Correctional Officer (Correctional Counselor)

Summary

Corrections professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by preparing individuals for successful reentry into our communities.

Duties

• The Correctional Counselor develops and implements programs within the unit to meet the individual needs of the inmates confined, to include individual as well as group counseling. As part of the institution intake process (Admissions & Orientation), must interview newly admitted inmates. The Correctional Counselor plays a key role in maintaining and enhancing the security of the unit and institution by their extensive contacts with the inmates. Serves as the unit expert and coordinator on matters pertaining to: (a) inmate personal property, including incoming and outgoing package approvals; and (b) trust fund activities, including inmate withdrawals and special purchase orders. Along with all other correctional institution employees, incumbent is charged with responsibility for maintaining security of the institution. The staff's correctional responsibilities precede all others required by this position and are performed on a regular and recurring basis.

Qualifications

To be considered for the position, you must meet the following qualification requirements: Education: GL-08 and GL-09: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience for this position. OR Experience: GL-08 and GL-09: You must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade level. This experience must have equipped the applicant with the qualifications to successfully perform the duties of the position. Some examples of this qualifying experience are: GL-08: Experience in work such as a substance abuse counselor, probation officer, or law enforcement training coordinator. Experience in demonstrating knowledge of developing/implementing programs. Experience drafting reports to summarize assessments or behavior. Experience assessing inmates'/offenders' programming needs. Experience interacting with inmates/offenders with special needs, (i.e., mental health, substance abuse, anger management issues). GL-09: Experience in work such as police officer, social worker or mental health counselor in a residential facility or detention officer. Experience in conducting individual and group counseling sessions. Experience conducting internal and external audits. Experience in coordinating matters pertaining to inmate personal property and involvement in the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Inmate Intake Process and inmate Admission and Orientation process. Experience following policy to respond to the Administrative Remedy grievance process. Experience coordinating re-entry programs. AND Medical Requirement: The Department of Justice, Bureau of Prisons has established the following medical requirements for Correctional Officer positions: The duties of these positions involve unusual mental and nervous pressure and require arduous physical exertion involving prolonged walking and standing, restraining of prisoners in emergencies, and participating in escape hunts. Applicants must be physically capable of performing efficiently the duties of these positions and be free from such defects or disease as may constitute employment hazards to themselves or others. The duties of a Correctional Officer are arduous; and sound health as well as physical fitness is required. If applicable, credit will be given for paid and unpaid experience. To receive proper credit, you must show the actual time (such as the number of hours worked per week) spent in activities. **Your eligibility for consideration will be based on your responses to the questions in the application.**

Requirements

Career Transition Programs (CTAP): This program applies to Federal and/or DOJ employees who meet the definition of surplus or displaced from a position in the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: Meet CTAP eligibility criteria; Be rated well-qualified for the position, scoring at least half of the total possible points for the vacancy KSAs or competencies; and Submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP eligibility: A copy of the agency notice (i.e., separation notice or agency RIF letter), Most recent performance appraisal, and Most recent SF-50 showing current/former position, grade, promotion potential, and duty location. See USAJOBS' Career Transition Programs for more information. EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. More information can be found here: U.S Department of Justice - Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Key Requirements: U.S. Citizenship is Required. See Special Conditions of Employment Section.

How to apply

You must apply through the online application system at www.USAJOBS.gov. Follow the prompts to register, answer a few questions and submit all required documents. This position may require the completion of additional forms and/or supplemental materials as described under the Required Documents section. Please carefully review the complete job announcement and the "How to Apply" instructions. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your application not being considered for employment. USAJOBS Help Center - How to Add a Resume to Your Profile All required supporting documentation MUST be received by the Consolidated Staffing Unit by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on 09/18/2026. If applicable see Notice for Preference Eligible Veterans Applicants To preview the application questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13054364