Position Title: Correctional Counselor I, Option. Spanish Speaking (Upward Mobility)

Job Requisition ID: 56424Opening Date: 07/22/2026Closing Date: 08/05/2026 11:59 p.m.Agency: Department of CorrectionsClass Title: CORRECTIONAL COUNSELOR I - 09661 Skill Option: UMP DUAL - Combination of Certificate and Credential Bilingual Option: SpanishSalary: Anticipated Starting Salary (Effective 7/1/26) $5,556 a month; Full Range $5,556-$7,819 a monthJob Type: SalariedCategory: Full Time County: VermilionNumber of Vacancies: 1Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCMEMerit Comp Code:

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

While not required, a Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) is recommended. When applicable, titles that require specific coursework, professional license or certification will include a notation requesting the appropriate document(s) be uploaded in the Additional Documents section of your application. Failure to upload requested transcripts, license and/or proof of certification when specified may result in ineligibility. Please note that the Department of Corrections must verify proof of higher education for any degree earned (if applicable) regardless of vacancy title before any offer can be extended.

Position Overview

As a Counselor, you will be part of a diverse team who provide opportunities designed to assist individuals in making a successful transition from a corrections environment to the community. These opportunities not only help individuals to develop and enhance their skillsets, but they also better equip them to be a productive member of society. We invite you to come make a difference in others' lives and truly impact change.

Essential Functions

• Assists in providing a regular interview routine for each assigned individual in custody seeing them no less than once every 60 days to address the needs of the individual in custody.
• Conducts beginning level counseling sessions with individuals in custody providing assistance to each individual in custody in the development of a program plan in conjunction with staff completing the risk and needs assessments.
• Prepares progress reports including required professional reports.
• Translates functions/procedures into Spanish for individuals who cannot speak or read English.
• Participates on institutional committees or projects, i.e., assignment committee, adjustment committee, grievance committee and/or program team.
• Communicates with the families and support systems of the individuals in custody relative to requests, adjustment, emergency furloughs, visitation, parole plans, and issues related to family members.
• Receives on-the-job training relating to counseling principles and techniques for increased job responsibilities and job proficiency.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of those duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college with a bachelor's degree in behavioral or social sciences.
• Requires the ability to speak and write Spanish, at the colloquial skill level.
• Qualifying state employees in the employee Upward Mobility Program, may complete combinations of specific proficiency tests and training programs leading to a certificate of proficiency in lieu of the stated requirements for this profession.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers at least one (1) year professional experience providing counseling services to individuals in a custody setting.
• Prefers at least one (1) year of professional experience participating as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Prefers at least one (1) year professional experience documenting progress of individual in relation to case/treatment plans.
• Prefers at least one (1) year of professional experience utilizing departmental or equivalent computer systems.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires written and spoken knowledge of the English language.
• 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.

Work Hours: See below

8am-4pm Mon-Fri, Sat/Sun off

Headquarter Location: Danville Correctional Center 3820 E Main St, Danville, Illinois, 61834
Work County: Vermilion
Agency Contact: Melisa Higgins
Email: [email protected]

Posting Group: Public Safety

This title is within the Upward Mobility Program (UMP). General Program information can be found by clicking on the Upward Mobility Program link or for specific title information at UMP Titles. To utilize upward mobility contractual rights for this position, employees must apply internally and must upload a copy of the UMP grade notice to their application documents prior to submission. UMP grades can be uploaded to the Additional Documents OR Grade Documentation section of the application.

This position DOES NOT contain "Specialized Skills" (as that term is used in CBAs).

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Use the "Apply" button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.

If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so.

State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees - a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon.

Non-State employees should log in on the using the "View Profile" link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.

If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:

State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid

Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com - click "Application Procedures" in the footer of every page of the website.

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your "junk mail", "spam", or "other" folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

• [email protected]
• [email protected]