COUNSELOR PENAL INSTITUTION DEFINITION:
Under direction, interviews and counsels prisoners detained in county jails, refers inmates to other agencies, and cooperates with such agencies to prepare inmates to return to society; recommends schooling or job qualifications to prisoners and then assigns them to particular courses of study or trade; does other related duties as required.
NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
Counsels inmates by interviewing them to ascertain their needs and/or qualifications.
Counsels on a personal level and advises individual inmates to assist them in preparing for their release, and in resolving their personal difficulties.
Aids prisoners in diagnosing their personal problems so that they might be able to resolve them satisfactorily.
Meets with other people to assist in placing prisoners in qualifying school courses or trade courses.
Refers inmates to other agencies and psychiatric diagnostic centers for further consultation.
Aids prisoners in developing a better sense of duty and responsibility towards society.
Consults with probation, police department, prosecutor's office, and other agencies, to coordinate rehabilitation efforts.
Aids inmates in obtaining jobs on their release by contacting prospective employers.
Arranges job interviews.
Writes letters of introduction.
Aids inmates in contacting their families by making telephone calls for them and assisting them in writing letters.
Reviews educational background of inmates and their plans for continuing their education.
Arranges for enrollment in various training programs.
Maintains essential records and files.
Prepares necessary reports on prisoners.
Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
REQUIREMENTS:
NOTE:Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester-hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience.
Five (5) years of professional experience in counseling and guidance in the fields of education, social welfare, job placement, crisis intervention, or substance abuse.
OR
Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience.
OR
Possession of a master's degree in Vocational Guidance and Counseling and/or Vocational Rehabilitation from an accredited college or university.
NOTE:"Professional experience" refers to work that is analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range of basic knowledge of the profession's concepts and practices; and is performed with the authority to act and make accurate and informed decisions.
LICENSE:
Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of psychological and social problems of persons confined to penal institutions.
Knowledge of social, economic, and psychological causes of deviant behavior.
Knowledge of interviewing and counseling techniques.
Knowledge of government and private agencies that can offer help in rehabilitating inmates.
Knowledge of problems involved in dealing constructively with personality disorders, social behavior, and social relationships.
Ability to organize assigned work and develop effective work methods.
Ability to utilize counseling and guidance techniques.
Ability to understand individual vocational limitations of persons.
Ability to interview persons who may be emotionally upset and antagonistic.
Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
Ability to maintain essential records and files.
Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
