Cognitive Counselor (Keen Mountain Correctional Center): Central Administration #01337

Title: Cognitive Counselor (Keen Mountain Correctional Center): Central Administration #01337

State Role Title: Counselor II

Hiring Range: $47,721 - $73,751

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Dept of Corr - Central Admin

Location: DOC Headquarters

Agency Website: www.vadoc.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The mission of the Reentry and Recovery Services Unit is to provide a system of offender programming and services that reduce criminal risk in prison and supports successful reentry and supervision in the community after release. The Unit implements DOC statewide initiatives both in prison and in community settings.

To coordinate planning, implementation, and on-going quality control of institution-wide approaches to offender management in area of personal expertise based on the principles of evidence-based practices. Operations and services are founded on the well-established, contemporary body of evidence-based practices for offender management that in addition to traditional security tools incorporates the following: effective communication; identifying offender criminal risks and needs; motivating offender change through case plan agreements, incentives and sanctions; and providing programming/services to address criminogenic needs, with a specific focus on substance use.

Minimum Qualifications

Some experience with the principles and techniques of rehabilitative counseling specific to individuals with Substance Use Disorder (SUD); of casework and treatment methods, motivational interviewing and intervention techniques. Knowledge of evidence-based (EBP) practices principals and programs to address SUD. Demonstrated experience resolving conflict, role model pro-social values and responsible behavior and document supervisee progress in the program. Experience facilitating evidence-based cognitive-behavioral programs and peer support groups. Ability to work both independently and as a key part of a multidisciplinary team. Ability to be a leader for others and to practice dialogue skills. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to prioritize and organize work.

Additional Considerations

Experience working with individuals with Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Experience working with inmates in correctional settings, pre-release, reentry, and/or prison. Experience delivering evidence-based cognitive-behavioral programs to inmates and/or inmates in a group setting. Substance Use Disorder (SUD) training and demonstrated skill competence. Professional certification in- Substance Use Disorder (SUD), Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) and/or Certified Criminal Justice Specialist (CCJP)

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

If selected as a finalist with the VADOC, candidates can expect the following:

Background Investigation Requirements: All applicants are subject to a background investigation. Investigations may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI); local agency checks; employment verification; verification of education (relevant to employment); credit checks; and other checks based on the position.

Drug Testing Requirements: Applicants applying to a designated safety sensitive position are subject to a pre-employment drug screen. Marijuana use is prohibited for positions that require possession of a firearm or a Commercial Driver’s License in the performance of official duties such as Corrections Officers, Probation Officers, Tractor Trailer Drivers and others.

Application Requirements: Application and/or résumé for this position are only accepted electronically through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Electronic Recruitment System. All applications should be submitted by 11:55pm on the closing date for the position. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and/or résumés will not be accepted. The decision to interview an applicant is based solely on the information received for this position from the electronic application and/or résumé.

Layoff Preferences: Applicants who possess an Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Form) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Form) as issued under the Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM) Pol