Correctional Counselor Supervisor

In a Department of Correction facility or community setting this class is accountable for supervising the counseling and classification function of an inmate treatment program.

• Working on FOIA requests;
• May be required to testify before the FOIA Commission;
• Appropriately redact documents;
• Work alongside other agencies, legal advisors, and media outlets on releasing information that is in compliance with FOIA;
• Supervises assigned and adjunct staff including orientation, training, counseling, evaluation, and discipline in accordance with departmental standards;
• Determines priorities and assigns unit duties, oversees and reviews results for accuracy, effectiveness, and consistent application of policies and procedures;
• Provides staff training and assistance;
• Conducts performance evaluations; studies, analyzes, and evaluates tasks performed by staff;
• Ensures appropriate case management including screening of eligible inmates for programs;
• Researches, organizes, plans, and directs inmate counseling and classification program including supervision of records function and staff;
• Coordinates activities with parole and community services system;
• Organizes and develops admission and pre-release orientation programs;
• Serves as executive officer of Classification Committee;
• Participates in interdisciplinary teams;
• Counsels individual inmates with difficult problems;
• Works collaboratively and acts as liaison with other operating units, agencies, and outside officials regarding unit policies and procedures;
• Interprets institution and its programs to interested lay and professional groups;
• Maintains records and prepares reports and correspondence;
• Facilitates in-service training for inmates and staff;
• May provide administrative and clinical supervision for substance abuse staff;
• May direct administrative and clinical team meetings;
• May participate in and/or supervise special programs (Community Release, addiction services, etc.);
• May physically restrain inmates, quell disturbances and otherwise assist custodial forces;
• May supervise staff in multiple geographical locations; performs related duties as required.

Considerable knowledge of relevant agency policies and procedures; considerable knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes, and regulations; considerable knowledge of case work methods and techniques and current correctional practices including inmate classification systems and parole practices; considerable knowledge of individual and social factors contributing to delinquency and crime; considerable knowledge of counseling principles and techniques; considerable knowledge of welfare resources; knowledge of substance abuse and current correctional treatment practices; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; considerable ability to plan and organize a case work program; ability to utilize computer software; supervisory ability.

Two (2) years of the General Experience must have been in correctional treatment services.

1. College training in counseling, criminal justice, psychology, sociology or social work may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
   
2. A Master's degree in counseling, criminal justice, psychology, sociology or social work may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.
   
3. One (1) year of experience as a Correctional Counselor or Correctional Substance Abuse Counselor may be substituted for the General and Special Experience.

• Experience interpreting and complying with the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act;
• Experience responding to Freedom of Information requests from inmates, employees, members of the public, the media, and state legislators;
• Experience as a facility FOIA liaison;
• Experience testifying before the Freedom of Information Commission;
• Experience with incident report packages.

1. Incumbents in positions that supervise Correctional Substance Abuse Counselors are required to possess and retain current Certification or Licensure as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor by the Connecticut Department of Public Health.
   
2. Incumbents in this class are required to possess a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certification by the time of appointment.
   
3. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license.
   
4. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

In addition to the checking of references and of facts stated in the application, a thorough background investigation of each candidate may be made before persons are certified for appointment.

1. Incumbents in this class must have general good health, be free from any disease or injury which would impair health or usefulness and possess and retain sufficient physical strength, stamina, agility, endurance and visual and auditory acuity required to perform all the duties of the class.
   
2. A comprehensive medical examination, including a controlled substance screening, may be required of applicants.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.