Correctional Release Counselor, Entry Level Option (Wilsonville)

Initial Posting Date: 11/02/2026 Application Deadline: 11/15/2026 Agency: Department of Corrections Salary Range: $6,895 - $9,140 Position Type: Employee Position Title: Correctional Release Counselor, Entry Level Option (Wilsonville) Job Description: Correctional Release Counselor, Entry Level Option (Wilsonville) Coffee Creek Correctional Facility Oregon Department of Corrections   Do you have experience working with clients to break down the barriers that are impeding positive change? If so, we are expanding our team and seek an experienced professional case manager like you.   This employment opportunity is for the Release Services Unit with the Correctional Services Division of the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) at the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Wilsonville, Oregon.   Candidates who do not meet the minimum qualifications for the Correctional Counselor may be considered as an underfill in the Entry Correctional Counselor classification.   An underfill must meet the minimum qualifications for the lower classification and would receive the pay in accordance with the lower classifications salary range until they meet the minimum qualification for the full position. At that time the successful candidate would be moved to the higher classification and salary range.   The salary range for the underfill is: $5,483- $7,035.   Preference may be given to candidates who can meet the full qualifications.   About the Job – Your Role   Your primary duties are to set the stage for rehabilitation and elicit motivation for change in each Adult in Custody (AIC) from the beginning of their incarceration. You are responsible for conducting daily interviews and assessments on a one-on-one basis for AICs at the institution. This includes conducting assessments, risk/needs evaluations, and file reviews to determine custody classification and gate clearance, which directly influence population management decisions.   You will provide intensive and intermediate case management for AICs based on their risk to recidivate and special needs. This comprehensive case management system ensures that resources are focused on AIC success by identifying the right needs, utilizing the right interventions, and managing AICs at the appropriate level of case management. Additionally, you would provide basic services to low-risk AICs, ensuring a broad and effective range of support across all risk levels.   As the core correctional resource for case management, you would play a central role in the multi-disciplinary team approach within the institution. This collaborative approach fosters rapport-building across various program disciplines, resulting in a holistic, systems-based model for working with each individual AIC. By focusing on rehabilitation and supporting each AIC’s success, you would contribute to both individual and institutional safety, while working toward reducing recidivism and supporting a successful reintegration into society.   This position is represented by American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). This position may be eligible for Police & Fire (P&F) benefits through Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), as defined by statute.   Minimum Qualifications   Your application materials will be reviewed to verify that you have: • Bachelor's degree in a behavioral science, criminal justice or related field with major coursework in behavioral science; AND have two (2) years of professional counseling experience working with clientele in a social service or rehabilitative program; OR • Three (3) years of experience in a social service, rehabilitative, or correctional program with primary responsibility for guiding and/or counseling individuals or groups in the solution of occupational, educational, personal, or social problems AND two (2) years of professional counseling experience working with clientele in a social service or rehabilitative program; OR • Master's degree in a behavioral science or criminal justice AND one (1) year of professional counseling experience working with clientele in a social service or rehabilitative program   Experience in any security series position in and of itself does not substitute for the required minimum qualifications.   NOTE: Professional counseling experience must include providing supportive counseling to clients on a one-to-one basis with full responsibility for developing and managing each case plan.   Entry Level/Underfill Minimum Qualifications:   • Three (3) years of experience in a social service, rehabilitative, or correctional program with primary responsibility for guiding and/or counseling individuals or groups in the solution of occupational, educational, personal, or social problems; OR • a Bachelor's degree in a behavioral science or a related field with major courses in behavioral science.   Experience in any security series position in and of itself does not substitute for the required minimum qualifications.   NOTE: Professional counseling experience must include providing supportive counseling to clients on a one-to-one basis with full responsibility for developing and managing each case plan. Requested Skills   • Ability to assess, plan, and coordinate services for adults in custody (AICs) to ensure a smooth transition to the community. • Proficiency in evaluating AICs' risks, needs, and support systems to develop individualized release plans. • Experience in preparing and processing immediate releases, including securing housing, employment, and community resources. • Ability to manage urgent situations and respond effectively to immediate release needs. • Strong verbal and written communication skills to interact with AICs, legal representatives, families, and community organizations. • Ability to manage multiple cases, meet deadlines, and adapt to fast-paced, short-term casework. • Understanding of institutional policies, legal requirements, and reentry programs related to correctional releases. • Ability to develop creative solutions for barriers to reentry, such as housing, employment, and treatment access. • Commitment to upholding ethical standards and maintaining the confidentiality of AIC information.   Preferred Skills:   • Experience working with the female justice-involved population and awareness of their unique criminogenic and trauma-related needs. • Received Gender Responsive and Trauma Informed training • Strong understanding of behavioral change principles, especially the Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) model. • Proficiency in documentation and use of electronic case management systems. • Certification in Motivational Interviewing. • Bilingual or multilingual candidates encouraged to apply.   Application Information   • In the Work Experience section of your application make sure to include the dates and duties of all relevant positions and details to support how you meet these attributes. If you do not include education or work experience meeting the minimum qualifications, you will not be considered for the position. Only the candidates whose experience most closely matches the qualifications and requested skills of this position will be invited to interview. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications on or before the job posting close date. • The job posting closes at 11:59 PM (PDT/PST) on the close date. After you submit your application, be sure to respond to the two questionnaires relating to public records requests and veterans’ preference immediately following your submittal. These questions are necessary to complete the application process. • Please monitor both your email and Workday account for updates regarding this recruitment. You may be asked to submit a skills assessment, a writing sample, or other assessment as part of the application screening process. • As part of our selection process, we may require additional assessment stages, such as written exercises, to further evaluate candidates’ qualifications. Meaningful part