CORRECTIONAL COUNSELOR III - Field Services Representative

Position Overview

As a Field Service Representative, 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

1. Performs counseling and case management functions to help prepare individuals to release to the community.

2. Serves as liaison for enhancement of the reentry program initiatives, fostering a relationship that utilizes community resources and parole staff to empower and prepare the individual for reentry into society.

3. Prepares and disseminates release documents and conducts O360 input for individual's release plans.

4. Completes data reporting duties utilizing the case management and O360 systems.

5. Maintains release tickler files for each individual as well as parole violators.

6. Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

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

2. Written and spoken knowledge of the English language.

3. Two (2) years of progressively responsible professional experience in corrections, behavioral, social sciences or a related field.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Extensive knowledge of counseling and guidance principles and techniques.

2. Ability to establish and maintain satifactory working relationships with clients and institutional staff, administrative personnel and with the staffs of other agencies, e.g., community-based programs and diagnostic services.

3. Ability to present effective interpretations of operational policies and procedures, orally and/or in writing.

4. Extensive knowledge of research techniques and the writing of professional reports.

5. Ability to exercise good judgment on the basis of previous training and experience.

Conditions of Employment

1. Ability to pass the IDOC/IDJJ background check,

2. 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.

COVID19 VACCINATION MANDATE:

Governor Pritzker announced a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy for all State employees whose job duties require them to work in a congregate care facility. All 24/7 congregate-care facilities operated by the Illinois Department of Corrections are included in this mandate, which is scheduled to take place October 26, 2021. Administration is currently in negotiations with AFSCME for employees covered under a collective bargaining agreement in regard to this mandate. The State will offer the exemptions required under law for those who cannot be vaccinated for medical and/or religious reasons.

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; tuition reimbursement; 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. We invite all qualified applicants to join our team.