CORRECTIONAL COUNSELOR I

This is a limited-term, full-time Correctional Counselor I position. Limited term appointments are for 12 months; may be extended up to 24 months or become permanent. This vacancy will be filled in accordance with implemented hiring restrictions and may be used for other vacancies that occur during the life of this recruitment.

About the role

Effective July 1, 2025, the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) requires each full-time employee to receive a 3 percent reduction in pay in exchange for 5 hours of PLP 2025 leave credits monthly through June 2027. Salaries listed do not reflect this recent change.

Main communication for this position will be through email. Position is located at Valley State Prison in Chowchilla, in the central San Joaquin Valley about 30 miles north of Fresno and close to Yosemite National Park. Surrounding communities are affordable and offer excellent educational opportunities.

Pay

• Classification A: $7,278.00 - $8,726.00 per month
• Classification B: $8,809.00 - $10,572.00 per month
• Classification J: $7,642.00 - $9,162.00 per month
• Classification K: $9,249.00 - $11,101.00 per month

Requirements

You must have taken and passed the examination for the Correctional Counselor I classification, be a current state employee with lateral transfer eligibility, or have reinstatement eligibility to apply. Individuals eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered.

Candidates must meet the Minimum Requirements as outlined in the Class Specification for Correctional Counselor I. Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If meeting qualifications with education, unofficial transcripts/diploma must be included for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment.

Applicants who completed education outside of the U.S. must obtain and submit verification of U.S. course/degree equivalency from a NACES-approved credential evaluation service.

Candidates new to CDCR/CCHCS are required to submit to a background investigation utilizing Live Scan Fingerprinting and a Tuberculosis test/evaluation prior to appointment, followed by annual Tuberculosis testing/evaluation thereafter.

Responsibilities

Incumbents establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within the department, other governmental agencies, health care partners, and communities. Duties include:

• Facilitating successful reintegration of individuals in care back to their communities through education, treatment, and rehabilitative programs.
• Providing restorative justice programs in a safe and humane environment.
• Managing a high-volume caseload with strong organizational and planning skills.
• Prioritizing tasks effectively and maintaining comprehensive, concise, and accurate reports.
• Interacting with staff, management, other agencies, the incarcerated population, and the public professionally and tactfully.

Department Information

Vision: We enhance public safety and promote successful community reintegration through education, treatment, and active participation in rehabilitative and restorative justice programs.

Mission: To facilitate the successful reintegration of individuals in our care back to their communities equipped with the tools to be drug-free, healthy, and employable members of society by providing education, treatment, rehabilitative, and restorative justice programs, all in a safe and humane environment.

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) are committed to transforming the correctional landscape to create safer, more professional, and fulfilling environments for employees, the incarcerated population, and those supervised in communities. CDCR and CCHCS value diversity, inclusion, and collaboration at all levels and strive to provide the highest level of care to a diverse correctional population.

Desirable Qualifications

• Strong verbal and written communication skills to interact effectively with staff, management, other agencies, the incarcerated population, and the public.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills to manage a high-volume caseload efficiently.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and write comprehensive, complete, and concise reports.