Special Housing Program Coordinator, Correctional Counselor with Entry level option (Wilsonville)

Initial posting date: 07/23/2026 • Application deadline: 08/02/2026

About the Role

The Special Housing Program Coordinator is responsible for directing, managing, and coordinating all program activities within Coffee Creek Correctional Facility’s Special Housing Unit. This role supports adults in custody (AIC) stabilization, behavior change, and successful transition back to general population while maintaining institutional safety and security.

Candidates who do not meet the minimum qualifications for the Correctional Counselor may be considered as an underfill in the Entry Correctional Counselor classification. An underfill must meet the minimum qualifications for the lower classification and would receive the pay in accordance with the lower classification’s salary range until they meet the minimum qualification for the full position. Preference may be given to candidates who meet the full qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Create and implement existing and new program components consistent with sound corrections policy to enhance AIC transition.
• Facilitate evidence-based programs in special housing units statewide, including Getting Started, Social Values, Responsible Thinking, Self-Control, Peer Relationships, Family Ties, Substance Use, and Seeking Employment.
• Utilize techniques such as motivational interviewing and Trauma Informed Care to facilitate behavior change and address identified patterns of behavior.
• Record data, track participants, and evaluate participation details while collaborating with resource providers and multi-disciplinary 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.

This position is represented by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and may be eligible for Police & Fire (P&F) benefits through the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), as defined by statute.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications (Full Position):

• Bachelor’s degree in behavioral science, criminal justice, or a related field with major coursework in behavioral science and two (2) years of professional counseling experience working with clientele in a social service or rehabilitative program; or
• Three (3) 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 and two (2) 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 (1) year of professional counseling experience working with clientele in a social service or rehabilitative program.

Entry Level/Underfill Minimum Qualifications:

• Three (3) 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 courses 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 any security series position does not substitute for the required minimum qualifications.

Skills

• Ability to create and implement program components that align 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.
• Ability to utilize 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 closely collaborate with stakeholders such as security, Behavioral Health Services (BHS), and medical.

Preferred Skills:

• Current Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS) certification.
• Experience working with the female population and an understanding of gender-responsive practices.

Pay

Salary range: $6,895 – $9,140 per month (non-PERS qualifying applicants). PERS-qualifying applicants may be eligible for an adjusted range reflecting an additional 6.95%. Underfill salary range: $5,483 – $6,578 per month.

Benefits

The State of Oregon provides a generous benefit package, including:

• 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.
• Term life insurance.
• Fully paid retirement program (PERS).
• Oregon Savings Growth Plan.
• Flexible spending accounts for health and childcare.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a prison housing maximum, close, and medium custody AICs. The environment carries inherent risks, including potential for physical injury, hostage situations, or exposure to hostile or aggressive behavior.
• All employees are required to aid during AIC unrest or other emergency situations, including recall and/or reassignment.
• Daily use of computers for extended periods is required for email and AIC work systems.
• Mandatory overtime may be required during emergencies or for immediate programming services.
• Some travel, including occasional in-state and out-of-state overnight travel, may be required (state car provided).
• The Oregon Department of Corrections is tobacco-free; use of tobacco products is prohibited within buildings or on grounds.

This position requires active modeling of pro-social behaviors and a commitment to the Department’s mission, vision, and core values. Employees must interact professionally, respectfully, and without discriminatory, hostile, or abusive behavior toward co-workers, AICs, and the public.

About the Department

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