CORRECTIONS ASSESSMENT SPECIALIST (UPWARD MOBILITY)

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Corrections is seeking forward thinking staff who are focused on improving reintegration into society outcomes of individuals in custody. If you are committed to improving outcomes of individuals in custody, please join us at the Illinois Department of Corrections. As a Corrections Assessment Specialist you will be at the forefront of change within the department. You will have the opportunity to conduct risk assessments, that help the department better understand risk, needs, and responsivity of individuals in custody. The risk assessments will help guide an individual in custody’s programming and help the individual develop a workable priority driven case plan. We invite all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Responsibilities

• Conducts motivational interviews with assigned individuals in custody to complete comprehensive risk, assets, and needs assessments.
• Evaluates the provision of designated programs to the individual in custody population.
• Completes 30-day follow-up Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) assessment for Individuals in custody.
• Prepares complex written and/or oral reports for review by other professional and administrative staff.
• Attends staff training required by the Department.
• Participates in crisis intervention to resolve immediate or urgent individual in custody concerns and makes referrals to a qualified mental health professional.
• Develops and implements new program initiatives including, but not limited to: evidence-based programming, cognitive behavioral programming, and re-entry programming.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires possession of a master’s degree from an accredited college or university evidencing completion of a program major of social work, psychology, or a directly related field.
• Requires one (1) year of professional direct-client casework experience, preferably in a correctional setting, that includes conducting risk and needs assessments, and, performing one (1) of the following functions: client intake interviews, assessments, or other evaluative processes; professional individual or group counseling; or providing reentry services to individuals transitioning from incarceration into the community.

This title is included as an Upward Mobility Program Credential title.

Preferred Qualifications (In Order of Significance)

• Prefers at least three (3) years of professional experience using motivational interview techniques.
• Prefers at least three (3) years of professional experience in case planning.
• Prefers at least three (3) years of experience conducting risk and needs assessments.
• Prefers at least one (1) year of professional experience evaluating evidence-based programs.
• Prefers at least one (1) year work experience in a correctional, law enforcement, residential, human services setting, or similar field.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires the ability to pass the IDOC/IDJJ background check.
• Requires the 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.
• Applicants are required to abide by all vaccine and/or other medical standards as set out by the employer.

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; 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.