inmates as part of Admissions & Orientation. The role supports unit and institutional security through ongoing engagement with inmates and serves as the unit expert for inmate personal property approvals and trust fund activities. Correctional responsibilities are performed regularly alongside all correctional institution employees.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement unit programs to meet individual inmate needs, including individual and group counseling

• Interview newly admitted inmates during Admissions & Orientation (intake)

• Maintain and enhance unit and institutional security through extensive inmate contacts

• Coordinate inmate personal property matters (incoming/outgoing package approvals)

• Coordinate inmate trust fund activities (withdrawals and special purchase orders)

• Participate in ongoing correctional institution security responsibilities

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship required

• Specialized experience: at least 1 year equivalent in difficulty/complexity to the next lower grade level (examples include residential police/social work/mental health counseling; individual and group counseling; coordinating inmate property/intake/admission-orientation; internal/external audits; administrative remedy grievance responses; and re-entry program coordination)

• Medical requirement: able to perform arduous physical exertion (prolonged walking/standing), restrain prisoners in emergencies, and participate in escape hunts; sound health and physical fitness required

• Pre-employment and panel interview, urinalysis, physical, and background investigation required

• Must pass NCIC screening and credit check

• If not currently working in an institution: complete required qualification inquiry regarding convictions of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence for firearm authorization

• Successful completion of “Introduction to Correctional Techniques” three-week training course at Glynco, Georgia required

Benefits

A comprehensive U.S. government benefits package is available to eligible federal employees; eligibility depends on the type of position held.