Inmate Classification Counselor

Inmate Classification Counselor

An Overview

The Alexandria Sheriff's Office is currently seeking highly qualified applicants for the rewarding position of Inmate Classification Counselor. An Inmate Classification Counselor conducts interviews and assessments of people committed to Sheriff’s Office custody, who will be housed in the William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center. During inmate assessment interviews, the Inmate Classification Counselor obtains biographical information to assess potential risk and conducts inquiries of computerized databases to verify inmate background information, which may be required by the courts, detention center staff, the magistrate’s office, the Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney, and various other judicial/protective services agencies.

Following the assessment of each inmate, the Inmate Classification Counselor makes recommendations on proper housing and referrals to designated providers of medical, mental health, and various other critical services as applicable.

Additionally, classification counselors provide crisis intervention and short-term counseling to inmates experiencing personal or emotional difficulties, delivered in both individual and group settings.

Assists inmates with adjustment to facility rules, housing unit expectations, and correctional routines, and supports the development of comprehensive discharge and reentry plans to facilitate successful reintegration into the community.

What You Should Bring

A thorough knowledge of the principals of sociology and psychology relating to adults, family and adult counseling methods and skills; detailed understanding of court procedures and laws; comprehensive knowledge of the function and practices of the court as they relate to clients; thorough knowledge of casework methods and client supervision practices; good knowledge of the principles and techniques of interviews; good understanding of pretrial and probation standards;

good knowledge of corrections procedures, guidelines, and services; good understanding of the role of police, courts and the criminal justice system, commitment procedures and the constitutional rights of detainees; experience motivating justice involved clients, effectively guiding them toward positive behavior changes while maintaining a professional and supportive approach; skill in motivating clients to demonstrate positive behavior; ability to communicate clearly and effectively with individuals in stressful situations;

excellent problem solving skills; excellent time management skills; excellent writing skills; excellent oral communication skills; excellent decision making skills; excellent computer skills; ability to be a team player and the ability to analyze attitudinal and behavioral problems objectively.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conducts initial intake interviews with incoming inmates and provides facility, housing unit, and the Prison Rape Elimination Act orientations.
• Completes 30-day reviews and reclassifications to determine appropriate custody level and risk
• Provides counseling services to inmates concerning rules, regulations, and available services/activities.
• Provides crisis counseling concerning personal problems as required, either in an individual or group setting.
• Counsels inmates regarding matters affecting them that are external to the institution, including family matters and financial problems.
• Coordinates with other staff, such as chaplains, teachers, alternative program supervisors (work release, work detail, workforce), mental health professionals, and medical personnel regarding the adjustment, behavioral performance, and treatment needs of individual inmates on their assigned caseload.
• Develop plans based on individual 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 as needed.
• Collaborates with outside agencies including courts, probation and parole, department of corrections, jails, federal facilities, housing authority, shelters, etc.
• Facilitates life skills and reentry groups with the female and male population.
• Appears in court for revocations, review hearings, preliminary hearings, and trials.
• Prepares and submits jail adjustment reports for various courts, the Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney, and defense attorneys.
• Appears in Alexandria circuit, general district, and juvenile and domestic relations court to provide testimony and recommendations on client supervision.
• Reports compliance/non-compliance of a defendant/offender with court-ordered requirements to include but not limited to mental health, substance abuse, sex offender program, batterer's intervention, anger management, community service, shoplifting classes, drug testing/treatment, court cost, and restitution.
• Performs related duties as assigned.
• Notarizes documents for clients.
• Demonstrates an established pattern of good judgment.

About the Office