CORRECTIONS COUNSELOR I8119L1 Pay Grade: 22 23 DEFINITION OF WORK Summary This is work counseling inmates in the development of their rehabilitation programs at a state correctional institution. Work involves providing information to inmates concerning institutional rules and regulations; serving as a member of the unit team to formulate recommendations concerning inmate rehabilitation needs and parole plans; participating in various institutional committees; writing progress reports on inmates for review by unit team supervisory personnel and the Program Management Committee; and advising inmates on their eligibility for parole. Standard Classification Factors Supervision Received - LEVEL C: "Under direction…" Employees at this level usually receive a general outline of the work to be performed and are generally free to develop their own sequences and methods within the scope of established policies. New, unusual, or complex work situations are almost always referred to a superior for advice. Work is periodically checked for progress and conformance to established policies and requirements. Difficulty - LEVEL B: Average… Where the employee is confronted with a variety of duties susceptible to different methods of solution which, in turn, places a correspondingly higher demand upon resourcefulness and concentration. Positions which require the analysis and evaluation of raw data and the rendering of conclusions would, in many instances, fall into this category. Complexity - LEVEL C: Work is of a standardized nature that may involve a variety of duties. Analytical thought becomes more important at this level due to increased data and changing situations. Tasks usually have several steps, some of which may not be directly related. Alternatives may exist for processes or methods to be used in solving problems. Workers at this level exercise a moderate amount of independent judgment. Work is controlled by routine review and reporting to or consultation with supervisors. When guidelines exist at this level, they tend to be more complicated or technical in nature requiring careful interpretation. Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL C: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are limited in scope and effect as the work is reviewed occasionally. Errors may cause moderate inefficiency. Costs due to errors may be significant. Contacts - LEVEL B: The purpose of the contact is to plan, coordinate and advise on work efforts, interpret guidelines or instructions, elicit opinions or give guidance on the basis of facts to resolve common issues or problems when the information is not sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are working toward mutual goals and have basically cooperative attitudes. Well developed communication skills are required. Physical Demands - LEVEL B: The work requires light physical exertion. The employee may be required to perform handling activities with lightweight or easily moved items (e.g. books, file folders, boxes of office supplies, small machine parts, etc.); perform moving activities for brief periods; operate light equipment; perform repetitive motions for brief periods; confined to a work area. Environmental Conditions - LEVEL C: The work environment involves hazards, risks or discomforts typical of working with or around machinery with exposed moving parts, irritant chemicals, heavy equipment or abusive or hostile clientele and patients. Exposure to disagreeable weather conditions and extreme levels of temperature, ventilation, lighting and sound are normal. Protective clothing or gear and specific safety standards or procedures may be required. Serious injury is possible. Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL A: No supervisory or leadership responsibility; may explain work instructions or assist in training others. Distinguishing Features Differs from the Correctional Officer series which describes responsibility for security of the institution rather than counseling and rehabilitation programs for the inmates. Differs from the Corrections Counselor II class which provides for work with the more recalcitrant inmates and participation in unit team management. EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED Meets with inmates to provide information concerning institutional rules, regulations, operational procedures and other information relating to the inmate's initial and continued adjustment to the institution; helps inmates learn problem solving techniques for their behavioral or social adjustment problems. As a member of the unit team, formulates recommendations concerning the inmates and their rehabilitation needs and parole plans. Reviews and summarizes inmate educational, psychological, social, conviction and related background information. Participate in various institutional committees such as the Disciplinary Board, parole hearings and special project committees to provide input into treatment and security programs. Writes progress reports on individual inmates for review by unit team supervisory personnel and the Program Management Committee for the purpose of evaluating inmates' progress toward completion of rehabilitation programs; maintains and initiates changes in a variety of inmate records; observes inmates to determine needs for referral to clinical services for psychiatric treatment or other supportive services. Advises inmates on matters concerning their eligibility for, and obligations in, correctional programs including Honor Camps, work release and parole; contacts a variety of community support and treatment organizations to assist inmates in program transitions. Conducts group orientation, socialization and job hunting skills sessions. Coordinates, completes and refers various forms and reports concerning inmates and their activities, payroll, phone calls, supply requests and other documents containing inmate information. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS Knowledge Knowledge of modern concepts, principles, and practices related to the rehabilitation of criminal offenders. *Knowledge of English usage and written communication. Knowledge of general sociological and psychological factors effecting human behavior. Abilities Ability to read and comprehend technical narrative material including manuals, handbooks, and instructional memoranda for application to daily work. Ability to organize and clearly express information in concise written form. Ability to work in a cellhouse within a correctional institution. *Necessary at Entry MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: A bachelor’s degree with major coursework in criminal justice,
the social sciences, or the behavioral sciences.
Experience may be substituted for the required education as determined
relevant by the agency. Necessary Special Requirements: NC: 06/89 |