Corrections Residence Counselor I

Position Overview

As a Corrections Residence Counselor I, you will be part of a diverse team who provides opportunities designed to assist individuals in custody in obtaining gainful employment and making a successful transition from a corrections environment to the community. These opportunities not only help individuals to develop and enhance their skillsets, but they also better equip them to be a productive member of society. The ideal candidate should be able to work collaboratively with justice impacted individuals and community stakeholders, able to assist with critical linkage support for residents, and willing to implement gender-responsive, trauma-informed practices in work release. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply.

Job Responsibilities

• Documents residents’ rule infractions on residents.
• Performs security, safety, and sanitation functions and provides guidance and direction to residents.
• Distributes resident medication at designated times and completes appropriate medication forms.
• Counsels residents in orientation status and assists in their learning about center program expectations including assignment, meals, transportation, and the center’s house rules/procedures.
• Performs coordinator duties and participates on committees assigned to the areas of programs and operations including, but not limited to, vehicle coordinator, key control coordinator, resident property control coordinator, resident medication coordinator, work assignment board coordinator, tool coordinator, safety and sanitation coordinator, key control coordinator and linen coordinator.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.
• Provides transportation services for residents to and from approved community activity when center transportation is necessary.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires two (2) years of meaningful experience which would require development or establishing rapport on a personal basis.
• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of high school.

Preferred Qualifications (In Order of Significance)

• Prefers at least one (1) year of professional experience utilizing departmental or equivalent computer systems.
• Prefers at least one (1) year experience providing assistance to individuals in Federal, State, Local government or community organization, hospital, or school.
• Prefers at least one (1) year experience collaborating with other professionals, individual family members and/or general public to assist individuals in custody or residents.
• Prefers at least one (1) year experience working in a team setting.
• Prefers at least one (1) year work experience in a correctional, law enforcement, residential, human services setting, or similar field.
• Prefers at least one (1) year working experience with conflict resolution.
• Prefers at least one (1) year experience ensuring rules, policies, and regulations are adhered to.
• Prefers at least one (1) year experience assisting individuals with fulfilling reasonable request or assisting with daily tasks.
• Prefers at least one (1) year experience working with diverse and/or multicultural individuals.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires written and spoken knowledge of the English language.
• Requires ability to pass the IDOC/IDJJ background check.
• Applicants are required to abide by all vaccine and/or other medical standards as set out by the employer.
• Requires ability to pass a drug screen. On January 1, 2020, the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act made it legal for residents over the age of 21 to produce, consume and sell cannabis in Illinois. Please note that although the law has changed, the Department will continue to enforce the Department’s zero tolerance Drug Testing policy. The use of unauthorized drugs, including cannabis, by an employee, regardless of the position held is prohibited.

About the Agency

The Illinois Department of Corrections is a multicultural agency deeply committed to ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion. This commitment is at the forefront of our operations, hiring, policies and procedures, and training. We recognize the benefit of workplace empowerment, the importance of diversity and fully support an environment where ALL employees are treated fairly, respectfully, and have equal access to opportunities and resources necessary to thrive and contribute to the agency’s success. IDOC genuinely values the differences of individuals in our custody and is committed to ensuring a healthy living environment where they feel valued, respected, and included.

Through our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), we shall establish and uphold agency policies and practices conducive to eliminating all forms of exclusion including, but not limited to, racism, ageism, ableism, sexism, discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender, and religious oppression.

The IDOC team works to serve justice in Illinois and increase public safety by promoting positive change in behavior of individuals in custody, operating successful reentry programs, and reducing victimization.

Employees enjoy excellent benefits, including health, vision, and dental insurance; retirement plan and deferred compensation; state holidays and other benefit time off and pre-tax benefit programs. The department also offers extensive training and career advancement opportunities.

The Illinois Department of Corrections is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.