SENIOR COUNSELOR PENAL INSTITUTION
New Jersey treats Senior Counselor Penal Institution as a competitive-class job, so the gate is an examination and the ranked list it produces rather than a direct offer.
The spec names a master's degree, but it leaves the door open to substitute experience for the degree.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
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Senior Counselor Penal Institution is a local service title. It is filled by the counties, municipalities, authorities and other employers that have adopted civil service under Title 11A, not by State departments. Those employers set pay by ordinance or contract rather than from a State salary schedule, which is why most local titles carry no salary range here.
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Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under direction, takes the lead over other counselors in interviewing and counseling prisoners detained in county jails to assist them with personal problems; refers inmates to other agencies and cooperates with such agencies to prepare inmates to return to society; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
Takes the lead over the work performed by counselors at a lower level. Gives counselors suitable advice and instruction in the performance of their work. Provides counseling and advice to inmates to assist them in preparing for their release. Aids prisoners in diagnosing their personal problems so that they might be able to resolve them satisfactorily. Meets with representatives from the Prosecutor's Office, Municipal Court Judges, and Public Defenders to get early releases and to coordinate rehabilitation. Refers inmates to other agencies and psychiatric diagnostic centers for further consultation and guidance. Aids prisoners in developing a better sense of duties and responsibilities toward society. Aids inmates in obtaining jobs on their release by contacting prospective employers. Aids in arranging job interviews and preparing letters of introduction. Aids inmates in composing letters. Reviews the educational background of inmates and their plans for continuing their education. Arranges for enrollment in various training programs. Provides other counselors with advice, direction, and guidance in handling the more complex cases. Prepares reports and maintains essential records and files. Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
License
Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of the psychological and social problems of persons confined to penal institutions. Knowledge of the social, economic, and psychological causes of deviant behavior. Knowledge of interviewing and counseling techniques. Knowledge of government and private agencies that can help in rehabilitating inmates. Knowledge of problems involved in dealing constructively with personality disorders, social behavior, and social relationships. Ability to organize assigned work and develop effective work methods. Ability to utilize modern counseling and guidance technology. Ability to understand the vocation limitations of persons. Ability to interview persons who may be emotionally upset and antagonistic. Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to maintain essential records and files. Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester-hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Six (6) years of professional experience in counseling and guidance in the fields of education, social welfare, job placement, crisis intervention, or substance abuse. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. OR Possession of a master's degree in Vocational Guidance and Counseling and/or Vocational Rehabilitation from an accredited college or university; and one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience. "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.