CORRECTION COUNSELOR TRAINEE JOBS OFFERED

Starting Pay Is $34,260; Need College Degree; Applications Must Be Submitted By Aug. 27

The state Department of Civil Service is accepting applications for an exam leading to Correction Counselor Trainee I jobs.

Applications must be postmarked by Aug. 27. The written test is scheduled for Sept. 29. The starting salary is $34,260. Individuals assigned to work in the five boroughs or in Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland, or Westchester counties will receive a $1,302 location pay adjustment.

Job Requirements

To qualify, on or before the date of the written test candidates must have a bachelor's degree in correctional studies, counseling, criminal justice, human services, psychology, social sciences, social work, or sociology.

Correction Counselor Trainees evaluate and investigate inmates' program participation. Trainees also provide counseling relative to personal, social, institutional, and behavioral issues. In addition, they apply casework techniques in recommending individuals for educational and vocational programs, counseling treatment programs, work assignments, and overall coordination of rehabilitative programs.

The written exam will test candidates' abilities to prepare written material. The test will also gauge applicants' knowledge of principles and practices of correction counseling, as well as inmate group counseling. The passing score is 70 percent.

Application Details

Trainees must complete two years of instruction before reaching the journeyman title of Correction Counselor, which pays $47,556. The state is also accepting applications for that position. To qualify, individuals must have a bachelor's degree with two years' work-related experience. Appropriate part-time and volunteer experience, which can be verified, will be accepted on a pro-rated basis.

State residency is not required. There is a $35 filing fee. Individuals who expect to meet the educational requirement by Dec. 31 can take the written test, but will not be considered for appointment until they complete their studies.

Persons who speak Spanish are particularly urged to apply. All the positions exist in the Department of Correctional Services.

Further information can be obtained online at www.cs.state.ny.us under the job-seekers section and the employment opportunities with New York State link. Individuals can also call 518-457-2487 for details about this job and other opportunities.