Special Housing Program Coordinator, Correctional Counselor with Entry level option for ODOC or OCE employees only (Salem)

Initial posting date: 07/24/2026 • Application deadline: 08/09/2026

About the Role

The Special Housing Program Coordinator provides leadership, structure, and coordination for programming within Oregon State Penitentiary’s Disciplinary Segregation Unit. This role supports adults in custody (AIC) stabilization, behavior change, and successful transition back to general population while maintaining institutional safety and security. Current regular-status employees of the Oregon Department of Corrections (ODOC) or Oregon Corrections Enterprises (OCE) may apply. Candidates who do not meet the minimum qualifications for the Correctional Counselor classification may be considered as an underfill in the Entry Correctional Counselor classification, with a salary range of $5,476–$6,571 until minimum qualifications for the full position are met.

Responsibilities

• Create and implement program components consistent with sound corrections policy to enhance AIC transition.
• Facilitate evidence-based programs in Disciplinary Segregation, including Getting Started, Social Values, Responsible Thinking, Self-Control, Peer Relationships, Family Ties, Substance Use, and Seeking Employment.
• Utilize motivational interviewing and Trauma-Informed Care techniques to facilitate behavior change and address identified patterns of behavior.
• Record data, track participants, and evaluate participation details while collaborating with resource providers and multidisciplinary teams.
• Meet with AICs one-on-one to review curriculum assignments and provide individual services.
• Prepare and provide weekly and monthly reports to multidisciplinary teams and the Assistant Superintendent of Special Housing to assist with updating unit data.

Requirements

Your application materials will be reviewed to verify you meet one of the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in behavioral science, criminal justice, or a related field with major coursework in behavioral science and two years of professional counseling experience working with clientele in a social service or rehabilitative program; or
• Three years of experience in a social service, rehabilitative, or correctional program with primary responsibility for guiding and/or counseling individuals or groups and two years of professional counseling experience working with clientele in a social service or rehabilitative program; or
• Master’s degree in behavioral science or criminal justice and one year of professional counseling experience working with clientele in a social service or rehabilitative program.

Note: Professional counseling experience must include providing supportive counseling to clients on a one-on-one basis with full responsibility for developing and managing each case plan. Experience in a security series position does not substitute for these qualifications.

Entry-Level/Underfill Requirements

• Three years of experience in a social service, rehabilitative, or correctional program with primary responsibility for guiding and/or counseling individuals or groups in the solution of occupational, educational, personal, or social problems; or
• Bachelor’s degree in behavioral science or a related field with major coursework in behavioral science.

Note: Professional counseling experience must include providing supportive counseling to clients on a one-on-one basis with full responsibility for developing and managing each case plan. Experience in a security series position does not substitute for these qualifications.

Skills

• Ability to create and implement program components aligning with sound corrections policy to support AIC transition.
• Experience facilitating evidence-based programs such as Getting Started, Social Values, Responsible Thinking, Self-Control, Peer Relationships, Family Ties, Substance Use, and Seeking Employment.
• Proficiency in motivational interviewing and Trauma-Informed Care techniques during program facilitation and individual interventions.
• Experience recording data, tracking participants, and evaluating participation details in coordination with resource providers and multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to meet with AICs one-on-one to review curriculum assignments and provide individual services.
• Experience preparing weekly and monthly reports for multidisciplinary teams and facility leadership to support unit data updates.
• Ability to collaborate closely with stakeholders such as security, behavioral health services (BHS), and medical staff.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a maximum, close, and medium-custody prison environment with adults in custody who may exhibit anger, hostility, or aggression, increasing the risk of physical injury or hostage situations.
• Mandatory participation in emergency responses, including recalls or reassignments during AIC unrest.
• Daily extended computer use for email, AIC work systems, and reporting.
• Mandatory overtime during emergencies or when immediate programming services are required.
• Occasional in-state and out-of-state travel, including overnight stays, may be required.
• The Oregon Department of Corrections is tobacco-free; use of tobacco products is prohibited on premises.
• Active modeling of pro-social behaviors is required to support a workplace environment respectful of human dignity, social responsibility, personal growth, and transition readiness.
• All employees must interact professionally, respectfully, and without hostility, discrimination, intimidation, violence, or abusive language with co-workers, AICs, and the public.

Pay

Salary range: $6,895–$9,152 per month. Underfill candidates (Entry Correctional Counselor) will receive $5,476–$6,571 per month until meeting full qualifications. PERS-qualifying applicants may be eligible for an adjusted range reflecting an additional 6.95%.

Benefits

• Family health, vision, and dental insurance.
• Vacation, sick leave, and 11 paid holidays.
• 21 days paid military leave for National Guard and Reserve components.
• Optional short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Term life insurance.
• Fully paid retirement program through PERS (Police & Fire benefits may apply).
• Oregon Savings Growth Plan (457 deferred compensation).
• Flexible spending accounts for health and childcare.

About the Department

The Oregon Department of Corrections (ODOC) oversees over 12,000 adults in custody across 12 state prisons and supervises more than 24,000 offenders on probation and parole. ODOC’s mission is to protect communities, promote accountability, and transform lives. The department is committed to creating an anti-racist, inclusive, and respectful environment free of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. ODOC offers programs to foster a safe and healthy environment for staff, volunteers, and adults in custody.