This document outlines the duties and responsibilities of a counselor at a correctional facility. The counselor orients offenders, develops individual program plans, monitors progress, and conducts counseling sessions. They assess needs, refer offenders to appropriate programs, and provide case management. The counselor also teaches classes, leads groups, provides crisis counseling, participates in the disciplinary process, and serves on the offender classification committee.

1. Attachment #2
Counselor
1. Oriented and assessed assigned offenders, developed individual program plans, and
monitored progress in fulfilling program plans.
1. Thoroughly reviewed offenders' files, and completes initial intake packages and/or
need/risk evaluations within the established time frame.
2. Conducted individualized sessions with assigned offenders to discuss facility and program
rules and regulations, and documents sessions in accordance with departmental regulations
and within the established time frame.
3. Developed individualized program plans and/or treatment contracts for offenders on
caseload.
4. Coordinated services for offenders based on thorough evaluations of offenders' needs and
assets, and availability of programs.
5. Evaluated offenders' progress in meeting program plan goals, and completes related case
documentation and status reports as required.
6. Provided information in case conferences and staffings with other counselors and security
staff regarding offenders' progress in program.
7. Refered offenders to outside services (medical doctors, dentists, mental health agencies,
etc.) as necessary and documents referrals within established time frame.
2. Conducted ongoing individual counseling and psycho-educational group sessions with
offenders and performed related duties.
1. Conducted individual and psycho-educational group sessions with assigned offenders on a
regular basis, as scheduled.
2. Provided counseling in order to modify offenders' behaviors and attitudes, reduce negative
behaviors, and/or help offenders adjust to the correctional environment, as needed.
3. Conducted and documented individual and psycho-educational group sessions within
established time frames and according to applicable policies and procedures.
4. Completed and documented the required number of monthly contacts for each offender on
caseload.
5. Demonstrated thorough knowledge of counseling theory and techniques, and of policies
and procedures pertaining to counseling department and related responsibilities.
3. Performed case management and related duties for assigned caseload.
1. Assessed offenders' behavioral deficit areas by completing needs assessment program
plans.
2. Referred offenders to appropriate programs and departments based on needs assessment
program plans.
3. Developed effective work/activity plans and completes work/activity performance reports.
4. Thoroughly investigated and processed grievances according to established time frame and
procedures.
5. Coordinated or provided specialized services (e.g. offender advocate, volunteer
coordinator, intake coordinator, etc.)

2. 6. Thoroughly reviewed, verified, and made recommendations concerning offenders' requests
(e.g. pass requests, transfer requests, etc.)
7. Participated in meetings as required (case status meetings, security status reviews, etc.)
8. Collected and/or inventories offenders' property, money, checks, etc. as required.
9. Accurately completed reports and documentation (parole review summaries, employment
information, scheduling information, etc.)
10. Maintained strict confidentiality of sensitive information at all times.
4. Instructed and co-led behavioral adjustment groups.
1. Instructed and co-led the required number of groups per quarter.
2. Prepared pertinent materials for the groups.
3. Presented materials in a clear, well-organized manner.
4. Accurately documented inmates' participation and attendance.
5. Provided classroom instruction in a variety of areas (e.g. life skills, anger management,
job readiness, drug education, cognitive restructuring, consumer education, AIDS
awareness, stress management, etc.)
1. Developed and implemented a comprehensive curriculum for assigned classes in
accordance with established guidelines.
2. Taught classes as scheduled, using the appropriate format(s).
3. Demonstrated thorough knowledge of assigned subject areas.
4. Effectively communicated subject material.
5. Encouraged offenders to participate in group discussions.
6. Coordinated and supervised Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and other
meetings as required.
6. Provided counseling services in crisis situations (e.g. offenders behaving aberrantly,
family crises, illnesses, emotional difficulties, etc.)
1. Conducted emergency counseling sessions as requested by staff or inmates.
2. Independently and appropriately de-escalated disruptive or crisis situations.
7. Provided input into the offender disciplinary process.
1. Received information from the hearing officer as to appropriate courses of action.
2. Served as advocate for offenders who request representation.
3. Testified in revocation hearings whenever subpoenaed to court.
8. Served as a member of the offender classification committee.
1. Presented appropriate offender history information to the classification committee.
2. Participated in committee discussions and evaluations of offenders' goals, objectives, and
motivations.
3. Exhibited knowledge of offenders' needs by making appropriate referrals and
recommendations to the classification committee.
4. Completed required forms and documentation accurately and according to program
standards.