Cognitive Counselor: Red Onion State Prison

Cognitive Counselor: Red Onion State Prison #00160

Job no: 5105445

Work type: Full-Time (Salaried)

Location: Wise, Virginia

Categories: Health and Human Services, Public Safety

Title: Cognitive Counselor: Red Onion State Prison #00160

State Role Title: Counselor II

Hiring Range: $49,897.00 - $73,751.00

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Dept of Corr - Central Admin

Location: Red Onion State Prison

Agency Website:

Recruitment Type: Agency Employee Only - A

Job Duties

Coordinate plan, implement, and on-going quality control of institution-wide approaches to Inmate management in area of personal expertise based on the principles of evidence-based practices. Operations and services are founded on the well-established, contemporary body of evidence-based practices for Inmate management that in addition to traditional security tools incorporates the following: effective communication; identifying Inmate criminal risks and substance abuse treatment needs; motivating Inmate change through case plan agreements, incentives, and sanctions; and providing programming/services to address criminogenic needs.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of the principles and techniques of social work or rehabilitative counseling, and of casework and treatment methods including motivational interviewing and various intervention techniques. Knowledge of inmate programs and supervision techniques. Effective communication skills, both orally and in writing. Demonstrated ability to resolve conflict and role model pro-social values and responsible behavior. Demonstrated ability to manage clinical/therapeutic boundaries, and to co-lead multidisciplinary teams while evaluating and documenting inmate treatment progress.

Additional Considerations

Advance knowledge in social work, rehabilitative counseling or other related human services field. Professional certification in a relevant human services field or counseling discipline. Working experience with inmates in reentry, pre-release and/or cognitive community settings.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

If selected as a finalist with the VADOC, candidates can expect the following:


Background Investigation Requirements: All applicants are subject to a background investigation. Investigations may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI); local agency checks; employment verification; verification of education (relevant to employment); credit checks; and other checks based on the position.


Drug Testing Requirements: Applicants applying to a designated safety sensitive position are subject to a pre-employment drug screen. Marijuana use is prohibited for positions that require possession of a firearm or a Commercial Driver's License in the performance of official duties such as Corrections Officers, Probation Officers, Tractor Trailer Drivers and others.


Application Requirements: Application and/or résumé for this position are only accepted electronically through the Commonwealth of Virginia's Electronic Recruitment System. All applications should be submitted by 11:55pm on the closing date for the position. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and/or résumés will not be accepted. The decision to interview an applicant is based solely on the information received for this position from the electronic application and/or résumé.


Layoff Preferences: Applicants who possess an Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Form) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Form) as issued under the Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM) Policy 1.30 Layoff (Commonwealth of VA employees only) MUST attach these forms when submitting their state application and/or résumé.

VADOC is an EEO employer and is committed to supporting workforce diversity, equitable opportunities and inclusivity. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.


VADOC values our Veterans and encourages all to apply and receive preference in the hiring process. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other nation service alumni are also encouraged to apply. Click here for more information: Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program - Virginia Department of Veterans Services.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io

Email: EMAILED APPLICATIONS/RÉSUMÉS / WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR THIS POSITION

In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Note : Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Advertised: 26 May 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: 12 Jun 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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