Correctional Counselor

Overview

LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION, COMMUNITY REHABILITATION SERVICES DIVISION, DAVIDSON COUNTY

A Motor Vehicle Records screening will be conducted prior to employment.

This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.

Education and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor s degree and experience equivalent to one year of full-time professional social or psychological counseling work.

Substitution of Education for

Experience:

One year of graduate coursework in a social or behavioral science may be substituted for the year of professional counseling experience.

Substitution of Experience for

Education:

Full time social or psychological counseling experience can be substituted for the required education on a year for year basis for a maximum of two years; requiring two years of study at an accredited college or university.

OR One year as a Correctional Counselor with the State of Tennessee Department of Correction.

Necessary Special

Qualifications:

Applicants for this class must:

• A valid vehicle operator s license may be required for employment in some positions.

• Calculates sentencing information to determine accuracy of an offender s sentence computation.
• Verifies that offender sentencing complies with judgment order.
• Completes classification/reclassification and/or risk-needs assessments for offenders.
• Prepares reports on offender history, progress, adjustment, rule violations, visitation, recommendations for special visits, and other related statistics.
• Evaluates all offender records, case notes, and information to ensure compliance with all applicable standards, laws, policies, rules, and regulations while under the guidance of a higher ranking Correctional Counselor.
• Conducts and/or monitors Prison Rape Elimination Act screenings to determine potential victim or aggressor status.
• Monitors environment to identify security related concerns in order to assure continued safety of facility.
• Identifies appropriate intervention techniques to deal with offender behavioral issues.
• Assists offenders in addressing concerns regarding job pay, trust fund, sentence information, and educational needs and programs and with communicating with outside agencies to expedite release plans or respond to emergencies.
• Schedules outside services to assist with offender transition from prison to the community.
• Develops and collaborates reentry plans with re-entry Counselor for offenders within established time frames and in accordance with departmental procedures.