PRISON COUNSELOR
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PRISON COUNSELOR
Salary
$26.00 - $35.85 Hourly
Location
Whitmore Lake, MI
Job Type
Permanent Full Time
Job Number
4749-26-0005-PRISCOUN-CC
Department
Corrections - Woodland Center Correctional Facility
Opening Date
02/11/2026
Closing Date
2/19/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Bargaining Unit
N/A
Description
Benefits
Questions
Job Description
The Michigan Department of Corrections is proud to be a Michigan Veteran's Affairs Agency (MVAA) Gold Level Veteran Friendly Employer.
MDOC is proud to employ nearly 1,500 veterans and actively serving military members across the department. The Department has many benefits and services available to support our military and veteran employees, spouses, and families. Learn more about what makes MDOC a Gold-Level Veteran Friendly Employer here.
Position functions as a professional prison counselor in a prison housing area. This position requires completing a variety of functions related to case work and assisting prisoners with questions they may have and to act as a resource person for the prisoner population as well. The person is a member of the Housing Unit Administrative Team and works also with the RUM, Sgt's, and Housing Unit Corrections officers to manage a housing unit and its' operations. This position also evaluates prisoner's behavior to determine progress made through treatment programs in accordance with policy and procedure.
Required Education and Experience
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
Possession of a bachelor's degree in any major and one year of Department of Corrections' experience.
OR
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.
Additional Requirements and Information
Position Description (https://MCSC.state.mi.us/AgencyPDFs/Prison%20Counselor%20Composite%20PD%20-%206.23%20(Composite%20OCSC%20reviewed).pdf)
View the entire job specification at:https://www.michigan.gov/mdcs/-/media/Project/Websites/mdcs/JOBSPECS/P/PrisonCounselor.pdf
The Department of Corrections will not hire individuals who have been convicted of a felony or who have felony charges pending, in accordance with Public Act 140 of the Public Acts of 1996.
The Department of Corrections may screen out job 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.
** REQUIRED INFORMATION: Employment in the state classified service demands a high degree of loyalty and imposes high ethical standards on employees to ensure the integrity of state government and maintain effective services. All employees must meet these ethical standards and all appointing authorities are obligated to enforce these ethical standards.
As part of this effort all employees are required to report any possible conflict of interest, please review the information and be prepared to respond to questions related to the information in your application.Ethical Standards and Conduct(Note: you do not need to fill out the form)
READ CAREFULLY-- TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE POSITION WE ARE ASKING YOU TO DO THE FOLLOWING:
Apply for this position online via NEOGOV; click on "Apply" in the job posting for instructions on submitting your electronic application. Hard copy applications are not accepted.
Attach a resume identifying specific experience and dates of employment. Dates of employment should include month and year and hours per week.
If applicable/You would like credit for your education, attach a copy of an official transcript(s).
Your education listed cannot be used to credential review you for a position unless a copy of an OFFICIAL transcript confirming your education is attached to your electronic application. We accept scanned copies of official transcripts. We do not accept web-based, internet, or copies of unofficial transcripts. Official transcripts provide the name of the institution, confirmation that a degree was awarded and on what date, and the registrar's signature.
You must provide at least three professional references and their contact information to include phone number, address, email address and fax number.
Current MDOC employees must include their current supervisor as one of three professional references.
Failure to complete any of the above items may result in your application not being considered. Your application for any position does not guarantee you will be contacted by the department/agency for further consideration. Only those applicants interviewed will be notified of the results.
New hires to the MDOC along with previous MDOC employees that are returning after being away from the department for more than two years will complete Non-Custody New Employee Training (NCNET) either 40 hours or 80 hours of initial in-person training based on their level of offender contact and job classification. All new employees will complete additional online training to successfully complete their non-custody new employee training.
Accommodations
If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or selection processes, please contact theADA coordinator (https://www.michigan.gov/ose/-/media/Project/Websites/ose/Contact/RACs.pdf) for the agency that posted this position vacancy.
State employment also offers rewarding careers where you can help Michiganders enjoy better lives. Many State of Michigan jobs offer alternate work schedules and remote-work options that can help give the flexibility you need. The State of Michigan has been recognized as a leading U.S. employer by new graduates from 2021-2023 and a best large U.S. and state employer. Recognized on the international stage for fostering positive employee engagement, the State of Michigan is a past recipient of a North America Government Agency Employees Engagement Award.
More details on benefits for our new hires are below:
Rewarding Work:State of Michigan jobs allow you to serve Michiganders in many different ways depending on your interests and skills. Help preserve and protect our environment and the public health; enforce state laws and regulations; advocate for children, families, and victims of discrimination; support our state's military and veterans; rebuild our state's infrastructure; or support other state agencies through our fiscal, IT, and HR systems.
Insurance Benefits:The State of Michigan offers health, mental health, dental, and vision insurance to eligible career employees, their spouses, and their children. The state also covers a life-insurance benefit of two times employees' annual salary (up to $200,000). The state also offers long-term-disability insurance that can provide continuing benefits if an injury or illness prevents employees from working. More information is available at www.mi.gov/employeebenefits.
Retirement Programs:The State of Michigan offers 401(k) and 457 plans for new hires to save for retirement. The state will automatically contribute an amount equal to 4% of your pay to a 401(k) account. The state will also match up to 5% of your pay if you contribute to your 401(k) account. Your contributions vest immediately, and the state's contributions fully vest after just 4 years. More information is available athttp://www.mi.gov/orsstatedc.
Vacation and Sick Leave:Eligible full-time employees receive between15 and 35 personal daysand 13 sick daysper year that may be rolled over to the following year if not used. Eligible employees also receive an additional day each year for community service or school functions.
Paid Parental Leave:Eligible employees can take 12 weeks of paid leaveimmediately after a birth or adoption to allow needed time together at home with a new child.
Paid Holidays:Eligible employees receive 13 or 14 paid holidays each year including New Year's Eve and Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Election Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Friday, Christmas Eve and Day.
Bonus Programs:Eligible employees with five years of service also receive annual longevity bonuses that grow as seniority increases. Some positions also may qualify for recruitment, retention, and performance bonuses or other special pay premiums.
Military Pay Differential:Employees in the guard or reserves may also qualify for supplemental pay benefits if miliary pay during qualifying duty is less than normal state pay. Prior military service may also allow seniority credits to accelerate eligibility for longevity bonuses and additional personal leave accrual.
Tax-Advantaged Programs:In addition to 401(k) and 457 retirement accounts, the state also offers flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), and qualified transportation fringe benefit (QTFB) programs that can help you save money by reducing your taxable income.
Student Loan Forgiveness:Working for the State of Michigan may allow you to participate in programs that forgive the balance of qualifying student loans. Please view Student Loan Information (https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation) to help determine if you could qualify is available from the U.S. Department of Education.
Tuition Reduction:Some colleges and universities offer savings to eligible employees and family members to further their education while working for the State of Michigan.
Professional Development: To help develop your career, programs are available to apply for reimbursement of up to $2,000 a year for education and training for college course credits and non-degree programs.
Alternative and Remote Work Schedules:Depending on the nature of their duties, many state jobs offer flexible work schedules and remote or hybrid telecommuting options that can help obtain the work-life balance that you seek.
Great Lakes and Great Times:Michigan boasts four Great Lakes, 11,000 inland lakes, 36,000 miles of rivers and streams, 20 million acres of forests, 100 state and national parks and recreation areas, 1,300 miles of bike trails, 6,500 miles of snowmobile trails, the second-most ski areas in the nation, 650 public golf courses, 600 campgrounds, and an international dark-sky park-just for starters. Our cities offer concerts and cultural events, storied sports teams, education hubs, vibrant downtowns, one-of-a-kind craft beverages, and renowned restaurants for every appetite. From urban centers to beach towns to the great outdoors, the opportunities are endless. With your state salary and benefits and Michigan's affordable cost of living, you can explore all that Michigan has to offer.
Updated: 2/28/24
01
PRSNCSRE - Do you possess one of the following? A bachelor's degree or higher 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. If so, please attach a copy of your official college transcripts; OR Possession of a bachelor's degree in any major and one year of Department of Corrections experience. OR An 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.. If so, please attach a copy of your official college transcripts.
Yes
No
02
PRSNCSRE - Please select your level of experience.
None to one year of professional experience providing prison counseling services equivalent to a Prison Counselor.
One to two years of professional experience providing prison counseling services equivalent to a Prison Counselor 9.
At least two years of professional experience providing prison counseling services equivalent to a Prison Counselor, including one year equivalent to a Prison Counselor 10.
03
*CORR1 - Are you a participant in the Return to Work program? This program is for employees that were displaced from their regular jobs due to work injuries which do not allow them to perform their normal work duties.
Yes
No
04
*CORR2 - Are you related to or acquainted with anyone who is currently incarcerated in a State prison, tether program, on parole or felony probation status? (NOTE: an affirmative response to this question will NOT automatically result in you being screened out for consideration)
Yes
No
05
*CORR3 - If yes, indicate name(s), and incarceration/supervision location of prisoner, parolee, or probationer. What is your relationship to the person(s)? If no, enter N/A
06
*CORR6 - Have you participated in an internship with the Michigan Department of Corrections?
Yes
No
07
*CORR7 I confirm that I have reviewed the required information on the Ethical Standards and Conduct via the link provided on the job posting. Based on that review please select the appropriate answer below.
Neither I nor any member of my immediate family (grandparent, parent, parent-in-law, stepparent, sibling, spouse, child or stepchild), have personal or financial interests in a business or entity which is contracted with the State of Michigan. Indicate N/A in the box below if this applies.
I, or a member of my immediate family (grandparent, parent, parent-in-law, stepparent, sibling, spouse, child or stepchild), have personal or financial interests in a business or entity which is contracted with the State of Michigan as summarized below.
08
*CORR8 - If you responded that you or a family member does have a conflict of interest to the question above, please explain in detail below. If you responded neither you nor a family member has a conflict, please enter N/A.
09
*CORR9 - Have you ever been employed by the State of Michigan?
Yes
No
10
*CORR10 - IF you answered yes to the question above, please identify which department, former name if used and/or ID number if known. If you answered no, please enter N/A.
11
*CORR4 - I understand and agree that the Department of Corrections will complete a thorough investigation of my ENTIRE CRIMINAL HISTORY and may verify all data given in the criminal history check. Any material misrepresentation or deliberate omission of a fact in their application may be justification for refusal of, or if employed, termination from employment.
Yes
No
12
*CORR5 - I understand that if selected for an interview, I will be scheduled electronically through NEOGOV. I have provided a valid e-mail and understand it is my responsibility to monitor said e-mail account for interview opportunities. I also acknowledge that correspondence received through NEOGOV may be sent to a junk mail (including state of Michigan junk mail) or spam account and I will monitor those accounts accordingly.
Yes
No
13
VETMIL - Did you serve in the military? If yes, please attach a copy of your separation/discharge papers. It is suggested that you do not include the following @types of information in your uploaded documents: Social Security Number (SSN) or other personal or sensitive information you do not wish be made visible to recruiters. If you answered YES to the above question, please make sure you provide a detailed description of your military experience when completing the Work Experience portion of your application, including rank and specific job duties that would be considered relevant to the position to which you are applying.
Yes
No
Required Question
Employer
State of Michigan
Department
Corrections - Woodland Center Correctional Facility
Address
davist10@michigan.gov
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