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CORRECTIONS ASSESSMENT SPECIALIST(UPWARD MOBILITY)

Position Overview

Under direction of the Clinical Services Supervisor, conducts motivational interviews to complete a comprehensive assessment on assigned individuals in custody and conducts periodic updates. Identifies appropriate programming. Provides guidance for individuals in custody exhibiting complex personal problems or difficulty in adjustment and growth. Independently counsels and guides offenders in the areas of pre and post release in preparation for reintegration into the community.

Job Responsibilities

• Conducts motivational interviews with assigned individuals in custody to complete comprehensive risk, assets and needs assessments.
• Evaluates the provision of designated programs to the individual in custody population.
• Develops and implements new program initiatives including, but not limited to: evidence-based programming, cognitive behavioral programming, and re-entry programming.
• Prepares complex written and/or oral reports for review by other professional and administrative staff.
• Attends staff training required by the Department
• Participates in crisis intervention to resolve immediate or urgent individual in custody concerns and makes referrals to a qualified mental health professional
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Possession of a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university evidencing completion of a program major of social work, psychology, or a directly related field.

2. One (1) year of professional direct-client casework experience, preferably in a correctional setting, that includes conducting risk and needs assessments, and, performing one (1) of the following functions: client intake interviews, assessments or other evaluative processes; professional individual or group counseling; or, providing reentry services to individuals transitioning from incarceration into the community.

3. This title is included as an Upward Mobility Program Credential title.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Extensive knowledge of the science, theories and assumptions underlying the field of risk and needs assessment.

2. Extensive knowledge of basic principles and techniques of social work and case management.

3. Extensive knowledge and application of assessment instruments and measurement principles.

4. Ability to conduct professional comprehensive assessment interviews.

5. Ability to complete comprehensive criminogenic needs assessment and treatment planning.

6. Ability to work cooperatively with other staff members and community vendors.

7. Ability to identify offender needs and quantify treatment progress.

8. Ability to determine efficacy of treatment programs and modify to produce successful outcomes.

Conditions of Employment

1. Ability to pass the IDOC/IDJJ background check.

2. Ability to pass a drug screen. On January 1, 2020, the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act made it legal for residents over the age of 21 to produce, consume and sell cannabis in Illinois. Please note that although the law has changed, the Department will continue to enforce the Department’s zero tolerance Drug Testing policy. The use of unauthorized drugs, including cannabis, by an employee, regardless of the position held is prohibited.

COVID19 VACCINATION MANDATE:

Governor Pritzker announced a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy for all State employees whose job duties require them to work in a congregate care facility. All 24/7 congregate-care facilities operated by the Illinois Department of Corrections are included in this mandate, which is scheduled to take place October 26, 2021. Administration is currently in negotiations with AFSCME for employees covered under a collective bargaining agreement in regard to this mandate. The State will offer the exemptions required under law for those who cannot be vaccinated for medical and/or religious reasons.

About the Agency

The Illinois Department of Corrections is a multicultural agency deeply committed to ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion. This commitment is at the forefront of our operations, hiring, policies and procedures, and training. We recognize the benefit of workplace empowerment, the importance of diversity and fully support an environment where ALL employees are treated fairly, respectfully, and have equal access to opportunities and resources necessary to thrive and contribute to the agency’s success. IDOC genuinely values the differences of individuals in our custody and is committed to ensuring a healthy living environment where they feel valued, respected, and included.

Through our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), we shall establish and uphold agency policies and practices conducive to eliminating all forms of exclusion including, but not limited to, racism, ageism, ableism, sexism, discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender, and religious oppression.

The IDOC team works to serve justice in Illinois and increase public safety by promoting positive change in behavior of individuals in custody, operating successful reentry programs, and reducing victimization.

Employees enjoy excellent benefits, including health, vision, and dental insurance; retirement plan and deferred compensation; state holidays and other benefit time off; tuition reimbursement; and pre-tax benefit programs. The department also offers extensive training and career advancement opportunities.

The Illinois Department of Corrections is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants to join our team.