Job Analysis

JOB ANALYSIS: CORRECTIONAL COUNSELOR 1

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Date of Study: September 11, 2023 – September 14, 2023

Collective Bargaining Identification: R06

Job Analysis Conducted By: Cheryl McKinzie, Selection Analyst, Talent Acquisition and Career Services, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

Number of Incumbents: There are 820 budgeted positions and 103 vacancies in this classification per the State Controller’s Office Filled/Vacant Position Report dated September 2023.

EDITED TASK LISTING

NOTE: Each position within this classification may perform some or all of these tasks.

Task Statements:

1.  Interview inmates to develop or modify the inmate’s classification, in a correctional setting, utilizing the inmate electronic central file, analytical skills, laws, rules and regulations (e.g. Penal Code, Departmental Operations Manual (DOM), Title 15, etc.) as required.

2. Gather information from inmates to develop or modify the inmate’s classification in a correctional setting utilizing the inmate electronic central file, analytical skills, laws, rules and regulations (e.g. Penal Code, DOM, Title 15, etc.) as required.

3. Conduct individual interviews and provide regularly scheduled “open line” utilizing the inmate electronic central file, analytical skills, laws, rules and regulations (e.g. Penal Code, Departmental Operations Manual (DOM), Title 15, etc.) as required.

4.  Read reports from a variety of sources to assist in classification of an inmate, in development or modification of the inmate’s program utilizing the inmate electronic central file, analytical skills, laws, rules and regulations (e.g. Penal Code, DOM, Title 15, etc.) as required.

5. Evaluate reports from a variety of sources to assist in classification of an inmate, in development or modification of the inmate’s program utilizing the inmate electronic central file, analytical skills, laws, rules and regulations (e.g. Penal Code, DOM, Title 15, etc.) as required.

6. Summarize reports from a variety of sources to assist in classification of an inmate, in development or modification of the inmate’s program utilizing the inmate electronic central file, analytical skills, laws, rules and regulations (e.g. Penal Code, DOM, Title 15, etc.) as required.

7. Present findings from a variety of sources to a classification committee to assist in classification of an inmate, in development or modification of the inmate’s program utilizing the inmate electronic central file, analytical skills, laws, rules and regulations (e.g. Penal Code, DOM, Title 15, etc.) as required.

8. Make recommendations to a classification committee for program eligibility and to consider the inmate’s interest and make recommendations to a classification committee for program eligibility and to consider the inmate’s interest and potential for available programs utilizing the inmate electronic central file, analytical skills, laws, rules and regulations (e.g. Penal Code, DOM, Title 15, etc.) as required.

9. Prepare Post Conviction Progress Report for the Board of Parole Hearings (BPH) summarizing all data on the inmate’s incarceration history utilizing the inmate electronic central file, Board Information Technology System (BITS), analytical skills, laws, rules and regulations (e.g. Penal Code, DOM, Title 15, etc.) as needed.

10. Gather and document information to identify enemy/safety concerns (confidential and non-confidential) between inmates in order to create a separation alert utilizing the inmate electronic central file as required.

11. Evaluate and document information to identify enemy/safety concerns (confidential and non-confidential) between inmates in order to create a separation alert utilizing the inmate electronic central file as required.

12. Gather and document information to identify Security Threat Groups (STG) in order to maintain the safety and security of the institution utilizing the inmate electronic central file as required.

13. Prepare diagnostic evaluation reports on inmates for departmental and court review regarding recommendations for either retention or placement on probation for the inmate utilizing the inmate electronic central file, analytical skills, laws, rules and regulations (e.g. Penal Code 1170(d)/1203.03, DOM, Title 15, etc.) as mandated.

14. Recommend security level of institution to which the inmate will be housed utilizing the inmate electronic central file, analytical skills, laws, rules and regulations (e.g. Penal Code, DOM, Title 15, etc.) as required.

15. Determine custody requirements of inmates for proper housing and assignments utilizing the inmate electronic central file, analytical skills, laws, rules and regulations (e.g. Penal Code, DOM, Title 15, etc.) on an ongoing basis.

16. Conduct counseling with individual inmates utilizing Motivational Interviewing (MI) techniques to resolve conflicts/crisis intervention, as needed.

17. Document pertinent information based on observations or contacts with inmates, families and outside agencies, in order to maintain the safety and security of the institution, staff, inmates, and public utilizing the inmate electronic central file, analytical skills, laws, rules and regulations (e.g. Penal Code, DOM, Title 15, etc.) as required.

18. Respond to written or verbal interview requests from inmates within the required timeframe, informal grievances, services or items being requested utilizing the inmate electronic central file, communication skills, analytical skills, laws, rules and regulations (e.g. Penal Code, DOM, Title 15, etc.) as required.

19. Promote positive inmate behavior to ensure safety and security of the institution utilizing MI techniques, the inmate electronic central file, communication skills, laws, rules and regulations (e.g. Penal Code, DOM, Title 15, etc.) as needed.

20. Provide a staff assistant or interpreter to ensure effective communication for the inmate at a disciplinary, classification, clinical encounters or parole hearing utilizing the inmate electronic central file, communication skills, laws, rules and regulations (e.g. Penal Code, DOM, Title 15, etc.) as needed.

21. Perform peace officer duties (e.g. escort, search, etc.) in order to maintain the safety and security of the institution, staff, inmates and public utilizing the inmate electronic central file, analytical skills, laws, rules and regulations (e.g. Penal Code, DOM, Title 15, etc.) as required.

22. Replace and/or assist custody staff during emergency situations such as escapes, riots or disturbances in order to maintain the safety and security of the institution, staff, inmates, and public utilizing rules and regulations (e.g. Penal Code, DOM, Title 15, etc.) as needed.

23. Maintain order of inmates to ensure the safety and security of the institution, staff, inmates, and public utilizing rules and regulations (e.g. Penal Code, DOM, Title 15, etc.) as needed.

24. Supervise inmates in order to ensure job performance utilizing laws, rules and regulations (e.g. Penal Code, DOM, Title 15, etc.) as required.

25. Perform visual security check, of the premises and search inmates for contraband for accountability, safety and security in compliance with laws, rules and regulations (e.g. Penal Code, DOM, Title 15, etc.) as directed.

26. Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information e.g., medical information, investigation, inmate criminal history to maintain safety and security, by not disclosing to unauthorized persons in compliance with laws, rules and regulations (e.g. Penal Code, DOM, Title 15, etc.) as required.

27. Perform equipment inventory e.g., keys, tools, weapons for accountability and proper working condition utilizing inventory sheet, inspection log, in compliance with laws, rules and regulations (e.g. Penal Code, DOM, Title 15, etc.) as required.

28 Recognize mental health behavioral characteristics of inmate’s emotional or unusual behavior to maintain safety and security of the institution in compliance with laws, rules and regulations (e.g. Penal Code, DOM, Title 15, etc.) as required.

29. Initiate steps to prevent suicides and harming self, other inmates or staff to maintain safety and security of the institution in compliance with laws, rules and regulations (e.g. Penal Code, DOM, Title 15, etc.) as required.

30. Provide orientation to inmates regarding facility expectations, rules, policies, procedures and available programs to ensure consistency and in order to maintain safety and security for the institution in compliance with laws, rules and regulations (e.g. Penal Code, DOM, Title 15, etc.) as required.

31. Acts as an immediate resource to assist new counseling staff in the performance of their duties in compliance with laws, rules and regulations (e.g. Penal Code, DOM, Title 15, etc.) as required.

32. Attend training regarding policy, procedures, court mandates, etc., to ensure compliance with current policy utilizing laws, rules and regulations (e.g., Penal Code, DOM, Title 15, etc.) as mandated.

33. Complete an inmate’s emergency notification and Social Factor Sheet which includes information regarding the inmate’s parents, children, siblings, marriages, common law relationships, etc., to ensure contact information is current utilizing inmate electronic central file, communication skills, laws, rules and regulations (e.g. DOM, Title 15, etc.) as required.

34. Review court documents for an inmate’s commitment offense, Probation Officer Reports, Abstract of Judgment, etc. to prepare Institution Staff Recommendation Summary (ISRS) or Reception Center Readmission Summary (RCRS) for the custody level and initial housing placement, utilizing laws, rules and regulations (e.g. Penal Code, DOM, Title 15, etc.) as required.

35. Process and complete request for Temporary Community Leave (TCL), by verifying eligibility criteria for inmate temporary leave utilizing communication skills, laws, rules and regulations (e.g. Penal Code, DOM, Title 15, etc.) as required.

36. Ensure all due process mandates surrounding inmate classification are met to ensure compliance with court and Departmental procedures utilizing communication skills, laws, rules and regulations (e.g. Penal Code, DOM, Title 15, etc.) as required.

37. Verify an inmate’s eligibility to marry and processes marriage application through the county clerk’s office (e.g. divorce decrees, statement of intent from a prospective bride/groom) utilizing rules and regulations (e.g. DOM, Title 15, etc.) as required.

38. Process an inmate’s application for family visits and necessary documents (proof of marriage, birth certificates, etc.) in order to ensure compliance with departmental policy utilizing laws, rules and regulations (e.g. Penal Code, DOM, Title 15, etc.) as required.

39. Identify inmates who have active holds, warrants, and detainers requiring immediate action to ensure safety and security of the institution in compliance with departmental policy utilizing laws, rules and regulations (e.g. Penal Code, DOM, Title 15, etc.) as required.

40. Maintain all mandatory peace officer qualifications (e.g. firearms, chemical agents, etc.) to ensure compliance with departmental policy utilizing rules and regulations (e.g. Penal Code, DOM, Title 15, etc.) as required.

41. Participate as a member of various classification committees (e.g. STG, Institution Classification Committee (ICC), Unit Classification Committee (UCC), Camp Classification Committee), and Inter Disciplinary Treatment Team (IDTT) committee in compliance with departmental policy utilizing inmate electronic central file, communication skills, laws, rules and regulations as mandated.

42 Identify and Document inmates that meet criteria for Offenders with a Mental Health Disorder (OMHD) and SVP to ensure proper screening prior to release utilizing inmate electronic central file, laws, rules and regulations (e.g. Penal Code, DOM, Title 15, etc.) as required.

43. Act as a process server of court and legal documents (e.g. detainers, child custody, notice to appear, etc.) for the inmate to ensure proper legal notification utilizing inmate electronic central file, communication skills, laws, rules and regulations (e.g. Penal Code, DOM, Title 15, etc.) as required.

44. Operate various office machines/equipment to complete assigned duties utilizing state computer, scanner, photocopier, fax, calculator, etc. as directed.

45. Interview inmate to develop and/or modify the Rehabilitative Case Plan Study (RCPS) to ensure appropriate placement within rehabilitative or vocational programs utilizing inmate electronic central file and inmate self-assessment guide, as required.

46. Complete Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) reassessment as required by federal law utilizing inmate electronic central file, PREA screening tool, and inmate interview as required.

47. Interview/Complete transgender bi-annual reassessment for safety, programing, and housing needs, utilizing inmate electronic central file, communication skills, laws, rules and regulations (e.g. Penal Code, DOM, Title 15, etc.) as required. 

48. Complete Gender Identity Questionnaire (GIQ) assessment as required by state law utilizing inmate electronic central file, and inmate interview as required.

49. Review and process inmates for placement in Male Community Release Program (MCRP) facilities utilizing inmate electronic central file, CDCR form 2226 (MCRP eligibility screening form) and CDCR form 2234 (MCRP application and voluntary agreement), communication skills, laws, and rules and regulations (e.g. Penal Code, DOM, Title 15, etc.) as required.

50. Complete the electronic version of the Application for Identification Card/Driver License (eDL 44) for eligible California Identification Card Program participants as required.

Tasks highlighted in bold text are not currently on the SPB classification specification

 EDITED KSAPC LISTING

NOTE: Each position within this classification may perform some or all of these KSAPCs.

Knowledge of:

K1.  Comprehensive knowledge of grammar, spelling and correct usage of written and oral communication to perform essential functions.

K2. Basic knowledge of correctional casework procedures to maintain an ongoing caseload.

K3. Basic knowledge of the range of normal and abnormal human behavior to identify unusual behavior.

K4. Basic knowledge of policies and procedures of custody to maintain safety and security of the institution.

K5. Basic knowledge of problems involving inmate adjustment to an institutional setting.

K6. Basic knowledge of various gangs, including gang memberships, interaction between gangs, special housing considerations and the associated potential dangers to staff and inmates to prevent criminal behavior.

K7. Basic knowledge of cultural differences and perspectives of the inmates to effectively evaluate program needs in regards to housing, religion, ethnicity, etc.

K8. Basic knowledge of contributing factors related to criminal patterns and behavior to evaluate program needs.

K9. Basic knowledge of group processes and dynamics to be used in group settings.

K10. Basic knowledge of simple arithmetic to perform job duties.

K11. Basic knowledge of interviewing to gather information.

K12. Basic knowledge of purposes and methods of discipline as applied to persons in custody.

K13. Basic knowledge of proper use and care of firearms/weapons to safely operate equipment.

K14. Basic knowledge of computer operation to perform essential functions of assignments.

K15. Basic knowledge of conflict management technique to defuse threats.

K16. Basic knowledge of self-defense to preserve personal safety.

K17. Basic knowledge of effective listening technique to gather information.

K18. Basic knowledge of the behavioral characteristics of a violent offender to prevent injury and    preserve safety.

K19. Basic knowledge of time management to effectively perform essential functions.

KSAPCs highlighted in bold text are not currently on the SPB classification specification

Ability to:

A1. Write comprehensive, complete, clear and concise reports to efficiently perform essential duties.

A2. Utilize oral and written language to communicate effectively with inmates, staff and the public.

A3. Establish a rapport with inmates and staff to maintain safety and security of the institution.

A4. Organize and prioritize work to efficiently perform essential duties.

A5. Meet deadlines to ensure compliance with departmental expectations.

A6. Deal tactfully/diplomatically with sensitive issues to maintain safety and security of the institution.

A7. Evaluate situations accurately and take effective action to maintain safety and security of the institution.

A8. Deal effectively with a high volume of work to efficiently perform essential duties.

A9. Obtain specific information from an inmate during an interview to efficiently perform essential duties

A10. Work under pressure to efficiently perform essential duties.

A11. Respond effectively to emergency situations to maintain safety and security of the institution.

A12. Work independently to efficiently perform essential duties.

A13. Maintain control of the interview process with an inmate to efficiently perform essential duties.

A14. Interpret institutional and departmental policies, rules and regulations to ensure proper classification of inmate.

A15. Adjust to changes in assignments to efficiently perform essential duties.

A16. Work with a team of people from a variety of occupations and professions to achieve departmental goals.

A17. Motivate an inmate toward specific goals to prepare for reintegration into society.

A18. Recognize and handle dangerous situations for inmates and staff to maintain safety and security of the institution.

A19. Follow the rules and regulations of the Department and institution to maintain safety and security of the institution.

A20. Follow the chain of command accordingly to ensure proper channels of communication.

A21. Operate departmental personal safety equipment and firearms safely and effectively to maintain safety and security of the institution.

A22. Make sound decisions in high stress situations effectively to maintain safety and security of the institution.

A23. Multitask in various situations effectively to ensure productivity.

A24. Organize workload on a daily basis to ensure deadlines are met.

KSAPCs highlighted in bold text are not currently on the SPB classification specification

Personal Characteristics to:

PC1.  Demonstrate courage, emotional maturity, and stability to provide effective leadership in dangerous and stressful situations.

PC2.  Satisfactory record as a law abiding citizen to maintain a positive public image.

PC3.  Good personal and social adjustment for correctional work to maintain professionalism within the workplace.

PC4.  Neat personal appearance to demonstrate professionalism within the workplace.

PC5.  Demonstrate tact with others.

PC6.  Ability to positively accept constructive criticism.

PC7.  Alertness to be aware of your environment and be able to respond to emergency situations.

PC8.  Self-motivated to perform tasks with limited supervision.

KSAPCs highlighted in bold text are not currently on the SPB classification specification