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Associate Correctional Counselor Jobs in Portland, OR

Associate's degree in criminal justice, corrections, counseling, psychology, sociology, social work, or related field AND one (1) year of work experience related to accounting, insurance claims ...

Restitution Specialist

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$29.73 - $36.11/hr

Associate's degree in criminal justice, corrections, counseling, psychology, sociology, social work, or related field AND one (1) year of work experience related to accounting, insurance claims ...

Coding Payment Resolution Spec

Clackamas, OR · On-site

$19.75 - $25.25/hr

High school diploma or Associate degree in Accounting or Business Administration or related field ... counseling, financial clearance, accounting or customer service activities or an equivalent ...

Dispatcher

Clackamas, OR · On-site

$59K - $69K/yr

Associates degree from an accredited college or university, in related field. * Basic computer set ... Hearing. Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction.

Associates degree from an accredited college or university, in related field. * Basic computer set ... Hearing. Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction.

Associate Correctional Counselor information

See Portland, OR salary details

$35.5K

$66.7K

$88K

How much do associate correctional counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate correctional counselor in Portland, OR is $66,735.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,800.00 and $75,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate correctional counselor?

To thrive as an Associate Correctional Counselor, you need a background in criminal justice or behavioral sciences, strong case management skills, and often a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with case management software, inmate record systems, and knowledge of correctional policies and procedures are commonly required. Excellent communication, conflict resolution, and empathy are vital soft skills for building rapport and effectively guiding offenders. These abilities are essential to ensure the safety, rehabilitation, and successful reintegration of individuals within the correctional system.

What are some common challenges faced by associate correctional counselors, and how can they be addressed?

Associate Correctional Counselors often encounter challenges such as managing large caseloads, addressing the diverse needs of inmates, and maintaining professional boundaries in a correctional environment. Effective time management, clear communication, and ongoing training in conflict resolution and counseling techniques are essential for success. Building strong relationships with both inmates and multidisciplinary staff can also help counselors navigate these challenges and contribute to a safer, more supportive facility.

What is an associate correctional counselor?

Associate Correctional Counselors are professionals who work within correctional facilities to support the rehabilitation and well-being of inmates. They assist in evaluating inmates' needs, developing treatment plans, and providing guidance on educational, vocational, and behavioral programs. These counselors also help inmates prepare for reintegration into society by coordinating resources and services. Their work is vital in promoting positive behavioral change and reducing recidivism. They often collaborate with other correctional staff, mental health professionals, and community agencies.

Are associate correctional counselors in demand?

Associate correctional counselors are in steady demand due to ongoing needs for rehabilitation and mental health support within correctional facilities. Employment opportunities are often influenced by government funding, facility size, and regional criminal justice policies, with roles typically requiring relevant certifications and counseling skills.

What is the difference between Associate Correctional Counselor vs Correctional Counselor?

AspectAssociate Correctional CounselorCorrectional Counselor
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may require an associate degreeBachelor's degree in criminal justice, psychology, or related field
Work EnvironmentCorrectional facilities, juvenile detention centersCorrectional facilities, community supervision settings
Employer & Industry UsageState and federal correctional agencies, private prisonsState correction departments, federal agencies, community programs
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles, certification requirementsCareer progression, responsibilities, qualifications

In summary, an Associate Correctional Counselor typically requires fewer formal qualifications and works in entry-level positions within correctional facilities. A Correctional Counselor usually holds a bachelor's degree and has more responsibilities in offender rehabilitation and case management. Both roles are essential in the criminal justice system but differ mainly in education requirements and scope of duties.

What are popular job titles related to Associate Correctional Counselor jobs in Portland, OR? For Associate Correctional Counselor jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Associate Correctional Counselor jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Associate Correctional Counselor job openings:

Addiction & Recovery Counselor I or II (Turning Point SUD Treatment)

Cascadia Health

Portland, OR • On-site

$48K - $64K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Cascadia Health rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Addiction & Recovery Counselor I or II (Turning Point SUD Treatment)
Job Overview
Location/Schedule: This position is located at The Columbia River Correctional Institution in Portland, OR. The schedule for this position is either Monday through Thursday, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. or Tuesday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Position: Addiction and Recovery Counselor I or II
Program: Turning Point SUD Treatment
Cascadia's Mission and Vision
Mission: Cascadia Health delivers whole health care integrated mental health and addiction services, primary care, and housing to promote hope and support the well-being of the communities we serve.
Vision: We envision a community where everyone benefits from whole health care, experiences well-being, and has a self-directed, connected life.
Position Description: The Addiction and Recovery Counselor provides substance use disorder (SUD) services to assigned clients, including assessment, development of treatment plans, and individual therapy, that are tailored to each client's needs. The Turning Point programs uses evidence-based interventions to address to address criminogenic risk factors and substance use with the goal to promote long term recovery and reduce recidivism. It offers adults in Custody who are referred to the program by the Oregon Department of Corrections (ODOC), intensive group and individual counseling to help them recover from their addictions and related issues. Turning Point puts a strong emphasis on community reintegration, with focus on referral for housing, employment services and continuing care upon release.
Essential Duties
This position description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities or an all inclusive job description.
  • Facilitate both treatment groups and individual counseling using evidence based practices i.e. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivation Interviewing
  • Provide case management; collaborate with treatment team members and DOC counselors to support treatment plan
  • Provide milieu support by monitoring problematic behavior; deescalate as necessary
  • Provide treatment planning; identify risk factors associated for relapse and recidivism
  • Complete Substance Abuse and ASAM LOC behavioral health assessments
  • Adhere to compliance, required laws and complete annual required trainings I.e. Mandatory abuse reporting laws and HIPPA
  • Participate in all scheduled staff meetings, supervision sessions, and other departmental and agency meetings.
  • Document and maintain clinical records in a manner that assures compliance with all agency policy and procedures and local, state and federal regulations through use of Electronic Health Record System (EHR)
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
  • Addiction and Recovery Counselor I: Must be a CADC- Registrant
  • Addiction and Recovery Counselor II: Must be a CADC I or II
  • It is preferred that the clinician already have a CADC certification.
  • Certification, Associates degree, or specific education focused on substance abuse treatment is preferred
  • Six months to a year of experience providing SUD treatment or practicum experience is required
  • Familiar with de-escalation techniques
  • Knowledge of culturally specific services
  • Knowledge of Trauma Informed Care
  • Understanding of Recovery Model and Motivational Interviewing
  • Knowledge of evidence based practices and strength based philosophies
  • Knowledge of Microsoft office suite (I.e. word, Power Point, Excel)
  • Operate computer programs and systems at a level needed to perform the essential duties
  • Able to commute to other Cascadia sites and locations as needed.

Working Conditions
  • Environmental: Work is performed in a minimum-security, male prison.
  • Operating Hours: This position generally works 8:00 am to 6:30 pm, four days a week (4-ten's).
  • Mental: Meal periods and breaks are subject to interruption. Regularly remaining aware and alert is critical to detect and address escalated, potentially volatile situations. Universal precautions should be taken due to exposure to disease, biohazards, noise and contaminants.
  • Physical Demands: Being stationary is constant in this role for completing documentation and facilitating groups and individual counseling with clients. Requires constant verbal communication with staff and clients, ability to hear the institutional radio and client interactions. Must constantly be aware in this environment and be able to judge what is going on around you. Requires regular ability to move about the workspace, from office to group rooms or client day rooms. Regularly ability provide documentation an EHR system and create emails. On occasion may stoop for emergency drills. On occasion, may need to run in an emergency situation.

Cascadia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at 503.963.7654.
Benefits
We offer generous benefits for our full-time and part-time employees (20 hours + pro-rated) including:
  • Generous Paid Time Off Package - Full-time employees earn 6 weeks of PTO in their first year!
  • Medical and Dental Coverage (begins 1st of the month following hire date)
  • VSP Vision Discount Plan
  • 403(b) Retirement Plan - Eligible after 60 days with immediate 100% vesting and a 1-to-1 company match up to 3% per pay period,plus the opportunity for an additional discretionary contribution (up to 5%) at the end of the fiscal year.
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA) (Medical, dependent care, and transportation options)
  • Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance
  • Paid Bereavement and Jury Duty Leave
  • Length of Service Award
  • Voluntary Life Insurance
  • Supplemental Insurance
  • Student loan forgiveness options

Wellness Benefits:
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Bike to Work Reimbursement
  • Discounted Fitness Memberships
  • Trauma Support Team

Starting Rate Range in USD ($)
$24.72 - $25.84

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