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 is responsible for directing, managing, and coordinating all program activities within OSP’s Disciplinary Segregation Unit. This role is critical in supporting adults in custody (AIC) stabilization, behavior change, and successful transition back to general population while maintaining institutional safety and security.

Responsibilities

• Create and implement existing and new program components that are 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 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.

Requirements

Your application materials will be reviewed to verify that you have:

• Bachelor's degree in a behavioral science, criminal justice, or 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 a behavioral science or criminal justice AND one (1) 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-to-one basis with full responsibility for developing and managing each case plan. Experience in any security series position in and of itself does not substitute for the required minimum qualifications.

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
• A Bachelor's degree in a 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-to-one basis with full responsibility for developing and managing each case plan. Experience in any security series position in and of itself 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.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $6,895 - $9,152 per month. Candidates who do not meet the minimum qualifications for the Correctional Counselor may be considered as an underfill in the Entry Correctional Counselor classification, with a salary range of $5,476 - $6,571 per month. PERS-qualifying applicants may be eligible for an adjusted range to reflect an additional 6.95%.

Benefits

The State of Oregon provides a generous benefit package, which includes:

• 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.
• Oregon Savings Growth Plan.
• Flexible spending accounts for health and childcare.

Schedule

• Work is performed in a prison housing maximum, close, and medium custody AICs.
• Overtime may be required during emergencies or when there is a need for immediate programming services.
• Some travel and use of a state car may be required, including occasional in-state and out-of-state overnight travel.
• Daily use of computers for extended periods is normal.

Working Conditions

• The Oregon Department of Corrections is tobacco-free; use of tobacco products is prohibited within buildings or on the grounds.
• The AICs have the potential for becoming angry, hostile, abusive, and aggressive, increasing the risk to employees for physical injury, death, and/or being taken hostage.
• There is an inherent responsibility to aid through recall and/or reassignment during AIC unrest and other emergency situations.
• This position requires active modeling of pro-social behaviors in support of a workplace environment respectful of human dignity, social responsibility, personal growth, and transition readiness.
• All employees must interact with co-workers, AICs, and the public in a professional, respectful manner, refraining from behavior that could be perceived as hostile, discriminatory, intimidating, violent, or abusive.

About the Department

The Oregon Department of Corrections is responsible for over 12,000 adults in custody in 12 state prisons throughout Oregon. It advises and evaluates counties regarding the administration of probation and parole programs supervising more than 24,000 offenders in Oregon communities. The mission is to protect communities, promote accountability, and transform lives.

The department serves a diverse and changing population and is committed to creating an organization that reflects this diversity, ensuring all employees thrive in a culture of safety, trust, and belonging. It strives to be an anti-racist corrections system, welcoming and inclusive of all people, free of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.