Correctional Program Specialist

Schedule: Full-time

Who We Are…

Guided by a single mission “To reduce recidivism among those we touch,” the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction believes that everyone is capable of positive change. Our staff embrace these core values and serves as role models for pro-social behavior conveying an attitude of dignity and respect in the treatment of others.

What We Do…

The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction has been tasked with front line crime reduction through rehabilitative treatment and programming efforts provided in a safe, secure and humane correctional environment and effective community supervision. Our goal is to protect the public through helping individuals turn away from crime and become productive, contributing members of our communities, ensuring a safer Ohio for all Ohioans now and in the future.

To learn more about our agency, please visit our website at

Are You Ready?

We are thrilled to see that you are interested in beginning your career with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction! Without a doubt, this will be the most rewarding and meaningful work you’ll ever find with a work family that is second to none!

This is an internal posting. Only ODRC employees will be considered.

What You’ll Do:

This position works under general supervision and requires working knowledge of correctional social programs and program techniques.

• Completes risk assessments and case planning utilizing ORAS (Ohio Risk Assessment System), OnBase and DOTS Portal for assigned caseload.

• Plans and conducts unit programming (social and rehabilitative) for incarcerated persons.

• Assesses programming efforts of participants upon completion.

• Interviews inmates for inclusion in programs.

• Makes appropriate referrals for programs and services within the institution.

• Coordinates activities with volunteers and/or community service providers.

• Maintains records of incarcerated people’s program participation.

• Communicates with stakeholders regarding incarcerated people’s status and program progress.

• Provides direct contact services for incarcerated persons assigned to a specific living unit and caseload.

• Writes reports and correlates data as needed to include release planning, parole board packets and classification.

• Approves or refers visitation applications and collects personal and family information.

• Responds to kites at the unit level.

• Assists in the administration of orientation programs for incarcerated persons in the unit.

• Coordinates and arranges for outside agencies and community service providers to augment existing institutional programming and services [e.g., OBB (Ohio Benefits Bank), VA (Veterans Administration) and ODJFS (Ohio Department of Job and Family Services)].

• Responds to correspondence from community agencies, families, and public inquiries.

• Obtains release of information reports when required for outside agencies.

• Monitors student interns and volunteers in the absence of the unit manager.

• Serves on various institutional committees (e.g., Classification, Rules Infraction Board).

• Directs the unit as assigned in the absence of the unit manager.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Attends meetings and trainings.

A minimum of 76 hours of unit management coverage per week per unit, will be required from unit staff, excluding secretaries and unit officers, to include late nights and weekends. In order to achieve 76 hours of coverage, the Unit Team, when developing proposed schedules, must stay within the following guidelines:

• There should be at least 13 hours of unit coverage Monday through Thursday

• There should be at least 8 hours of coverage Friday through Sunday

• Schedules for week day coverage (Monday-Thursday) should not begin before 7:00 AM or end before 8:00 PM

• Schedules for weekend coverage (Friday through Sunday) should not begin before 7:00 AM or end before 3:00 PM

• There will be no unit coverage provided on holidays

What's in it for you:

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

Medical Coverage

Quality, affordable, and competitive medical benefits are offered through the available Ohio Med plans.

Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance

Dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums are free after completed eligibility period. Length of eligibility period is dependent on union representation.

Time Away From Work and Work/Life Balance

Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave

11 paid holidays per year

Childbirth/Adoption leave

Employee Development Funds

The State of Ohio offers a variety of educational and professional development funding that varies based on whether you are a union-exempt employee or a union-represented employee.

Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

OPERS is the retirement system for State of Ohio employees. The employee contributes 10% of their salary towards their retirement. The employer contributes an amount equal to 14% of the employee’s salary. Visit the OPERS website for more information.

Deferred Compensation

The Ohio Deferred Compensation program is a 457(b) voluntary retirement savings plan. Visit the Ohio Deferred Compensation website for more information.

18 mos. exp in social or behavioral science or criminal justice or human services; 6 mos. exp in one or more of the following: report writing, record keeping, interviewing, counseling or contact with social service agencies.

-Or completion of associate core program in social or behavioral science or criminal justice or human services; 6 mos. exp in one or more of the following: report writing, record keeping, interviewing, counseling or contact with social service agencies.

-Or completion of undergraduate core program in social or behavioral science or criminal justice or human services.

-Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above.

Job Skills: Counseling and Rehabilitation, Social Services, Risk Assessment, Direct Support/Direct Care, Investigation, Technical Documentation, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Customer Focus, Time Management, Establishing Relationships