Correctional Unit Assistant (#I24A)
$12.08-$22.15 hourly / $2,093.99-$3,838.98 monthly / $25,127.84-$46,067.71 annual

Positions within this job family are assigned responsibilities involving providing counseling to an assigned inmate case load; conducts group and individual counseling activities using models provided by the department.

• Serves as a member of the unit’s classification team which decides inmate custody levels, work assignments, transfers, release planning and other factors; may serve in the disciplinary process to adjudicate inmate violations of rules.
• Interviews incoming inmates and provides unit orientation; provides counseling services to inmates concerning rules and regulations, available services and activities.
• Provides crisis counseling concerning personal problems as required, either in an individual or a group setting; counsels with inmates regarding matters affecting them which are external to the institution, including family matters and financial problems.
• Coordinates with other staff, such as chaplains, teachers, job supervisors, psychologist and medical personnel regarding the adjustment, performance, and treatment needs of individual inmates on their case load.
• Provides written evaluations and recommendations for each inmate assigned to case load; processes inmate work and housing assignments and other daily living schedules.
• Provides supervision of inmates as assigned.
  

Knowledge of the habits, attitudes and general behavior of persons incarcerated; of the principles and techniques of counseling; of the use and care of firearms; and of the practices and procedures in common use at modern correctional institutions.  Ability is required to quickly evaluate a situation and adopt an effective course of action; to interview and counsel; to interact with incarcerated persons to elicit their confidence, respect and responsible behavior; to communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing; to follow oral and written instructions; give and enforce orders with fairness, tact and impartiality; and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

The Correctional Counselor job family consists of only one level and incumbents are responsible for performing all essential functions associated with assigned position in providing counseling to an assigned inmate case load and conducting group and individual counseling activities using models provided by the department.

Education and experience requirements consist of two years of experience in a correctional facility in a position which requires direct and routine contact with inmates.

Applicants must be willing and able to fulfill all job-related travel normally associated with this position and, during the probationary period, all employees must satisfactorily complete a training program prescribed and approved by the Department of Corrections.