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Inmate Classification Counselor

Employer
City Of Alexandria Virginia
Location
Alexandria, VA
Salary
$51,552.80 - $84,739.63 Annually
Closing date
May 12, 2021

Job Details

An Overview
An Inmate Classification Counselor interviews and conducts assessments of persons committed into custody in the detention center. They recommend proper housing and refer to designated providers of health, mental health or other needed services. They also conducts interviews with arrested and incarcerated individuals, obtains biographical information in order to determine risk potential, and accesses computerized databases to verify background information required by the courts, Detention Center staff, magistrate, Commonwealth's Attorney or another judicial/protective services agency.

What You Should Bring The Inmate Classification Counselor should have excellent communication skills and demonstrated knowledge of the principles and techniques of interviewing, good knowledge of corrections procedures, guidelines and services. Possess an excellent knowledge of correctional programs and services. Possess the skills and abilities to motivate inmates or persons in a correctional settings to demonstrate positive behavior.

Possess the ability to conduct effective interviews with arrested and incarcerated individuals to obtain demographic information in order to determine potential risk and immediate needs of inmates. The ability to access computerized databases to verify background information required by the courts, detention center staff, magistrate, Commonwealth's attorney or other judicial /protective services agencies. The ability to prepare written recommendations of classification and reclassification status, and detention placement. Possess the ability to provide appropriate services and pre-release counseling and guidance to inmates regarding jobs, schools, and agencies providing additional services.

The Opportunity
  • Interviews incoming inmates and provides unit orientation;
  • Provides counseling services to inmates concerning rules and regulations, available services and activities;
  • Provides crisis counseling concerning personal problems as required, either in an individual or a group setting;
  • Counsels with inmates regarding matters affecting them which are external to the institution, including family matters and financials problems;
  • Coordinates with other staff, such as chaplains teachers, alternatives program supervisors (work release, work detail and work force), mental health and medical personnel regarding the adjustment, performance, and treatment needs of individual inmates on their case load;
  • Develops plans based on an individual's needs;
  • Determines loss of privileges when deemed necessary;
  • Makes referrals to, and works closely with, substance abuse, mental health, medical, the chaplain, educational services, and other services needed;
  • Networks with outside agencies to include courts, probation and parole, department of corrections, jails, federal facilities, housing authority, shelters, and etc.;
  • Facilitates Life Skills Groups on a daily basis in both the women's and men's programs and when other group leaders are unavailable;
  • Appears in Court for revocations, review hearings, preliminary hearings and trials;
  • Prepares and submits a court report for the Judges, Commonwealth Attorney's and Defense Attorney's;
  • Appears in Alexandria Circuit, General District and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court to provide testimony and recommendations on client supervisor;
  • Reports the results of the investigation, drug testing/intoximeter results;
    Reports compliance/non-compliance of a defendant/offender court ordered requirements to includes but not limited to: mental health, substance abuse, sex offender program, batterer's intervention, anger management, community service, shoplifting class, drug testing/treatment, court cost and restitution;
  • Performs related duties as assigned.
About the Department The Alexandria Sheriff's Office is responsible for the operation of the William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center, courthouse and courtroom security, service of all court legal documents, execution of court orders, transportation of prisoners, execution of arrest warrants, and general public safety and law enforcement. All powers, responsibilities and duties of the Alexandria Sheriff's Office derive from common law, the Virginia Constitution, the Code of Virginia and the Alexandria Charter.

The Alexandria Sheriff's Office is a highly professional organization with 209 sworn and civilian personnel. The Office is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Commission on Accreditation for Corrections, and the National Commission on Correctional Health Care. The Office has been honored by the National Sheriff's Association with the prestigious "Triple Crown Award" for achieving these national accreditations. The Office is also Virginia State certified by the Department of Criminal Justice Services and the Department of Corrections.

Minimum & Additional Requirements

Two years of college; some knowledge of operating methods of detention facilities, some knowledge of interviewing techniques; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Ability to understand problems involving criminal behaviors; ability to evaluate skills and potentials of inmates, ability to establish and maintain a cooperative working relationship with inmates; good typing skills and/or familiarity with keyboard equipment; and good judgment.

Preferred Qualifications

Four year College degree in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology or equivalent combination of education and experience in corrections or law enforcement setting; experience providing case management services to offenders in a jail or prison setting and experience working with special management populations to include mentally ill, sex offenders and high risk inmates; ability to clearly and effectively communicate with and motivate offenders under stressful conditions; must be mature, flexible, and able to command the respect and confidence of inmates and staff.

Notes

Note- The position requires the successful completion of the following pre-employment verifications/testing:

Criminal History Records Check
FBI/Federal Records Check
Drug Testing
Polygraph

Company

The City of Alexandria is an award-winning, innovative, and progressive local government that brings together elected leaders, residents, businesses, and staff to foster a thriving community.  We are an independent, full-service city, providing the services typically operated by both counties and cities in areas such as public safety, transportation, human services, parks and recreation, planning, and administration. We offer a wide range of exciting career opportunities in a variety of fields, with the resources and expertise to succeed.  In Alexandria, employees are our most important asset, and we work hard to create and support a culture that delivers excellence through the shared values of respect, integrity, teamwork and continuous improvement.

Our employees have access to excellent medical, dental, vision, life insurance and other benefits.  Alexandria provides a defined-benefit pension and offers six weeks of paid parental leave to employees who become parents through birth, adoption or foster care.

We offer a robust wellness program, interdepartmental rotation program, tuition assistance funding and professional development program that helps employees obtain the knowledge, skills, qualifications and experience to enhance their professional and personal growth.

With a population of approximately 160,000 and a land area of 16 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Located on the Potomac River across from Washington, D.C., Alexandria is known for its beautifully preserved 18th- and 19th-century architecture, charming waterfront, high-tech economy, vibrant retail and restaurant corridors and diverse neighborhoods. We are a unique and historic community, and we continue to innovate for the 21st century.

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