VOCATIONAL COUNSELOR CORRECTIONS
Vocational Counselor Corrections is a state title in New Jersey's competitive civil service, which means the way in is an open exam rather than a direct appointment.
On paper it calls for a bachelor's degree, though the specification lets enough relevant experience stand in for the degree. Pay on the FY2027 schedule runs $58,222 to $84,763.
How to apply
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Exam
This is an application to sit an exam and be placed on an eligible list for this title, not an application for a specific job. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. There may be no current vacancy behind it, and the list it produces may not be certified for months or years.
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Exam
Open to permanent employees in the competitive division who hold a qualifying lower title in the same unit. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. Like the open competitive exam, this places you on a list; it is not itself a job offer.
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.
Definition
Under general supervision of a Supervisor of Educational Programs or other supervisory administrative officer in a correctional institution or other facility under the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections or the Juvenile Justice Commission, does field and/or office work involved in assisting in the planning of individual vocational rehabilitation programs, establishes and coordinates the inmate Work Release Program, and performs vocational counseling, training, and related services; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
In the Vocational Education Program: Plans individual vocational rehabilitation programs including provision of vocational counseling, training, and related services. Plans and conducts informal group discussions designed to encourage inmate participation within the bounds of discipline, and with a view toward the development of positive attitudes and cooperative relationships. Provides personal counsel and advice to individual inmates on problems related to social behavior and personal relationships. Gathers information concerning education, adjustment, aptitudes, and vocational preferences to establish orientation programs designed to help inmates become employable. Keeps current with literature, trends of thought, and new techniques in group activities, counseling, and work release programs. Promotes and interprets programs of educational and vocational training release through consultations and discussions with schools and employers, and by talking at service clubs and similar community organizations. Plans, develops, and implements programs of educational and vocational training release for inmates to be placed in such programs. Prepares clear, sound, accurate, and informative reports of inmates progress and other reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. In the Work Release Program: Interviews inmates who may be eligible to join the Work Release Program and provides any inmate with information related to the program. Keeps current with literature, trends of thought, and new techniques in group activities, counseling, and work release programs. Prepares and provides needed materials to the Classification Committee for final selection of inmates suitable for the program. Maintains liaison with state and private employment agencies to gain knowledge of availability of various types of employment. Provides each inmate employee with a comprehensive public transportation plan to and from work, or may arrange private transportation with an inmate's fellow employees. Provides each employer with a list of rules that the inmate is expected to live by and procedures to follow in the event that any problem should arise. Maintains close contact with inmates during employment to help solve problems of their personal needs which may hinder them from functioning efficiently in their employment. Promotes and interprets the Work Release Program through consultations and discussions with representatives of other government agencies, employers, unions, service clubs, and other community organizations. Prepares clear, sound, accurate, and informative reports of inmates progress and other reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Establishes 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 laws of New Jersey relating to public institutions and the rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures of the Department of Corrections promulgated thereunder after a period of training. Knowledge of problems involved in the social rehabilitation, care, custody, and treatment of persons deprived of their liberty. Knowledge of techniques used in group activities and individual personal counseling. Knowledge of the vocational opportunities of all types and of the education, training, aptitude, capabilities, and degree of physical strength, flexibility, and dexterity required for the more common occupations. Ability to plan and conduct formal/informal discussions with groups of inmates concerning the varied factors involved in human relationships, personality, social behavior, and rehabilitation in a manner which will gain their confidence. Ability to utilize vocational counseling, guidance, and other techniques in a program of vocational rehabilitation, and to keep abreast of current trends of thought in the occupational guidance field. Ability to talk to inmates, prepare evaluations of their education, training, work experience, aptitudes, physical dexterity, strength and flexibility, and to help plan a feasible and appropriate course of vocational training. Ability to interest employers in the training and employment of inmates. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with inmates, supervisors, and other employees and with that portion of the public concerned with the vocational rehabilitation of inmates. Ability to prepare correspondence in the course of official duties. Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and informative statistical and other reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to establish and maintain essential records and files. Ability to learn 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 definition and 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. Five (5) years of professional experience in guidance and counseling, educational placement, vocational placement, social work, personnel (to include interviewing for employment placement), or related field. OR Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree; and one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience. "Professional experience" refers to work that is analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range of basic knowledge of the profession's concepts and practices; and is performed with the authority to act and make accurate and informed decisions.