Career Pathways Corrections Counselor

The Career Pathways Counselor provides guidance and support to incarcerated adults participating in educational programs.  The role focuses on career planning, vocational training, and personal development, helping students build the skills and confidence necessary to pursue meaningful employment and reintegrate successfully into society.  This role requires collaboration with educational staff, corrections personnel, and external organizations to facilitate opportunities for career exploration and post-release success.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Career Counseling and Guidance

• Assist students in identifying career interests, skills, and goals through assessments, interviews, and workshops
• Collaborate with educational staff, corrections personnel, and external organizations to facilitate opportunities for career exploration and post-release success
• Develop personalized career plans that will align with the student’s abilities, educational background, and their post-release goals
• Provide information, presenters, and workshops on various career pathways, including vocational training, certifications, and college courses that will further education opportunities

Program Coordination

• Collaborate with instructional staff to integrate career readiness components into educational programs
• Facilitate workshops on resume writing, interview techniques, workplace skills, and job strategies
• Coordinate with external organizations to provide access to apprenticeships, internships or transitional employment programs
• Other related duties as assigned

Resource Development and Networking

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of labor market trends, high-demand industries and employment opportunities
• Establish partnerships with employers, community organizations and workforce development programs to connect students with resources and support
• Create a pamphlet that can be distributed to the students that will be tailored to the needs and resources that students may need upon release

Student Support

• Address barriers to career success, including criminal history, gaps in employment and lack of soft skills
• Provide strategies for personal development through goal setting, time management, and conflict resolution
• Provide referrals to supportive services: housing, food bank, case management, drug and alcohol

Assessment and Reporting

• Track student progress and outcomes, including certifications, job placement, and reentry success stories
• Prepare detailed reports on the program’s effectiveness and recommend improvements
• Input data into the Bureau of Justice and PMT reporting systems

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Social Work, Education, or related field  
• Experience of Certification in Career Development, Workforce Development, or related field
• 3 years or more of experience preferred in corrections education/counseling, adult education or workforce development

• Ability to plan and organize daily work
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing

Computer Skills

• Basic MS Office skills

Additional Requirements

• Ability to successfully pass Federal and State criminal background check and State of Pennsylvania Child Abuse screening