Since 2005, Erica Albertson has helped CDCR fulfill its mission, first as a correctional officer and now as a correctional counselor. During her nearly two decades with CDCR, she’s seen the department evolve with renewed focus on rehabilitation.
Albertson has worked in many different areas of the prison, spending nine years as a correctional officer, nearly half that time in the Investigative Services Unit. She spent the bulk of her career at Deuel Vocational Institution in Tracy as an officer and sergeant. She transferred to Mule Creek State Prison as a correctional counselor. Albertson can be found working in the Mule Creek Infill Complex, a level II facility resembling more of a college campus than a prison.
For single mom, CDCR offered stability
She said she joined the department for many reasons but the biggest was job security, stability, and benefits.
“I was a single parent working two jobs in management, seven days a week,” she recalled. “Starting as an officer, I knew at least I would get two days off a week. Also, I would still make more money than I was working two jobs.”
Having retirement benefits, she said, meant she was also working for a future.
“I haven’t given retirement much thought,” she laughed. “Maybe I’ll get a part time job to keep busy.”
Working in a prison presents unique challenges
Like any job, she said there are challenges but being in a prison environment amplifies those challenges.
“Sometimes it’s hard to find something positive when surrounded by so much negative,” Albertson said. “These people have worked their way to be here (on the level II facility). When you see the light bulb go on, seeing positive change, is inspirational. You don’t see it every day.”
According to Albertson, a typical day involves casework and being involved in various programs.
“I juggle my time with different groups like transgender, journaling, youth diversion, and incarcerated journalism, which is currently paused,” she said. “Getting to know those on my caseload makes all the difference.”
For those serving life sentences with the possibility of parole, she helps them study and prepare for their hearings.
“Sometimes we have milestones we want to meet such as getting degrees (or other) time sensitive goals,” she said. “(As a counselor), you have to juggle your eight hours.”
While some may have academic goals, others have different interests such as woodworking.
For those who earn a diploma or degree, it’s a big moment.
“A 45-year-old who gets his high school diploma might be the proudest moment for their family,” she said.
Correctional Counselor Albertson: Be open to learning
“If you want to do case work, learn every aspect of your area. Ask questions. When I first promoted to sergeant, I had many correctional officers with more years in the department. I would take them aside and ask for input on what is or isn’t working,” Albertson said.
When she started with the department in 2005, she said she never would have imagined herself staying after work as a volunteer.
“Now I’m sponsoring groups,” she said. “I see the changes (in the population as) we offer more positive programming.”
For the incarcerated population serving life without the possibility of parole, she said the positive atmosphere has influenced them as well.
“Many see the positive changes so everything seems lighter,” Albertson said.
The California Model is here
While the department begins a massive shift in corrections, Albertson believes it’s time for staff to get behind the effort.
“Up here, in level II, implementing the California Model will work but it might be more difficult in level IV yards,” she said. “My personal thoughts and beliefs need to be set aside. If the California Model is the direction we are going, you need to get on board.”
By Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor
Learn more about the California Model on the CDCR website.
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