CORRECTIONAL COUNSELOR I

Job Description and Duties

This job posting is being used to fill a limited-term, full-time Correctional Counselor I position. Limited term appointments are for 12 months; may be extended up to 24 months or become permanent.

This vacancy will be filled in accordance with implemented hiring restrictions. This advertisement may be used for other vacancies that occur during the life of this recruitment.

You must have taken and passed the examination for the Correctional Counselor I  classification, be a current state employee with lateral transfer eligibility, or have reinstatement eligibility to apply.

Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).

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.

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

Note : Main communication for this position will be through email. Please ensure you have a valid email address on your application.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

Position is located at Valley State Prison in Chowchilla .

Valley State Prison is in the central San Joaquin Valley about 30 miles north of Fresno and close to Yosemite National Park.  Surrounding communities are affordable and offer excellent educational opportunities.  

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 should include your unofficial transcripts/diploma for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. If it is determined an applicant 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: 

Candidates new to CDCR/CCHCS are required to submit to a background investigation process utilizing Live Scan Fingerprinting, as well as a Tuberculosis test/evaluation prior to appointment, followed by department annual Tuberculosis testing/evaluation 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.

If you are personally delivering your application, you must do so between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday – Friday, on or before the final filing date.

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:

• Must have strong verbal and written communication skills to interact with staff, management, other agencies, incarcerated population, and the public effectively, tactfully, and professionally and write comprehensive, complete, and concise reports
• Excellent organizational and planning skills to efficiently manage a high-volume caseload
• Ability to prioritize and work under pressure to meet deadlines
• Knowledge of correctional casework procedures, incarcerated persons (IP) classification, court mandates, and IP discipline
• Demonstrate good judgement/leadership and make sound decisions and recommendations in high stress situations
• Ability to complete multiple tasks, changing priorities, and coordinate assignments efficiently, independently, and by established deadlines
• Ability to read, analyze, evaluate, and apply complex policies, laws, and rules
• Ability to perform peace officer duties (e.g. escort, search, etc.) in order to maintain the safety and security of the institution, staff, incarcerated population, and public and maintain all mandatory peace officer qualifications (e.g. firearms, chemical agents, etc.)
• Must possess basic computer skills in Word, Excel, Outlook, SOMS, and ERMS
• Shall 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.

STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS

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

Applications received without an appropriate SOQ based on the instructions below will be rejected for being incomplete and will not be considered.

Additionally, resumes, cover letters, and all other documents will not be considered as a response to the SOQ. The completed SOQ must follow this format:

No more than two single sided pages, standard letter-sized paper, single spaced, and 12 point Arial font. Your document needs to be titled “Statement of Qualifications” and your first and last name must be typed at the top of each page. In your SOQ, describe your experience and skills as it relates to the questions below. Type the question number and question before your response.

1.  Describe your verbal communication skills and experience, as you often will interact with both the incarcerated population and their outside support system in providing information, or recommendations to the incarcerated population, peers, and the public.

2.  Reliability, thoroughness, and the ability to work independently are essential qualities / traits of a successful Correctional Counselor I.  Please provide specific details of how you demonstrate these qualities / traits within your current job assignment.

3. Describe your ability to work independently, establish priorities, and develop a plan of action to meet deadlines.

4.  A Correctional Counselor I is responsible for a caseload of up to 120 Incarcerated People in the Enhanced Outpatient Program (EOP), or up to 148 in General Population.  Describe how you would maintain an organized caseload and meet all work deadlines.

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.
• Statement of Qualifications -

  A Statement of Qualifications is required and must be submitted with your Employment Application (STD. 678). Applications received without an appropriate Statement of Qualifications based on the instructions provided 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.

• Other -

  A copy of your college transcripts is required, reflecting the required/qualifying education. Please refer to the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Class Specifications for additional information on required/qualifying education.  Applications submitted without required proof of education will be rejected.