DOC Lawrence CC Corrections Assessment Specialist

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Corrections is seeking forward thinking staff who are focused on improving reintegration into society outcomes of individuals in custody.  If you are committed to improving outcomes of individuals in custody, please join us at the Illinois Department of Corrections.  As a Corrections Assessment Specialist you will be at the forefront of change within the department. You will have the opportunity to conduct risk assessments, that help the department better understand risk, needs, and responsivity of individuals in custody.  The risk assessments will help guide an individual in custody’s programming and help the individual develop a workable priority driven case plan. We invite all qualified individuals to apply.

Essential Functions

• Conducts motivational interviews with assigned individuals in custody to complete comprehensive risk, assets, and needs assessments.
• Evaluates the provision of designated programs to the individual in custody population.
• Completes 30-day follow-up Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) assessments for Individuals in custody.
• Prepares complex written and/or oral reports for review by other professional and administrative staff.
• Attends staff training required by the Department.
• Participates in crisis intervention to resolve immediate or urgent individual in custody concerns and makes referrals to a qualified mental health professional.
• Develops and implements new program initiatives including, but not limited to: evidence-based programming, cognitive behavioral programming, and re-entry programming.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires possession of a master's degree from an accredited college or university evidencing completion of a program major of social work, psychology, or a directly related field.
• Requires one (1) year of professional direct-client casework experience, preferably in a correctional setting, that includes conducting risk and needs assessments, and, performing one (1) of the following functions: client intake interviews, assessments, or other evaluative processes; professional individual or group counseling; or providing reentry services to individuals transitioning from incarceration into the community.
• This title is included as an Upward Mobility Program Credential title.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers at least three (3) years of professional experience using motivational interview techniques.
• Prefers at least three (3) years of professional experience in case planning.
• Prefers at least three (3) years of experience conducting risk and needs assessments.
• Prefers at least one (1) year of professional experience evaluating evidence-based programs.
• Prefers at least one (1) year work experience in a correctional, law enforcement, residential human services setting, or similar field.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires the ability to pass the IDOC/IDJJ background check.
• Requires ability to pass a drug screen. The use of unauthorized drugs by an employee, regardless of position held, is prohibited.
• Required to utilize digital technology, tools, platforms, and processes in managing and supporting various digital enhancements for greater efficiency, productivity, and digital transformation efforts within the department.
• Applicants are required to abide by all vaccine and/or other medical standards as set out by the employer.
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.