Correctional Counselor I

Under general supervision of the Correctional Counselor II, Supervisor and the indirect supervision of the Facility Captain, the Correctional Counselor I (CC-I), a sworn peace officer, interviews incarcerated persons and evaluates their adjustment to and progress in correctional treatment programs; counsels incarcerated persons on personal, institutional and family problems; collects, evaluates and records social, behavioral, and vocational data on incarcerated persons; extrapolates from and contributes to cumulative case history data and makes recommendations pertinent to classification and assignment planning; identifies and reports on special, educational, self-help, vocational, and other programs provided by the Division of Rehabilitative Programs (DRP) as a basis for recommending appropriate programs or vocational training; makes recommendations on changes in classification assignments; prepares board reports on Life Term incarcerated persons for Board of Parole Hearings, prepares pre-release reports for field use; regularly updates placement score and schedules cases for Unit Classification Committee (UCC) and/or Institutional Classification Committee (ICC) and transfer as indicated. Prepares DRB, PC 1171(d) and 1203.03 reports and performs peace officer duties as required. Replaces and/or assists custodial staff during emergency situations such as escapes or riots; utilizes de-escalation/communication/use of force techniques to defend the safety and security of a correctional institution; maintains order and supervises the conduct of inmates; protects and maintains the safety of public, staff, inmates and property while enforcing state and Federal laws, rules, and regulations; inspects premises and searches incarcerated persons for contraband; documents incidents per policy and procedures.

All other duties as required.

Limited Term 12 months; may be extended up to 24 months or become permanent.

Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s). Individuals must specify on their application that they are applying for a Training and Development assignment.


CDCR/CCHCS employees are encouraged to use their existing CDCR email address on their application.


This advertisement is for Correctional Counselor I positions, located at Kern Valley State Prison (KVSP) in Delano, CA (Kern County). Please indicate the position number on your application: View phone number on click.appcast.io-XXX.

Effective July 1, 2025, the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) was implemented. PLP 2025 requires that each full-time employee receive a 3 percent reduction in pay in exchange for 5 hours of PLP 2025 leave credits monthly through June 2027.

Salaries do not reflect the recent changes.


Note: Main communication for this position will be through email. Please ensure to have a valid email address on your application. It is the applicant's responsibility to check their email inbox, to include junk emails, for any correspondences regarding their application status.


You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Working Conditions


About the location - Kern Valley State Prison is located in Delano, the heart of California's Central Valley. With a diverse population, Delano thrives as a melting pot of cultures, each adding its own unique flavor to the community. From lively festivals celebrating the area's Filipino, Mexican, and other heritage groups, to the local farmers' markets showcasing the bountiful produce of Kern County, Delano is a city that embraces its diversity making it an ideal place to live, work, and play.


Delano's thriving business environment provides numerous opportunities for entrepreneurs, retailers, and corporations. The city's strategic location, connected by major highways and rail lines, makes it an attractive hub for commerce and innovation. Local initiatives foster a business-friendly climate, driving growth and prosperity in the region.


For those seeking leisure, Delano offers a plethora of recreational activities. Parks, theaters, museums, and more beckon residents and visitors alike. Annual events like the Harvest Holidays parade and the Cinco de Mayo celebration provide entertainment for all ages, while the city's amenities cater to a modern, fulfilling lifestyle.


Whether you're looking to establish roots, launch a business, or simply experience the warmth of a tight-knit community, Delano awaits. Join us in this city of promise, where the past informs a bright future.


KVSP is a Level IV facility consisting of four semi-autonomous 180 designed facilities and two stand-alone Administrative Segregation Units, all surrounded by a Lethal Electrified Perimeter Fence.


This is a Correctional Institution open 24 hours/7 days a week, all positions will be office centered.


This is a Correctional facility; you will come in contact with incarcerated persons.


There is also a Level I Minimum Support Facility. It is on 600 acres. KVSP received Level I's in June 2005 and Level IV's in July 2005.


Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• CORRECTIONAL COUNSELOR I

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-523015


Position #(s):
View phone number on click.appcast.io-XXX

Working Title:
Correctional Counselor I


Classification:
CORRECTIONAL COUNSELOR I $7,642.00 - $9,162.00 J
$9,249.00 - $11,101.00 K
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.


# of Positions:
1


Work Location:
Kern County


Telework:
In Office


Job Type:
12 Month Limited Term - Full Time


Department Information
Vision

We enhance public safety and promote successful community reintegration through education, treatment and active participation in rehabilitative and restorative justice programs.


Mission

To facilitate the successful reintegration of the individuals in our care back to their communities equipped with the tools to be drug-free, healthy, and employable members of society by providing education, treatment, rehabilitative, and restorative justice programs, all in a safe and humane environment.


Commitment

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and the California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) are committed to transforming the correctional landscape to create safer, more professional, and more fulfilling environments for our employees, the incarcerated population, and those supervised in our communities. Through systemwide improvements grounded in proven and emerging practices, we aim to strengthen rehabilitation, enhance workplace satisfaction, and support successful reentry into the community through our institutions, parole, and community partnerships. Our shared mission is to promote safety, wellness, and human dignity while fostering positive change for all those who live and work within our institutions and communities.


CDCR and CCHCS are committed to building an inclusive respectful workplace. We are determined to attract and hire candidates from all communities and empower employees from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and personal experiences. We are proud to foster inclusion and drive collaborative efforts at all levels of the Department.


CDCR and CCHCS strive to collaborate with the community to enhance public safety and promote successful community reintegration through education, treatment and active participation in rehabilitative and restorative justice programs. Incumbents establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within the department, other governmental agencies, health care partners, and communities.


CDCR/CCHCS values all team members. We work cooperatively to provide the highest level of health care possible to a diverse correctional population, which includes medical, dental, nursing, mental health, and pharmacy. We encourage creativity and ingenuity while treating others fairly, honestly, and with respect, all of which are critical to the success of the CDCR/CCHCS mission.


Human Resources Contact email address:

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Special Requirements
Do NOT include ANY confidential information on any documents you submit for a job vacancy, such as your State application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, student identification number, driver's license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. Confidential information on the first page of applications submitted electronically online, such as Easy ID number, SSN, examination related information, and driver's license number will automatically be redacted upon submission.


Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting Minimum Qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts/diploma for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. If it is determined a candidate does not meet the Minimum Qualifications, the candidate will be withheld from the eligibility list, rendering them inactive and ineligible to be hired for the position. Candidates who have been withheld may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board.


Applicants who completed their education outside of the US (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of U.S. course/degree equivalency. Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at NACES | National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.


Candidates new to CDCR are required to submit to a background investigation process utilizing Live Scan fingerprinting, and Tuberculosis testing prior to appointment followed by department testing on an annual basis thereafter.


When submitting supporting documents, PDF file format is preferred.


CDCR/CCHCS utilizes E-Verify to confirm candidate's identity and employment authorization. For more information about E-Verify, you may go to


This advertisement may be used for other vacancies that occur during the life of this recruitment.


Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 7/13/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s). Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).


How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:


Address for Mailing Application Packages


You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:


Kern Valley State Prison
Postal
Attn: Personnel
PO Box 1810


Delano , CA 93216-1810


Address for Drop-Off Application Packages


You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:


Kern Valley State Prison
Drop-Off
Personnel
3000 W. Cecil Avenue


Delano , CA 93216
Drop Box is not available on weekends, holidays, and after 4 pm from Mon - Fri.
07:00 AM - 04:00 PM


Required Application Package Documents


The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Degree and/or School Transcripts
• Statement of Qualifications -
  A Statement of Qualifications is required and must be submitted with your Examination / Employment Application (STD. 678). Applications received without an appropriate Statement of Qualifications based on the instructions below will be rejected for being incomplete and will not be considered. Resumes, cover letters, and other documents will not be considered as a response to the Statement of Qualifications. Please refer to the "Statement of Qualifications" section below for specific requirements.
  

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.


Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:


Willingness to create and promote an equitable and inclusive workplace where diversity is celebrated and valued.


Benefits
Benefit information can be found on the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) website, , and the CalPERS website, .


Information on benefits afforded by membership in the California Public Employees' Retirement System can be found on the CalHR Salary and Benefits website at .


Information on the benefits and protections provided to public employees by the State Civil Service Act can be found on the CalHR website at .


Additional benefit information can be found on the CalHR California State Civil Service Employee Benefits Summary website at .

This webpage is intended to provide general information. Benefit eligibility may be based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base and length of appointment.


Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
Cassie Palos
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View email address on click.appcast.io


Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Duane Goree AW-HC
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California Relay Service: View phone number on click.appcast.io (TTY), View phone number on click.appcast.io (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.


Additional Information


NOTE: For list eligible applicants, possession of the Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If it is determined an applicant does not meet the MQs, the necessary steps will be taken to have the applicant's name withheld from the eligibility list.


Candidates selected not currently employed with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and/or California Correctional Health Care Services shall be subject to a live scan fingerprinting process to obtain state (DOJ) and federal (FBI) clearances prior to employment.


Applications may be screened and only the most competitive will be invited for an interview.


DEPARTMENTS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO CONTACT ALL CANDIDATES WITH LIST ELIGIBILITY; THEREFORE, CANDIDATES ARE ENCOURAGED TO SEARCH FOR VACANCIES THEY MAY BE ELIGIBILE FOR AND APPLY.


Additional Application Instructions:

Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement.

All information regarding your employment history must be included on the State Employment Application STD. 678. Applications that are submitted blank or with "see resume" in place of duties performed or applications received without the following information for each job entry will be considered incomplete and may not be accepted:


• "To" and "from" dates (month/day/year)
• Hours worked per week
• Private sector job titles
• Supervisor name and phone number
• Job duties performed
• State employees must list the specific departments for which they worked and indicate the specific civil service classification titles held (not working titles).


For helpful guidance on writing an effective SOQ or a Supplemental Questionnaire, please visit Work4CA: How to Write a Statement of Qualifications


Statement of Qualifications


All interested applicants are required to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). The SOQ serves as documentation of each applicant's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Each applicant's SOQ will be reviewed and rated by the hiring panel. The SOQ will be used in conjunction with the interview results to assist the interview panel in determining the most qualified applicant for this position.


You must provide direct responses to each of the numbered items listed below. Each individual response must be numbered and include the full text of the numbered items prior to your response. Please include specific examples of your education, training, and/or experience. Limit your SOQ to a maximum of two (2) pages, single-spaced, twelve-point Arial font. Please include your name, date, and JC number in the right hand corner of the document. Applicants who do not follow these instructions may be excluded from the interview process. A cover letter and or resume do not take the place of the SOQ.


The SOQ should address the following question:

• Describe how your work experience, training, and/or education makes you a qualified candidate for this position as it relates to the Duty Statement and Desirable Qualifications.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.


It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.