Cognitive Counselor

Job Duties

The Regional Roving Cognitive Counselor will cover 1-2 institutions for the Western region, Wallens Ridge, Red Onion and or the Western Regional Office.

The agency mission is to help people be better by safely providing effective incarceration, supervision, and evidence-based reentry services to inmates, probationers, and parolees.

To provide evidence-based substance use disorder programs based on the COMPAS
Risk Assessment substance abuse need in order to reduce substance use among inmate population and support a substance free lifestyle. To enhance substance use disorder staff training, to expand substance use disorder programs within VADOC correctional facilities.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university with some experience in the substance use disorder field. Basic knowledge of the principles and techniques of rehabilitative counseling specific to individuals with Substance Use Disorder (SUD); of casework and treatment methods, motivational interviewing and intervention techniques. Knowledge of evidence-based practices principals and programs to address SUD. Demonstrated ability to resolve conflict, role model pro-social values and responsible behavior, to manage clinical boundaries and document supervisee treatment progress. Skills and ability to facilitate evidence-based cognitive-behavioral programs and peer support groups. Ability to work both independently and as a key part of a multidisciplinary team. Ability to be a leader for others and to practice dialogue skills. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to prioritize and organize work. Demonstrated ability to facilitate staff training.

Preferred Qualifications:

Prefer Masters degree from an accredited college or university in Human Services field with
coursework in social work, rehabilitation counseling, or other related human services field.
Prefer Professional Certification in- Substance Use Disorder (CSAC, CCJP).

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.

Tobacco Free: All VADOC facilities are Tobacco free. Use of all tobacco products is always prohibited on site.
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.