In an adult corrections institution,

1. Provides both counseling and custody services and serves as the principal assistant to a correctional unit supervisor in a living unit; or serves as the admissions counselor for the Diagnostic Center at the Purdy Treatment Center; or administers and coordinates the total work/training release program at Indian Ridge Treatment Center or Cedar Creek Corrections Center;

OR

    2.    Performs pre-parole counseling, resident program planning and other counseling services.

 

Positions designated as the principal assistant to a Correctional Unit Supervisor are responsible for:

1. Managing an assigned caseload;

2. Assisting in training and directing lower-level staff;

3. Assisting in the review of work performed by lower-level staff; and

4. Assisting with assigned administrative responsibilities.

Other positions handle the more difficult cases in areas such as drug addiction, assault, sex offenses, and psychopathic behavior. Some positions may supervise lower-level counselors and/or have assigned shift supervisor responsibilities.

Provides individual and/or group counseling surveillance and guidance; monitors resident movement with facility or community; enforces rules and regulations;

Counsels with and advises residents to assist them in improving their personal outlook, adjustment to basic living problems and social behavior;

Prepares written reports and makes recommendations regarding resident treatment, training, progress and/or revocation;

Conducts regular inspections of facility offices, dining hall, sleeping quarters, recreation areas, and facility grounds for contraband, cleanliness, and safety;

Interviews residents to obtain and compile personal data and social background; contacts, friends, relatives, teachers, and public and private agencies to secure information on the resident’s background, personal history, and social adaptability;

Assumes responsibility for monitoring and approving resident financial transactions; keeps financial ledgers concerning resident accounts; acts as administrator-designee in disbursing resident funds;

Attends weekly classification committee sessions, discusses and makes recommendation to the committee regarding resident’s progress and program;

Attends and participates in or conducts group therapy sessions; screens mail and visiting applications; prepares admission summaries;

Makes recommendations for assignment of cases; maintains and orders supplies; keeps attendance; manages forms and records; supervises and recruits volunteers, student interns and sponsors;

Acts as a liaison with other agencies for assigned caseload;

Makes recommendations regarding policies, rules, training, and treatment; as designee assumes duties of supervisor, chairing such hearings and committees as classification, disposition, review, reclassification, fact finding, and disciplinary;

Assists in coordinating transportation;

May supervise lower-level counselors;

Performs other work as required.

Knowledge of: criminal justice system and community corrections; individual and group behavior; community resources; interviewing techniques; fundamental, basic concepts and principles of the social sciences;

Ability to: use authority constructively; supervise and train others; establish effective working relationships; appraise person and situations accurately and adopt appropriate courses of action; write and speak effectively; work independently with a minimum of supervision; work in situations requiring tact; courage and good judgment; interact effectively with and understand residents.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

One year as a Classification Counselor 2 in Washington State service

OR

A Bachelor’s degree involving major study in sociology, psychology, social work, criminology, or closely allied field

AND

Two years of experience in adult or juvenile corrections, rehabilitation, or social casework

Additional qualifying experience will substitute year-for-year for up to two years of the required education.

A Master’s degree in one of the above fields of education will substitute for one year of the required experience.

Note:  Corrections experience means that the focus of the work is dealing directly with offenders a majority of the time.

New class consolidates: (formerly 39140 Correctional Counselor 3; 39660 Classification Counselor 3) Adopted May 11, 2007; Effective July 1 2007.
(07/17/2009) Revised desirable qualifications; added Note section.
Salary adjustment inadvertently left off the 6/13/2019 Special Director's meeting agenda--heard 8/8/2019 ,effective 7/1/2019; previously range 49.

Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.