Corrections Counselor 2

The Department of Corrections is actively looking to fill a Corrections Counselor 2 role in Dauphin County. This professional position plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation process by delivering essential counseling and case management services to individuals reentering society from a Community Corrections Center (CCC). The selected candidate will utilize a variety of techniques, including casework, group sessions, and one-on-one counseling, to support these reentrants in their transition. This is an excellent opportunity for those passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of individuals seeking to reintegrate into their communities. If you are interested in contributing to this vital work, we encourage you to apply today!

In this position, you will play a crucial role in assisting individuals reentering society by helping them establish and achieve their goals in areas such as employment, education, housing, and community service. You will be responsible for maintaining and updating the Reentry Focus Plan (RFP) throughout the entire process, from their initial reception to their eventual release. Your duties will include providing crisis intervention, conducting assessments, and making appropriate referrals to ensure that reentrants receive the support they need. Additionally, you will aid in the development and submission of home plans, empowering reentrants to take ownership of their living arrangements. As a staff advocate, you will support reentrants in obtaining essential documents such as identification, medical assistance, and social security, and you will accompany those who require additional support during these processes.

In your role, you will conduct comprehensive orientations for reentrants, which will involve reviewing case files and engaging in one-on-one discussions to better understand their needs. You will facilitate reentry-focused workshops, groups, and seminars designed to encourage pro-social behavior and foster family reunification and the development of positive relationships. Leading on-site support groups with the assistance of Reentry Peer Guides, you will implement cognitive-based interventions, including Brief Intervention Tools (BITS), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Effective Practices in Community Supervision (EPICS). It will be essential to document the progress of each reentrant and maintain an Electronic Case File for active participants, all while adhering to the standards set forth by the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) and utilizing the PREA Risk Assessment Tool as required by policy.

Furthermore, you will review referrals and engage in discussions-whether via videoconference, teleconference, or in person-with staff from the State Correctional Facility, Parole, and the Bureau of Community Corrections prior to the reentrants' arrival at the Community Corrections Center (CCC). Your outreach efforts will involve staying informed about local social services agencies to ensure that reentrants are effectively connected to community resources. You will also work to enhance community understanding of the CCC's mission, which focuses on reintegrating reentrants as productive members of society, and you will coordinate community service initiatives that align with this goal.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 40 hours per week
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• This position is eligible for full retirement benefits at age 50 or 55.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $61,903.00 before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• One year as a Corrections Counselor 1 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• One year of professional counseling or casework experience in a correctional facility, and a bachelor's degree in sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes one year of professional counseling or casework experience in a correctional facility and 18 college credits in sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field.

Special Requirement:

• You must obtain Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network (CLEAN) and Pennsylvania Justice Network (JNET) certification within two months of employment and maintain certification for the duration of employment in this job.

Other Requirements:

• Successful completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA is required.
• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirement:

• You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.

Commonwealth employees who wish to use their seniority rights must apply to the internal posting for their seniority rights to be considered.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.