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Correctional Counselor (Pendleton)

Eastern Oregon 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 employment opportunity is with the Correctional Services Division of the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution in Pendleton Oregon.

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 AICs 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.

*Note: Effective Feb. 1 2026 the compensation plan for this position will be increased to reflect a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) of 2.5%. The salary listed in this posting does not reflect the COLA.

Minimum Qualifications

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

• Bachelors 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
• Masters degree in a behavioral science or criminal justice AND one (1) 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.

Requested Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills to interact with AICs legal representatives families and community organizations.
• Ability to manage multiple cases meet deadlines and adapt to fast-paced short-term casework.
• Commitment to upholding ethical standards and maintaining the confidentiality of AIC information.
• Strong personal boundaries;
• Willingness to learn from others;
• 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;
• Proficiency in documentation and use of electronic case management systems.

Preferred Skills:

• Possess a current Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS) certification;

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.
• As part of our selection process we may require additional assessment stages such as written exercises to further evaluate candidates qualifications. Meaningful participation in these exercises is required for all applicants moving forward in the process. Failure to complete the required exercise(s) within the specified timeframe will result in disqualification from consideration. All candidates who successfully complete these screening stages and meet the necessary requirements will advance to the next stage in the selection 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

All institutions are tobacco free. Use of tobacco products are prohibited within the buildings or on the grounds. Work is performed in prisons housing maximum close medium and minimum-security adults in custody. Adults in custody have the potential to become angry hostile abusive and aggressive increasing the risk for employees of physical injury death and/or being taken hostage. There is an inherent responsibility to provide assistance through recall and/or reassignment during an adult in custody unrest and other emergency situations occurring at the institution.

Institution are exposed to temperature extremes and inclement weather. The incumbent may be required to perform duties outside in the inclement weather and temperature extremes. Walking long distances to get to the workstation or to perform work will be required. Most adult in custody housing units are two levels requiring the use of stairs to reach the second level.

All employees are required to use a computer for E-Mail word processing and related adult in custody information systems in the regular performance of their duties.

Work schedule is driven by institution need to provide counseling services to AICs in accommodation of Section 41 Article 1 of the Oregon State Constitution (previously known as Ballot Measure 17.)

Requires occasional in-state and out-of-state overnight travel.

All employees shall interact with co-workers AICs and the public in a professional respectful manner. This includes refraining from any type of behavior action or language that could be perceived as hostile discriminatory intimidating violent or abusive.

On a daily basis inherent custodial duties include control of institution keys by maintaining proper custody use and reporting discrepancies enforcing department and institution directives for safe and secure operations/security. Employee is responsible to prevent escapes from confinement by proper control of keys tools equipment and contraband and to document unusual incidents. This person is subject to recall to the institution in the event of an emergency and is to maintain preparedness for emergencies by reading and following the Emergency Response Plan Manual.

Maintain professional demeanor code of ethics and good communication to create a safe work environment. The employee in this position works in an office environment where conversations and paperwork are generated of a sensitive nature on a daily basis and must possess the ability to keep this information confidential

About the Department

The Oregon Department of Corrections is responsible for over 12000 adults in custody in 12 state prisons throughout Oregon. It advises and evaluates counties regarding administration of probation and parole programs supervising more than 24000 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.

The State of Oregon does not request or require your age date of birth attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.

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

Reference Number: 194304

• 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.