Correctional Caseworker

Correctional Caseworker

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About Putnamville Correctional Facility: Putnamville Correctional Facility is a medium-security facility in Greencastle, Indiana, with a capacity of more than 2,500 incarcerated adult males. Established in 1914, the facility has earned notable environmental and community service awards. Programming includes The Last Mile, which offers training in coding and multimedia production. Additional programs focus on education, parenting, and vocational development. Incarcerated individuals are encouraged to build skills that support re-entry success. Staff maintain a safe, structured environment focused on rehabilitation.

Role Overview

As a Correctional Caseworker you will coordinate case management matters and facilitate incarcerated individuals access to programs and services, working with them to create case plans, and assisting in preparing their release and re-entry process.

Salary

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $42,900.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience.

A Day in the Life

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Provide guidance to offenders on issues such as job assignments, housing changes, facility transfers, and other facility procedures.
• Act as a liaison between prospective employers, courts, community, and governmental agencies for the purpose of job development and release adjustment.
• Assess each assigned offender's risk and needs utilizing the Indiana Risk Assessment System (IRAS).
• Create individualized case plans that address the offender's risk and needs, track facility program and job participation, and prioritize interventions that address higher risk criminal behaviors.
• Effectively document interactions with assigned offender population and the offender's progress during incarcerations.
• Coordinate with all appropriate facility staff to address re-entry and release issues.
• Prepare documentation related to an offender's temporary absences and progress reports, including case notes and program referrals over the course of an offender's incarceration.
• Coordinate with the classification department staff to make appropriate classification recommendations for offenders.
• Conduct unit orientation for newly received offenders.
• Adhere to the re-entry policies to ensure all quality assurance job tasks are completed in accordance with policy.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

What You'll Need for Success

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Must test negative on all drug screenings.
• Within 90 days of hire, you must obtain the Indiana Risk Assessment System Certification through the Indiana Office of Court Services.
• Complete all mandatory training including the DOC Training Program, Case management specific training, First Aid, and CPR courses.
• A degree is not required. However, a High School Diploma or High School Equivalent (HSE) and at least 1+ years of experience in social work, corrections, criminal justice, or related field applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.
• Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

This role provides supervision for incarcerated individuals and requires a high level of judgment and care.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to: 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity: The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role.