MICHIGAN CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
JOB SPECIFICATION
PRISON COUNSELOR
JOB DESCRIPTION
Employees in this job complete and oversee a variety of professional assignments to carry out the
activities of a prison counseling treatment and rehabilitation program. Work is performed by evaluating
prisoners' behavior to determine when progress has been made through treatment programs.
There are three classifications in this job.
Position Code Title - Prison Counselor-E
Prison Counselor 9
This is the entry level. As a trainee, the employee carries out a range of professional prison counselor
assignments while learning the methods of the work.
Prison Counselor 10
This is the intermediate level. The employee performs an expanding range of professional prison
counselor assignments in a developing capacity.
Prison Counselor P11
This is the experienced level. The employee performs a full range of professional prison counselor
assignments in a full-functioning capacity. Considerable independent judgement is used to make
decisions in carrying out assignments that have significant impact on services or programs. Guidelines
may be available, but require adaptation or interpretation to determine appropriate courses of action.
Employees generally progress through this series to the experienced level based on satisfactory performance
and possession of the required experience.
Gives general vocational, academic, social, and personal counseling to individuals.
Evaluates prisoners' behavior, determines when progress has been made through treatment programs.
Processes security classification sheets to determine inmates' custody level.
Prepares reports and progress information for submission to the Parole Board.
Participates in misconduct hearings.
Conducts property hearings to determine what kinds of personal belongings the prisoner will be entitled
to have.
Provides assistance in structuring the total institutional program for the individual prisoner.
Explains the institution and its program to prisoners.
Maintains records, prepares reports, and composes correspondence related to the work.
JOB DUTIES
NOTE:
The job duties listed are typical examples of the work performed by positions in this job classification. Not all
duties assigned to every position are included, nor is it expected that all positions will be assigned every duty.
NOTE:
Develops case histories for use by psychiatrists and administrators for evaluation and treatment of
social factors in the prisoner's situation, and for use in parole planning.
Interviews prisoners, their families and other interested individuals or agencies to obtain personal history
data.
Meets with prisoners and prisoner groups to resolve problems and to explain rules and regulations.
Confers with administrative and medical personnel in formulating plans for work assignments, training
and other aids in institution adjustment and parole preparation.
Participates in the development and implementation of substance abuse policies and programs within
the facility; identifies prisoners with drug abuse problems.
Recommends either discipline or added privileges for prisoners to encourage acceptable behavior.
Performs related work as assigned.
Knowledge of individual and group counseling techniques.
Knowledge of counseling and guidance tools and techniques.
Knowledge of the operations of a correctional facility.
Knowledge of methods of alleviating social, psychological and environmental problems which are
unique to the correctional setting.
Knowledge of correctional facility custody rules, regulations, and procedures.
Knowledge of psychological and social problems in a correctional setting.
Knowledge of correctional treatment and rehabilitation programs.
Knowledge of the goals and objectives of correctional treatment services.
Knowledge of the trends in the treatment of prisoners.
Knowledge of the underlying theories and techniques of social work as it relates to prisoners.
Knowledge of security procedures.
Ability to apply current methods in the development of treatment plans for prisoners.
Ability to obtain and evaluate pertinent information from interviews with prisoners or prisoners' families.
Ability to deal with persons having anti-social attitudes, to win their confidence and influence their
actions.
Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with individuals and groups.
Ability to maintain records, prepare reports, and compose correspondence related to the work.
Ability to communicate effectively with others.
Ability to maintain favorable public relations.
Working Conditions
These jobs are located in a correctional facility.
Physical Requirements
Some knowledge in the area listed is required at the entry level, developing knowledge is required at the
intermediate level, and considerable knowledge is required at the experienced level.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
NOTE:
None
Education
Possession of a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, correctional administration, criminology,
psychology, social work, counseling and guidance, child development, sociology, school social work,
social work administration, family relations, human services, or theology.
Experience
Prison Counselor 9
No specific type or amount is required.
Prison Counselor 10
One year of professional experience providing prison counseling services equivalent to a Prison
Counselor 9.
Prison Counselor P11
Two years of professional experience providing prison counseling services equivalent to a Prison
Counselor, including one year equivalent to a Prison Counselor 10.
Alternate Education and Experience
Prison Counselor 9
Education level typically acquired through the completion of high school and one year as an Assistant
Resident Unit Supervisor 11 or Corrections Shift Supervisor 11; or, two years as a Corrections Field
Services Assistant E10, Corrections Medical Unit Officer E10, Corrections Resident Representative
E10, Corrections Security Representative E10, Corrections Transportation Officer E10, Resident Unit
Officer E10, or Special Alternative Incarceration Officer E10; or, three years as a Corrections Medical
Officer E9 or Corrections Officer E9; or, four years as an ECP Group 3 supervisor with significant
prisoner contact.
OR
Possession of a bachelor’s degree in any major and one year of Department of Corrections experience.
Special Requirements, Licenses, and Certifications
Positions in this class are test-designated and subject to pre-appointment and random-selection drug
and alcohol testing.
The Department of Corrections may screen out applicants who have been convicted of a felony in
accordance with Public Act 191 of 2017. Applicants who have been convicted of a misdemeanor or
felony are ineligible for employment with the Department of Corrections until satisfactory completion of
any sentence imposed, including parole or probation.
JOB CODE, POSITION TITLES AND CODES, AND COMPENSATION INFORMATION
Job Code
Job Code Description
PRISONCSR
PRISON COUNSELOR
NOTE:
Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities
will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Position Title
Position Code
Pay Schedule
Prison Counselor-E
PRSNCSRE
W22-005
JZ
01/27/2019
