Corrections Counselor

THIS WORK MATTERS!  Are you an experienced and motivated individual with case management experience who is passionate about helping adults involved in the criminal justice system?  Are you passionate about helping justice involved individuals turn their lives around and create a better future? If this describes you, please read on!

Multnomah County’s Department of Community Justice (DCJ) has multiple openings for Corrections Counselors.  DCJ is recruiting positive, motivated, experienced counselors to work with medium and high-risk justice involved adults. 

Corrections Counselors are responsible for providing field based, direct client services alongside a team of parole and probation officers, community health specialists and community providers. Some of these positions will work out of the Transition Services Unit (Team embedded with the Assessment & Referral Center), as well as work in the field providing services in clients’ homes, shelters, on the streets, or wherever clients are residing throughout Multnomah County.  Some of these positions will work out of the Stabilization and Readiness Program.  Some of these positions will be with the Mental Health Court team which is part of the Mental Health Unit.  All of these teams work out of the Mead Building in Downtown Portland.

Come Find Your Why? (video)

Primary duties of a Corrections Counselor include: 

• Outreach and Engagement
• Case management (1:1 and group)
• Crisis Intervention
• Assessment and Transition Planning
• Assistance with Social Security Insurance, and Social Security Disability Insurance, OHP processes and forms completion.
• Group programming facilitation
• Housing Placement and Retention: emergency, transitional and long term
• Coordinate with other agencies and programs such as Health Department, Department of County Human Services, Sheriff’s Department and Oregon Department of Corrections, alcohol and drug treatment programs, department staff and others who are involved in the life of a justice involved individual.
• Update courts on client progress, when needed.

The Department of Community Justice is looking for experienced counselors who can demonstrate expertise in the following areas:

• Counseling: Working closely with clients on skill building, skill development, problem solving, and motivation enhancement.  Acting as a bridge between clients and wrap around resources available in the community.
• Case Management: Interview and conduct assessments with clients, support and monitor a case plan, develop and implement a housing case plan, follow up with clients and report outcomes.
• Strategic Planning / Leadership: You will develop goals and direction based on the overall county/department mission and vision to increase community safety through positive change.
• Results Through People: You will help achieve results through the contribution of others by motivating and inspiring growth and productivity.
• Relationships and Community: You will build positive and sustainable relationships with a range of key internal and external stakeholders.
• Leading Cross-Culturally: You will foster an inclusive workplace where diversity and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision, mission, and goals of the organization.
• Team Building: You will develop, inspire, and foster employees to work collaboratively.
• Organizational Savviness: You will demonstrate understanding and good judgment of organizational culture and interpersonal relationships, with both internal and external groups, to identify opportunities of mutual interest and benefit.
• Delivery: You will ensure services are provided by quality processes through monitoring and understanding.
• Outcomes: You achieve quality outcomes for the individual, the organization, and the county.
• Personal Development: You will strive for an honest and accurate assessment of oneself and demonstrate willingness for continuous improvement.
• Functional/Technical: You possess specific knowledge about laws, regulations, certifications, licensure and skills for specific assignments.

WORKFORCE EQUITY

At Multnomah County we are committed to maintaining an effective, respectful and inclusive workplace. We value collaborative problem solving and strive for continuous improvement. We strongly believe in workforce equity, diversity and inclusion. Visit our Workforce Equity Strategies Plan (WESP) to see where Multnomah County is headed with these values.

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY JUSTICE

Vision ~ Community Safety through Positive Change 

The Department of Community Justice (DCJ) is recognized as a national leader in both adult and juvenile community justice. DCJ routinely consults and makes use of evidence-based practices in our program and policy development. The Department's commitment to data-informed decision-making has led DCJ to make smart investments of taxpayer dollars in supervision, sanctions, and services for the county's highest risk and highest need justice-involved individuals. DCJ makes long-term investments in its employees through the provision of education and training. The Department believes that in order to enhance public safety we must work collaboratively with the judiciary, law enforcement, schools, treatment agencies, and the community.

The Department shares information with community members, partners, and staff to keep communities safe by preventing and reducing crime and routinely evaluating which local policies support best practices. DCJ operates 24 hours a day, with nearly 650 regular, on-call, and temporary employees. The Department supervises justice-involved individuals and those defendants requiring pretrial services. DCJ's Juvenile Services Division operates the Donald E. Long Juvenile Detention Facility and is responsible for youth on formal and informal community supervision.

More general information about the Department of Community Justice including our mission, vision, and strategies can be found at: www.multco.us/dcj.

The Department of Community Justice's Strategic Plan (Executive Summary and Full report) can be found at: https://multco.us/file/68223/download.

Serving the Public, Even During Disasters 

Every day, Multnomah County staff work together to serve as a safety net for our communities. During a disaster, this safety net becomes even more critical. All County employees have a role in serving the public during inclement weather, natural disaster, or other types of community emergency response. During these emergency responses, while typically there begins with a call for volunteers, county employees may ultimately be reassigned from their current position to a role in the emergency response in order to support the critical needs presented by our communities. For more information, please visit the Disaster Service Worker Information page.

TO QUALIFY

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant. For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page.

Minimum Qualifications/Transferable Skills*: 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in psychology, sociology, criminal justice, social work, or a related field;
• Minimum of two years of counseling and case management experience; familiarity with motivational interviewing and stages of change research;
• Must pass a thorough background investigation which includes, but is not limited to a review of applicant’s criminal, civil, driving, military, educational and employment history prior to employment. 

Preferred Qualifications/Transferable Skills*: You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates. Please clearly explain on your application how you meet any of the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills.

• Master’s degree with major coursework in psychology, sociology, criminal justice, social work, or a related field;
• Experience with the criminal justice system;
• Experience working with parole/probation clients or high-risk populations, including those with behavioral health needs, developmentally, intellectually and/or physically challenged, older adults, and individuals with a history of violent behavior and/or sex offenses;
• Familiarity with DSM-5 diagnostic criteria and ASAM levels of care;
• Understanding of basic factors of recidivism;
• Experience developing, implementing and facilitating skill-based and educational groups;
• Familiarity with cognitive restructuring techniques;
• Ability to communicate with an understanding of cultural competency;
• Familiarity with community resources and how to access them.

*Transferable skills: Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience (including the military) or life experience that are relevant for this position. Be sure to describe any transferable skills on your application and clearly explain how they apply to this position.

SCREENING AND EVALUATION

The Application Packet: Please be sure to provide all the materials below in your application submission: 

• Online application: Explain all related experience (paid or unpaid) and training in the education and work experience sections of the application.
• Attach a resume: Please indicate how you meet the required minimum qualifications. Attach the document to the on-line application. Be sure to explain in detail, including dates, all related work experience, paid or unpaid.
• Cover Letter (optional): Please explain why you are applying for this position and describe your leadership experience in a public safety setting or in a human services setting.

The Selection Process: For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page. We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows:

• Initial review of minimum qualifications
• An evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
• Consideration of top candidates/Interviews
• Must pass a thorough background investigation which includes, but is not limited to a review of applicant’s criminal, civil, driving, military, educational and employment history prior to employment. 

Equal Pay: Please be advised that the pay range listed for this position is intended to provide general guidance on the earning potential for the role. However, actual compensation will be determined in accordance with the Oregon Equal Pay Law and will take into account factors such as the candidate's relevant experience and education. Candidates should expect that initial offers will be made within the listed pay range and may not be at or near the top of the range.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Type of Position: This hourly position is eligible for overtime.

Type: Represented

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 40 hours per week

Location: Mead Building @ 421 SW 5th Ave., Portland OR 97204

Telework: This position is NOT eligible for hybrid or routine on-site/telework subject to the Multnomah County Telework Policy and based on the Department’s business needs. This position is considered Ad-hoc. 

Multnomah County offers a comprehensive benefit package to all eligible employees. A few highlights include:

• Health insurance (medical, dental, vision).
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Optional deferred compensation and flexible spending accounts
• Access to a free annual Trimet bus pass
• Access to wellness resources
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). To learn more about PSLF please visit Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future full-time, part-time, regular, temporary, limited duration, and on-call positions. Application information may be used throughout the entire selection process. This process is subject to change without notice.

Diversity and Inclusion: At Multnomah County, we don't just accept difference; we value it and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for our employees.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran or protected veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics. The EEO Know Your Rights poster is available for your reference. Multnomah County is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We request priority protected veteran referrals.

Veterans’ Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualifying veterans may apply for veterans’ preference. Review our veterans’ preference page for details about eligibility and how to apply.

Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act: We gladly provide reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing an application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter below in advance to request assistance. Individuals with hearing or speech impairments may contact the recruiter through the Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing 711.

https://www.multco.us/dcj-adult/specialized-programs