Social Service Counselor

Social Service Counselor

Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections – Corrections Services

www.doc.louisiana.gov

LOUISIANA STATE PENITENTIARY

Angola, LA

At the Louisiana Department of Corrections, our mission is to promote public safety and strengthen communities through fair, professional, and responsive corrections services. We are committed to protecting the people of Louisiana with integrity, accountability, and a deep respect for the rights and dignity of all.

This is an opportunity to become part of a dedicated team supporting public safety, working in a correctional facility where professionalism, resilience, and teamwork are essential.

We are excited to welcome a compassionate, motivated, and skilled professional to join our team as a Social Service Counselor! Join us in working toward the rehabilitation and successful reentry of individuals in our care. Benefit from set, predictable schedules, a supportive multidisciplinary team, and the unique peace of mind that comes from working in a facility where security is always by your side.

Why work for DOC?

• Culture: DOC values and supports employees through numerous recognition programs, creating a sense of community, prioritizing internal promotional opportunities, clear communication, and professional development.
• Growth:
  Professional growth is encouraged at DOC through numerous avenues.
• Benefits: DOC offers a generous benefits package including; a defined benefit pension plan, health insurance that is also available post retirement, at least 10 paid holidays, sick and annual leave that rolls over from year to year, paid or time off accrued for hours worked over 40 per week, a deferred compensation plan, a flexible benefits plan, alternate work schedules etc.
  
  Alternative work schedules including 4/10's MAY be an available benefit for certain positions upon meeting the policy requirements.

An ideal candidate should possess the following competencies:
Building and Supporting Teams:
The ability to combine one's actions and efforts with others to work toward achieving a common goal. Focusing on Customers:
The ability to understand and meet the needs, preferences, and experiences of internal and external customers. Making Accurate Judgments:
The ability to assess options, weigh risks, and make sound decisions using available information and logical reasoning.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Three years of social services experience; OR Six years of full-time experience in any field; OR A bachelor's degree. EXPERIENCE SUBSTITUTION:
  Every 30 semester hours earned from an accredited college or university will be credited as one year of experience towards the six years of full-time work experience in any field. The maximum substitution allowed is 120 semester hours which substitutes for a maximum of four years of experience in any field. NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:
  Positions that provide addictive disorder counseling or prevention services will require certification or eligibility for certification issued by the Addictive Disorder Regulatory Authority (ADRA), or its successor.

Job Specification:

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Job Duties and Other Information:

Obtains and prepares social histories of clients for information to be reviewed by treatment teams and for use in referrals to other agencies. Participates in the decision making process of the treatment team including formulating therapeutic activities and recommending a treatment plan. Manages a caseload by scheduling appointments, evaluating client progress in counseling sessions, and making recommendations to the treatment team.

Coordinates admissions, discharges, and follow-up services within various programs. Serves as liaison between the client, family, and the agency/institution. Assists in the procurement of needs such as institutional placements, transportation, financial assistance, medical equipment, shelter, food, clothing, etc. Assists in determining eligibility for services provided. Makes recommendations to the criminal justice system or to employers concerning a client's progress, including occasional court…