Entry Level Behavioral Science Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Initial Posting Date:
07/13/2026
Application Deadline:
07/23/2026
Agency:
Department of Corrections
Salary Range:
$6,895 - $9,140
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Special Housing Program Coordinator, Correctional Counselor with Entry level option (Salem)
Job Description:
Special Housing Program Coordinator, Correctional Counselor with Entry level option (Salem)
Oregon State Correctional Institution
Oregon Department of Corrections
Oregon State Correctional Institution (OSCI) is seeking a motivated, collaborative professional to step into the role of Special Housing Coordinator. This position provides leadership, structure, and coordination for programming within the Special Housing Unit.
Candidates who do not meet the minimum qualifications for the Correctional Counselor may be considered as an underfill in the Entry Correctional Counselor classification.
An underfill must meet the minimum qualifications for the lower classification and would receive the pay in accordance with the lower classifications salary range until they meet the minimum qualification for the full position. At that time the successful candidate would be moved to the higher classification and salary range.
The salary range for the underfill is: $5,483- $6,578.
Preference may be given to candidates who can meet the full qualifications.
About the Job - Your Role
The Special Housing Program Coordinator is responsible for directing, managing, and coordinating all program activities within OSCI's Special Housing Unit. This role is critical in supporting AIC stabilization, behavior change, and successful transition back to general population while maintaining institutional safety and security.
Key Responsibilities

• Create and implement existing and new program components that are consistent with sound corrections policy to enhance AIC transition
• Facilitates evidence-based programs in special housing units statewide, some examples include Getting Started, Social Values, Responsible Thinking, Self-Control, Peer Relationships, Family ties, Substance Use, and Seeking Employment.
• Utilizes techniques such as motivational interviewing and Trauma Informed Care, derived from contractor or internal DOC trainers, to facilitate behavior change and address identified patterns of behavior.
• Records data, tracks participants, and evaluates participation detail while collaborating with resource providers and multi-disciplinary teams
• Meets with AICs one-on-one to review curriculum assignments assigned by special housing program coordinators and provide individual services.
• Prepares and provides weekly and monthly reports to multidisciplinary teams and the Assistant Superintendent of Special Housing to assist with updating unit data.

This position is represented by American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). This position may be eligible for Police & Fire (P&F) benefits through Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), as defined by statute.
Minimum Qualifications
Your application materials will be reviewed to verify that you have:

• Bachelor's degree in a behavioral science, criminal justice or related field with major coursework in behavioral science; AND have two (2) years of professional counseling experience working with clientele in a social service or rehabilitative program; OR
• Three (3) years of experience in a social service, rehabilitative, or correctional program with primary responsibility for guiding and/or counseling individuals or groups in the solution of occupational, educational, personal, or social problems AND two (2) years of professional counseling experience working with clientele in a social service or rehabilitative program; OR
• Master's degree in a behavioral science or criminal justice AND one (1) year of professional counseling experience working with clientele in a social service or rehabilitative program.

Experience in any security series position in and of itself does not substitute for the required minimum qualifications.
NOTE: Professional counseling experience must include providing supportive counseling to clients on a one-to-one basis with full responsibility for developing and managing each case plan.
Entry Level/Underfill Minimum Qualifications:

• Three (3) years of experience in a social service, rehabilitative, or correctional program with primary responsibility for guiding and/or counseling individuals or groups in the solution of occupational, educational, personal, or social problems; OR
• a Bachelor's degree in a behavioral science or a related field with major courses in behavioral science.

Experience in any security series position in and of itself does not substitute for the required minimum qualifications.
NOTE: Professional counseling experience must include providing supportive counseling to clients on a one-to-one basis with full responsibility for developing and managing each case plan.
Requested Skills

• Ability to create and implement program components that align with sound corrections policy to support AIC transition.
• Experience facilitating evidence-based programs such as Getting Started, Social Values, Responsible Thinking, Self-Control, Peer Relationships, Family Ties, Substance Use, and Seeking Employment.
• Ability to utilize motivational interviewing and Trauma Informed Care techniques during program facilitation and individual interventions.
• Experience recording data, tracking participants, and evaluating participation details in coordination with resource providers and multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to meet with AICs one-on-one to review curriculum assignments and provide individual services.
• Experience preparing weekly and monthly reports for multidisciplinary teams and facility leadership to support unit data updates.
• Ability to closely collaborate with stakeholders such as security, BHS, and medical

Application Information

• In the Work Experience section of your application make sure to include the dates and duties of all relevant positions and details to support how you meet these attributes. If you do not include education or work experience meeting the minimum qualifications, you will not be considered for the position. Only the candidates whose experience most closely matches the qualifications and requested skills of this position will be invited to interview. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications on or before the job posting close date.
• The job posting closes at 11:59 PM (PDT/PST) on the close date. After you submit your application, be sure to respond to the two questionnaires relating to public records requests and veterans' preference immediately following your submittal. These questions are necessary to complete the application process.
• Please monitor both your email and Workday account for updates regarding this recruitment.
• As part of our selection process, we may require additional assessment stages, such as written exercises, to further evaluate candidates' qualifications. Meaningful participation in these exercises is required for all applicants moving forward in the process. Failure to complete the required exercise(s) within the specified timeframe will result in disqualification from consideration. All candidates who successfully complete these screening stages and meet the necessary requirements will advance to the next stage in the selection process.
• Please save a copy of this job announcement for reference, as it is not available for you to view after the announcement deadline.

Working Conditions
The Oregon Department of Corrections is tobacco free. Use of tobacco products is prohibited within the buildings or on the grounds.
Work is performed in a prison, housing maximum, close, and medium custody AICs. The AICs have the potential for becoming angry, hostile, abusive, and aggressive increasing the risk to employees for physical injury, death, and/or being taken hostage. There is an inherent responsibility to aid through recall and/or reassignment during AIC unrest and other emergency situations occurring at the institution.
All employees are required to use a computer for electronic mail and related AIC work systems in the regular performance of their duties. Daily use of computers for extended periods of time is normal. Overtime when required when there are emergencies or a need for immediate programming services, is mandatory. Some travel and use of a state car may be required including occasional in-state and out-of-state overnight travel.
This employee will be expected to share the mission, vision and core values of the Department. This position requires active modeling of pro-social behaviors in support of a workplace environment respectful of human dignity, social responsibility, personal growth, and transition readiness. This employee must be able to acknowledge that everyone is capable of positive change, that incarceration provides a powerful opportunity to effect positive change, and that the future public safety of Oregon depends on maintaining environments where such change is valued and nurtured.
All employees shall be expected to interact with co-workers, AICs and the public in a professional, respectful manner. This includes refraining from any type of behavior, action or language that could be perceived as hostile, discriminatory, intimidating, violent or abusive.
About the Department
The Oregon Department of Corrections is responsible for over 12,000 adults in custody in 12 state prisons throughout Oregon. It advises and evaluates counties regarding administration of probation and parole programs supervising more than 24,000 offenders in Oregon communities. The mission is to protect communities, promote accountability, and transform lives.
The Oregon Department of Corrections serves a diverse and changing population of people who are incarcerated and on supervision. We commit to creating an organization both reflecting the diversity of the population we serve and ensuring all employees thrive in a culture of safety, trust, and belonging. We strive to be an anti-racist corrections system. Welcoming, inclusive, and respectful of all people. Free of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.
The Department offers a variety of programs and opportunity to create a safe and healthy environment to for our staff, volunteers, and adults in custody. Joining the Oregon Department of Corrections is joining a team working for the benefit of our communities through innovative and proven correctional practices.
Benefits
The salary range listed above is for non-PERS qualifying applicants. PERS qualifying applicants may be eligible for an adjusted range to reflect an additional 6.95%.
The State of Oregon provides a generous benefit package, which includes:

• Family health, vision, and dental insurance
• Vacation, sick leave, and 11 paid holidays
• 21 days paid military leave for national guard and reserve components
• Optional short and long-term disability
• Term life insurance
• Fully paid retirement program
• Oregon Saving Growth Plan
• Flexible spending accounts for health and childcare
• And more

About the Process - What to Expect

• After the application deadline, a recruiter will review submissions for education and experience to identify candidates who best fit the minimum qualifications and requested skills.
• Top candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
• The hiring manager will review your application and schedule interviews.
• Interview will be held with a panel of stakeholders who have completed panel assessment training. Scores will be determined based on predetermined questions and scoring guides. Preferences points will be applied in compliance with relevant laws and bargaining agreements. There may be multiple rounds of interviews.
• Final candidates will have a background check, PREA check, and reference checks.
• A Classification and Compensation analyst will review the Workday Application of the successful candidate to determine starting wages. Learn more about Equal Pay.
• A job offer will be extended through Workday to the successful candidate. Congratulations, and welcome to the team!

Requirements for Employment
The successful candidate for this position must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility. Due to CJIS requirements related to system access, there may be some felony convictions that could disqualify you for this position. However, having a felony record does not exclusively restrict you from being considered as an applicant. CJIS clearance is done at the conditional job offer. If you have questions about whether or not your criminal record could disqualify for you, please contact the recruiter for more information.
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDI&B) is embedded in the Department of Corrections core values. The department strives to be a model employer committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Ensuring legal compliance, efficiency, and exceeding expectations to deliver the best public services.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran or protected veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics. Additional information can be found from The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Know Your Rights.
The Oregon Department of Corrections is responsible for complying with the Federal Priso