DOC Menard CC Correctional Counselor I - Unit

at Department of Corrections in Menard, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Position Overview

As a Counselor, you will be part of a diverse team who provide 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 others’ lives and truly impact change.

• Assists in providing a regular interview routine for each assigned individual in custody seeing them no less than once every 60 days to address the needs of the individual in custody.


• Conducts beginning level counseling sessions with individuals in custody providing assistance to each individual in custody in the development of a program plan in conjunction with staff completing the risk and needs assessments.


• Prepares progress reports including required professional reports.


• Participates on institutional committees or projects, i.e., assignment committee, adjustment committee, grievance committee and/or program team.


• Communicates with the families and support systems of the individuals in custody relative to requests, adjustment, emergency furloughs, visitation, parole plans, and issues related to family members.


• Receives on-the-job training relating to counseling principles and techniques for increased job responsibilities and job proficiency.


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

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college with a bachelor’s degree in behavioral or social sciences.


• Qualifying state employees in the employee Upward Mobility Program, may complete combinations of specific proficiency tests and training programs leading to a certificate of proficiency in lieu of the stated requirements for this profession.

• Prefers at least one (1) year professional experience providing counseling services to individuals in a custody setting.


• Prefers at least one (1) year of professional experience participating as part of a multi-disciplinary team.


• Prefers at least one (1) year of professional experience documenting progress of individual in relation to case/treatment plans.


• Prefers intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office including Outlook, Word, Excel, or similar software.

• Requires written and spoken knowledge of the English language.


• Requires ability to pass the IDOC/IDJJ background check.


• Requires ability to pass a drug screen. The use of unauthorized drugs by an employee, regardless of position held, is prohibited.


• Required to utilize digital technology, tools, platforms, and processes in managing and supporting various digital enhancements for greater efficiency, productivity, and digital transformation efforts within the department.


• Applicants are required to abide by all vaccine and/or other medical standards as set out by the employer. 


• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.