Job Details
Nature of Work
Correctional Counselor 2 description image
Continuous Recruitment, Statewide: The DOP anticipates several vacancies in the near future for this classification. This recruitment is not for a specific vacancy but to generate a pool of interested applicants. This classification has positions in every area of the state and works exclusively for the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. West Virginia has correctional facilities in every area of the state. Make sure you mark in your county selection any county you would be willing to work in or commute to so you can be placed on the proper register. Click Here to explore the various correctional facilities in West Virginia.
Under general supervision, performs full-performance level work by providing a variety of counseling and psychological services for the inmate population of a correctional facility. Areas of specialization at assigned facility may include vocational counseling, diagnostic testing and evaluation, substance abuse counseling, and/or guidance for inmates on work release. Performs related work as required.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
This is full-performance level Correctional Counselor work. The employee works independently in conducting clinical interviews, administering and scoring psychological tests and preparing psychological evaluations. The employee may supervise beginning level counselors and office support staff. The classification determinant at this level is the greater degree of skill in counseling and diagnostic evaluation.
Click The APPLY Link To Apply Online.
IMPORTANT: Your eligible score will be based on information provided in your application; therefore, make sure your application is detailed and complete. You MUST complete ALL parts of the application, including the Work Experience section.
ATTENTION:
Applicant must verify post high school education by submitting an official transcript or diploma, training or licensure earned pertaining to this position by the closing date of the posting, if not previously verified.
To be considered to receive credit for Veterans preference, you must verify eligibility by attaching a copy of your Member 4 DD214 to your application prior to submitting it. If you are unable to attach this document, please go ahead and apply. However, you must email the document to ...@wv.gov or mail to WV Division of Personnel, 1900 Kanawha Blvd. E., Building 3, Suite 500, Charleston, WV 25305. A service connected disability must be verified by a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs letter and may also be provided by the options mentioned above.
This announcement is for one or more specific vacancies and only applies to the location(s) indicated. Your application will remain active for this job for 180 days or until the job is filled. Application for this job does not automatically qualify you for other positions. Be sure to submit your application for each position of interest. To receive an email notice anytime jobs in this or other categories are posted, you may choose to complete a Job Interest Card from the slide-out menu located at the top left of our Job Opportunities page.
Examples of Work
Conducts clinical interviews, administers and scores psychological tests and prepares psychological evaluations for committed inmates and sixty-day presentence commitments.
Counsels inmates to facilitate inmates' treatment and identify disturbed and/or potentially suicidal inmates.
Corresponds with circuit courts, review boards, mental health centers, parole officers, attorneys and other agencies to supply information, to consult with specialists or to seek assistance with an inmate's treatment or release.
Writes monthly reports on unit's activities and review inmate's progress reports.
Attends meetings, training sessions and some workshops.
Maintains summaries of counseling sessions and treatment logs.
May conduct disposition hearings.
May write policy or procedure changes for the unit.
May supervise counselors in a correctional facility; may make assignments, monitor counselor's work, train staff and discuss cases with staff and may approve attendance, vacation and sick leave.
May assist correctional officers on living unit.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of Department of Corrections policies and procedures.
Knowledge of behavior modification techniques and philosophies used in corrections.
Knowledge of psychometrics.
Knowledge of psychotherapeutic counseling.
Knowledge of techniques of crisis intervention.
Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of people.
Ability to observe changes in inmate behavior.
Ability to keep accurate records.
Ability to organize the work of subordinates.
Minimum Qualifications
Training: A Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a major in criminal justice, corrections, psychology, sociology, counseling, counseling and guidance, education, therapeutic recreation or closely related field.
Substitution: None.
NOTICE: If you are claiming college or other post-high school education or license, you MUST attach or provide by mail a legible copy of your OFFICIAL education transcript, license or training record. YOU WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR EMPLOYMENT UNTIL THIS VERIFICATION HAS BEEN RECEIVED. To avoid missing a job opportunity, it is important that you provide this verification as soon as possible. You only have to provide this verification one time. It is not required with every application. Attach documents to the online application, or mail to: Division of Personnel, 1900 Kanawha Blvd. E., Charleston, WV 25305.