At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate and implement inmate management strategies using evidence-based practices.
- Company: Commonwealth of Virginia, committed to rehabilitation and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a diverse, inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in inmates' lives and support their reentry into society.
- Qualifications: Experience in social work or rehabilitative counseling and effective communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 35500 - 35500 £ per year.
To coordinate, plan, implement, and ongoing quality control of institution-wide approaches to inmate management in the area of personal expertise based on the principles of evidence-based practices. Operations and services are founded on the well-established, contemporary body of evidence-based practices for inmate management that, in addition to traditional security tools, incorporates the following:
- Effective communication
- Identifying inmate criminal risks and substance abuse treatment needs
- Motivating inmate change through case plan agreements, incentives, and sanctions
- Providing programming/services to address criminogenic needs
Also responsible for monitoring, tracking, and managing housing assignments; job assignments; progress; programmatic activities and review of inmates participating in the Diversionary Treatment Program, which have been classified as seriously mentally ill, Shared Allied Management and/or Restrictive Housing.
Minimum Qualifications
- Knowledge of the principles and techniques of social work or rehabilitative counseling, and of casework and treatment methods including motivational interviewing and various intervention techniques.
- Knowledge of inmate programs and supervision techniques.
- Effective communication skills, both orally and in writing.
- Demonstrated ability to resolve conflict and role model pro-social values and responsible behaviour.
- Demonstrated ability to manage clinical/therapeutic boundaries, and to co-lead multidisciplinary teams while evaluating and documenting inmate treatment progress.
Additional Considerations
- Work experience with inmates in reentry, pre-release and/or cognitive community settings.
- Professional certification in a relevant human services field or counseling discipline.
Application Requirements
- Application and/or résumé for this position are only accepted electronically through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Electronic Recruitment System. All applications should be submitted by 11:55pm on the closing date for the position.
- Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and/or résumés will not be accepted.
- The decision to interview an applicant is based solely on the information received for this position from the electronic application and/or résumé.
VADOC is an EEO employer and is committed to supporting workforce diversity, equitable opportunities and inclusivity. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request. VADOC values our Veterans and encourages all to apply and receive preference in the hiring process.
Cognitive Counselor - Inmate Programs & Reentry Specialist employer: Commonwealth of Virginia
As a Medical Director at Deerfield Correctional Center, you will join a dedicated team committed to providing high-quality healthcare in a unique environment. The role offers competitive benefits, including a generous sign-on bonus or student loan repayment options, and fosters a collaborative work culture that values diversity and inclusivity. With opportunities for professional growth and development, this position is ideal for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the correctional healthcare field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cognitive Counselor - Inmate Programs & Reentry Specialist
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Commonwealth of Virginia.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Commonwealth of Virginia!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Commonwealth of Virginia, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Commonwealth of Virginia or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Cognitive Counselor - Inmate Programs & Reentry Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Commonwealth of Virginia:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Commonwealth of Virginia! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Commonwealth of Virginia
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
