Unit Counselor - Correctional Counselor I (Upward Mobility)

Position Overview

As a Counselor, you will be part of a diverse team who provides opportunities designed to assist individuals in 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. We invite you to come make a difference in other’s lives and truly impact change.

Job Responsibilities

• Conducts beginning level counseling sessions with individuals in custody providing assistance to each individual in custody in the development of a program plan in conjunction with staff completing the risk and needs assessments.
• Prepares progress reports including required professional reports.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of those duties enumerated above.
• Assists in providing a regular interview routine for each assigned individual in custody seeing them no less than once every 60 days to address the needs of the individual in custody.
• Communicates with the families and support systems of the individuals in custody relative to requests, adjustment, emergency furloughs, visitation, parole plans, and issues related to family members.
• Participates on institutional committees or projects, i.e., assignment committee, adjustment committee, grievance committee and/or program team; prepares reports.
• Receives on-the-job training relating to counseling principles and techniques for increased job responsibilities and job proficiency.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college with a bachelor's degree in behavioral or social sciences.

Qualifying state employees in the employee Upward Mobility Program, may complete combinations of specific proficiency tests and training programs leading to a certificate of proficiency in lieu of the stated requirements for this profession.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers at least one (1) year professional experience providing counseling services to individuals in a custody setting.
• Prefers at least one (1) year of professional experience utilizing departmental or equivalent computer systems.
• Prefers at least one (1) year of professional experience participating as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Prefers at least one (1) year professional experience documenting progress of individual in relation to case/treatment plans.

Conditions of Employment

• 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.
• Requires written and spoken knowledge of the English language.

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.