Initial Posting Date

07/28/2025

Application Deadline

08/10/2025

Agency

Department of Corrections

Salary Range

$6,727 - $8,917

Position Type

Employee

Position Title

Correctional Counselor, Developmental Job Rotation for ODOC, BOPPPS and OCE employees only (Salem)

Job Description

Correctional Counselor, Developmental Job Rotation for ODOC, BOPPPS and OCE employees only (Salem)

Oregon State Correctional Institution

Oregon Department of Corrections

Do you have experience working with clients to break down the barriers that are impeding positive change? If so, we are expanding our team and seek an experienced professional case manager like you.

This position is a job rotation anticipated to last 12 months, though may be extended or decreased due to business need. This rotation available for current regular status employees of the Oregon Department of Corrections, Oregon Corrections Enterprises, or Oregon Board of Parole, Probation, and Post-Prison Supervision with their current manger's approval.

Candidates who do not meet the minimum qualifications for this classification may be considered as a developmental. Developmental candidates are not eligible for Work Out of Class Differential. Preference may be given to those who meet the minimum qualifications for the classification.

Preference may be given to candidates who can meet the full qualifications.

This position is available for current regular status employees of the Oregon Department of Corrections, Oregon Corrections Enterprises, or Oregon Board of Parole, Probation, and Post-Prison Supervision only.

About The Job – Your Role

Your primary duties are to set the stage for rehabilitation and elicit motivation for change in each Adult in Custody (AIC) from the beginning of their incarceration. You are responsible for conducting daily interviews and intake assessments on a one-on-one basis for all AICs at the institution. This includes conducting assessments, risk/needs evaluations, and file reviews to determine custody classification and gate clearance, which directly influence population management decisions.

You will provide intensive and intermediate case management for AICs based on their risk to recidivate and special needs. This comprehensive case management system ensures that resources are focused on AIC success by identifying the right needs, utilizing the right interventions, and managing AICs at the appropriate level of case management. Additionally, you would provide basic services to low-risk AICs, ensuring a broad and effective range of support across all risk levels.

As the core correctional resource for case management, you would play a central role in the multi-disciplinary team approach within the institution. This collaborative approach fosters rapport-building across various program disciplines, resulting in a holistic, systems-based model for working with each individual AIC. By focusing on rehabilitation and supporting each AIC’s success, you would contribute to both individual and institutional safety, while working toward reducing recidivism and supporting a successful reintegration into society.

This position is represented by American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). This position may be eligible for Police & Fire (P&F) benefits through Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), as defined by statute.

Minimum Qualifications

Your application materials will be reviewed to verify that you have:

• Bachelor's degree in a behavioral science, criminal justice, or related field with major coursework in behavioral science; AND have two (2) years of professional counseling experience working with clientele in a social service or rehabilitative program; OR
• Three (3) years of experience in a social service, rehabilitative, or correctional program with primary responsibility for guiding and/or counseling individuals or groups in the solution of occupational, educational, personal, or social problems AND two (2) years of professional counseling experience working with clientele in a social service or rehabilitative program; OR
• Master's degree in a behavioral science AND one year of professional counseling experience working with clientele in a social service or rehabilitative program.
  
  

Experience in any security series position in and of itself does not substitute for the required minimum qualifications.

NOTE: Professional counseling experience must include providing supportive counseling to clients on a one-to-one basis with full responsibility for developing and managing each case plan.

Candidates who do not meet the minimum qualifications for this classification may be considered as a developmental. Developmental candidates are not eligible for Work Out of Class Differential.

Preference will be given to those candidates who will meet the full minimum qualifications for a Correctional Counselor at the end of the 12-month rotation.

Requested Skills

• A belief that people can change; displays an attitude that conveys dignity and respect in the treatment of others.
• Ability to be part of a team and maintaining positive, respectful, and productive work environment
• Ability to form collaborative and productive partnerships with a diverse set of stakeholders
• Adaptable and open to change; flexible and solution oriented.
• Demonstrates good communication and writing skills.
• Be self-directed and motivated; must be able to work independently within deadlines
• Strong personal boundaries
  
  

Preferred Skills

• Possess a current Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS) certification;
• Has training in Motivational Interviewing
• Experience developing behavior change plans
• LS/CMI training and experience
  
  

Application Information

• In the Work Experience section of your application make sure to include the dates and duties of all relevant positions and details to support how you meet these attributes. If you do not include education or work experience meeting the minimum qualifications, you will not be considered for the position. Only the candidates whose experience most closely matches the qualifications and requested skills of this position will be invited to interview. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications on or before the job posting close date.
• The job posting closes at 11:59 PM (PDT/PST) on the close date. After you submit your application, be sure to respond to the two questionnaires relating to public records requests and veterans’ preference immediately following your submittal. These questions are necessary to complete the application process.
• Please monitor both your email and Workday account for updates regarding this recruitment. You may be asked to submit a skills assessment, a writing sample, or other assessment as part of the application screening process.
• Please save a copy of this job announcement for reference, as it is not available for you to view after the announcement deadline.
  
  

Working Conditions

This position is located within correctional institution that house adults in custody (AICs) across all security levels—maximum, close, medium, and minimum. The work environment may include exposure to temperature extremes and inclement weather, with duties occasionally performed outdoors under such conditions. Staff may be required to walk long distances or climb stairs, as many housing units have two levels.

Employees work in a high-risk environment where AICs may display anger, hostility, or aggressive behavior, posing a potential risk of physical injury, assault, or hostage situations. Staff must be prepared to assist during institutional disturbances or emergencies through recall or reassignment.

Daily responsibilities involve the use of computers for email, documentation, and accessing AIC-related information systems. All employees are expected to maintain professionalism and interact respectfully with co-workers, AICs, and the public—avoiding any behavior that could be considered hostile, discriminatory, or inappropriate.

Inherent custodial duties include maintaining secure control of keys, tools, equipment, and contraband to ensure safety and prevent escapes. Staff must follow institutional and departmental safety protocols, document unusual incidents, and be familiar with the Emergency Response Plan.

Counseling services must be provided in alignment with institutional needs and the requirements of Section 41, Article I of the Oregon Constitution (formerly Ballot Measure 17), which may influence work schedules.

This role also requires occasional overnight travel, both in-state and out-of-state.

Due to the sensitive nature of information handled in this position, a high level of discretion, ethical conduct, and confidentiality is required to support a safe and professional work environment.

About The Department

The Oregon Department of Corrections is responsible for over 12,000 adults in custody in 12 state prisons throughout Oregon. It advises and evaluates counties regarding administration of probation and parole programs supervising more than 24,000 offenders in Oregon communities. The mission is to protect communities, promote accountability, and transform lives.

The Oregon Department of Corrections serves a diverse and changing population of people who are incarcerated and on supervision. We commit to creating an organization both reflecting the diversity of the population we serve and ensuring all employees thrive in a culture of safety, trust, and belonging. We strive to be an anti-racist corrections system. Welcoming, inclusive, and respectful of all people. Free of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

The Department offers a variety of programs and opportunity to create a safe and healthy environment to for our staff, volunteers, and adults in custody. Joining the Oregon Department of Corrections is joining a team working for the benefit of our communities through innovative and proven correctional practices.

Benefits

The salary range listed above is for non-PERS qualifying applicants. PERS qualifying applicants may be eligible for an adjusted range to reflect an additional 6.95%.

The State of Oregon provides a generous benefit package, which includes:

• Family health, vision, and dental insurance
• Vacation, sick leave, and 11 paid holidays
• 21 days paid military leave for national guard and reserve components
• Optional short and long-term disability
• Term life insurance
• Fully paid retirement program
• Oregon Saving Growth Plan
• Flexible spending accounts for health and childcare
• And more
  
  

About The Process – What To Expect

• After the application deadline, a recruiter will review submissions for education and experience to identify candidates who best fit the minimum qualifications and requested skills.
• Top candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
• The hiring manager will review your application and schedule interviews.
• Interview will be held with a panel of stakeholders who have completed panel assessment training. Scores will be determined based on predetermined questions and scoring guides. Preferences points will be applied in compliance with relevant laws and bargaining agreements. There may be multiple rounds of interviews.
• Final candidates will have a background check, PREA check, and reference checks.
• A Classification and Compensation analyst will review the Workday Application of the successful candidate to determine starting wages. Learn more about Equal Pay.
• A job offer will be extended through Workday to the successful candidate. Congratulations, and welcome to the team!
  
  

Requirements For Employment

The successful candidate for this position must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility. Due to CJIS requirements related to system access, there may be some felony convictions that could disqualify you for this position. However, having a felony record does not exclusively restrict you from being considered as an applicant. CJIS clearance is done at the conditional job offer. If you have questions about whether or not your criminal record could disqualify for you, please contact the recruiter for more information.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDI&B) is embedded in the Department of Corrections core values. The department strives to be a model employer committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Ensuring legal compliance, efficiency, and exceeding expectations to deliver the best public services.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran or protected veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics. Additional information can be found from The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Know Your Rights.

The Oregon Department of Corrections is responsible for complying with the Federal Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA 42 U.S.C. 1997). PREA prohibits the Oregon Department of Corrections from hiring, promoting, or contracting with anyone, (that will have direct contact with residents), who has engaged in, been convicted of, or been civilly or administratively adjudicated for engaging in sexual abuse in confinement settings. Learn more about PREA.

Under Oregon Law, qualifying veterans may apply for veterans’ preference. Review our veterans’ preference page for details about eligibility. Please note – if you are a veteran, you will receive a task in Workday to upload your documents immediately after you submit your initial application. You will have up until 24 hours after the posted application deadline to submit the appropriate documentation.

Questions

If you have questions about the position, selection process, or need accommodations to participate in the recruitment process please contact the recruiter and reference the requisition number.

Recruiter: Stephanie Johnston, Stephanie.M.Johnston@doc.oregon.gov

Reference Number: 184579

• Workday will timeout after 15 minutes of inactivity. You may lose progress on your application.
• Workday performs weekly maintenance Friday evenings, and the system may be down for several hours.
• ODOC does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, applicants will be required to complete an I-9 and confirm authorization to work in the United States.
• This applicant list may be used to fill future vacancies. Application information may be used throughout the entire selection process. This process is subject to change without notice.
• This announcement is intended as a general descriptive recruitment guide and is subject to change. It does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract. The pay and benefits on all announcements may change without notice.