The County of Fayette  is currently looking for a Full Time Counselor to work in the County Jail.  If you are interested in this position please come to the PA CareerLink in  Lemont Furnace  to complete an application for the next step.

OVERALL OBJECTIVE OF JOB

This position is responsible for providing general counseling to inmates of the Prison.  Work involves conducting individual and group rehabilitative and domestic counseling, providing guidance and assistance as warranted.

 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF JOB

1.  Interview all new commitments to make a preliminary evaluation of their psychological condition as it immediately relates       to incarceration and treatment needs.

2.  Prepares inmate intake documents and recommends housing classification to the Institutional Classification Committee.

3.  Counsels all new commitments regarding Prison rules, Policy and Procedures.

4.  Provides assistance and guidance to inmates concerning personal difficulties that arise, due to incarceration, including, but not       limited to, coping within a prison society and domestic relations and obligations which remain outside of the Prison.

5.  Develops and recommends a treatment program for each individual inmate, as warranted by the inmate's social/criminal history,       current charges and anticipated length of incarceration at Fayette County Prison.

6.  Establishes contact and coordinates individualized treatment programs and assistance with provider organizations and agencies.

7.  Participates in self-help programs provided to inmates within the Prison such as adult basic education, literacy tutoring, narcotics       and alcohol anonymous and health education.

8.  Responds to requests from inmates as is appropriate and in accordance with Prison Policy & Procedures.

9.  Maintains accurate records of inmate treatment and programs. 

    OTHER DUTIES OF JOB

10.  Attends meetings, training, seminars, etc. As required.

11.  Engages in on-going consultation with supervisors.

12.  Performs other job-related duties as required. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Receives occasional instruction and supervision from Deputy Warden of Treatment in regard to daily work duties.

 SUPERVISION GIVEN

None.

 WORKING CONDITIONS

1.  Works indoors in adequate work space, lighting, temperatures and ventilation.

2.   Moderate exposure to noise, disruptions and stress.

3.   Normal indoor exposure to dust/dirt.

4.   Subject to occasionally working flexible hours as needed to meet the needs of the job.

5.   Works in conditions of potential outbursts or disruptive behavior of youth.

6.   Travels occasionally as necessary to perform essential functions of job.

    PHYSICAL AND MENTAL CONDITIONS

7.  Must possess ability to record, convey and present information, explain procedures and follow instructions.

8.  Must be able to stand and walk for long periods throughout the work day, with intermittent sitting and driving and occasional       bending, climbing stairs, stooping, twisting, and reaching as needed to carry out essential job duties.

9. Dexterity requirements range from simple to coordinated movements of fingers/hands; feet/legs; torso as necessary to carry out      duties of job.

10. Sedentary work, with occasional lifting/carrying of objects with a maximum weight of ten pounds.

11. Must be able to cope with the physical and mental stress of the position.

12. Must be able to withstand occasional physical and mental need to practice passive restraining techniques on youth.

13. Must be able to pay close attention to details and concentrate on work.

     QUALIFICATIONS

A.        EDUCATION/TRAINING

  Bachelors Degree in Sociology, Psychology, Counseling, Corrections or Law Enforcement.  Computer literate and basic typing    skills.

B.        WORK EXPERIENCE

            Some experience in providing counseling services, preferably with prison inmates plus some computer skills.

 KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

1. Must possess understanding of the objectives of institutional counseling.

2. Must possess working knowledge of various counseling methods and the ability to apply them.

3. Must possess working knowledge of mental health care.

4. Must possess working knowledge of mental health treatment, legal and functional aspects, within Commonwealth of      Pennsylvania, County of Fayette.

5. Must possess working knowledge of various organizations and agencies where services are available to support the Prison     and/or individual inmates.

6. Must possess the ability to recognize the individual characteristics and attitudes of inmates, establish a proper rapport gain their confidence and respect, and effectively interact with them.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED  (Cont'd)

7. Must possess the ability to interact effectively with all social, economic and educational levels of society.

8. Must possess the ability to evaluate subjective and objective information, arrive at logical conclusions and prescribe a sound      course of action.

9. Must possess the ability to give attention to detail and readily recognize the abnormal or variation of routine.

10. Must possess the ability to comprehend in a short period of time, a variety of rules, policies and procedures pertaining to a       correctional institution.

11. Must possess the ability to remain calm when confronted with adversity and emergencies.

12. Must possess the ability to establish and maintain a productive work relationship with prison personnel, professional contacts        and the general public.

13. Must possess the ability to effectively plan and coordinate integrated activities and manage time.

14. Must possess the ability to move from one work function to another rapidly becoming focused on the work at hand.

15. Must possess the ability to understand and effectively carry out oral and written instructions.

16. Must possess good communication and interpersonal skills.

 In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS A. EDUCATION/TRAINING Bachelors Degree in Sociology, Psychology, Counseling, Corrections or Law Enforcement. Computer literate and basic typing skills. B. WORK EXPERIENCE Some experience in providing counseling services, preferably with prison inmates plus some computer skills.