CORRECTION COUNSELOR II 30390

(Competitive)

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

 

The work involves responsibility for directing and participating in the rehabilitation program for inmates of the Onondaga County Correction Facility. An employee in this class is responsible for planning, developing and carrying out a program involving social, legal, and economic adjustment of inmates. Counseling inmates and general assistance and planning in the solution of their adjustment problems is performed as a daily routine. Initiative must be exercised in planning programs and adapting the same to meet the situation and needs of individual inmates. Activities must be coordinated within the department and with social welfare agencies and with volunteer service providers by the Correction Counselor II. This class differs from the Correction Counselor I in that the Correction Counselor II is involved in policy development. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Casework Supervisor. May supervise Correction Counselor I's in the performance of their duties. Does related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

 

Conducts intake interviews, needs assessment, mental health and developmental disabilities screening and custody classification.

Assists inmates in their adjustment to the institution and resolution of personal, family, legal and other problems applying counseling techniques as well as assisting inmates in planning re-entry to the community.

Works with appropriate community service agencies in case management to meet inmate needs.

Provides information as necessary to other law enforcement and social service agencies.

Compiles data and prepares reports; maintains files and records.

Attends professional meetings and training sessions on behalf of the department.

Coordinates and assists in programs provided within the facility by community agencies.

Utilizes audiovisual material for inmates’ rehabilitation.

Assists and conducts in-service training for facility staff members.

Addresses lay and professional groups on policies and procedures.

Prepares reports and makes recommendations.

Acts as coordinator of volunteer services.

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

 

Thorough knowledge of modern principles and practices of social casework and case management methods and procedures involved in social, legal, and economic readjustments of inmates.

Thorough knowledge of community agencies and resources in disciplines including but not limited to mental health, education, family services, developmental disability, child abuse and neglect, substance abuse, legal services and criminal justice.

Good knowledge of the techniques involved in counseling and case management to assist inmates in readjustment problems.

Good knowledge of laws and procedures relating to incarcerated individuals.

Ability to understand the personality and behavior problems of inmates and to assist in their solutions.

Ability to conduct effective interviews and to meet and deal effectively with people.

Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

 

Promotion:

 

One (1) year of permanent competitive status as a Correction Counselor I.

 

 

-2- 30390

 

 

Open Competitive:

 

A) Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a baccalaureate degree and one (1) year of professional level work experience, or its part time equivalent, in human services*; or,

 

B) Five (5) years of paraprofessional or professional level work experience, or its part time equivalent, in humans services*, one (1) year of which must have been professional level work experience as defined above; or,

 

C) An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of A and B.

 

 

NOTE:

 

Satisfactory completion of graduate semester credit hours from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university in guidance counseling or social work, or a field closely related to the aforementioned, may be substituted for work experience as follows: Thirty (30) graduate hours is equivalent to one (1) year of work experience.

 

*Human services comprise those career fields in which practitioners help others to solve their physical or emotional problems or mental needs, or to enhance their cultural, social, spiritual or physical conditions. Practitioners in this class are typically characterized by working with people on an individual or group basis.

 

12/90 Revised