Embark on a Career as a Correctional Treatment Specialist with the Federal Bureau of Prisons
Are you looking for a career that combines clinical expertise with a commitment to public safety? The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is currently hiring for a Correctional Treatment Specialist (Drug Abuse Treatment Specialist) in Bryan, Texas. This role is a unique opportunity to provide high-level support, counseling, and substance abuse treatment within a federal facility, directly influencing the successful rehabilitation and reentry of individuals into the community.
Job Responsibilities
As a Drug Abuse Treatment Specialist (DATS), your primary responsibilities will include:
- Providing Direct Care: Facilitating individual therapy sessions and group counseling centered on the rational behavioral therapy model.
- Treatment Planning: Conducting eligibility and psychosocial assessments to develop customized treatment plans for program participants.
- Educational Outreach: Leading drug education sessions and training fellow prison staff on the intricacies of addiction and correctional treatment programs.
- Team Collaboration: Participating in unit team meetings to provide clinical insights and recommendations regarding participant progress.
- Ensuring Security: Maintaining the safety and security of the institution, which takes precedence over all other duties.
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-9 position, candidates must meet specific criteria:
Comparison of Qualifications
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor's degree with 24+ semester hours in social/behavioral sciences. |
| Advanced Requirement | Master's degree (or 2 years grad study) in a related field. |
| Experience | 1 year of specialized experience in counseling or correctional casework. |
| Selective Factors | 12 hours of graduate coursework in clinical/counseling or 12 months professional treatment experience. |
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a competitive salary range of $63,780 to $82,301 per year. Beyond the salary, employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance.
- Retirement benefits via the FERS system.
- Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
- Federal holiday pay and stability.
Application Tips
- Be Precise: Ensure your resume includes the number of hours worked per week, as this is essential for verifying your experience.
- Highlight the Selective Factors: Your resume must explicitly document your clinical experience or graduate internship hours, or you will be automatically disqualified.
- Upload Documents Early: Do not wait until the last minute. Ensure your transcripts are clearly labeled and legible.
If you are a driven professional looking to apply your clinical skills in a challenging and rewarding environment, the Bureau of Prisons is the place to be. Apply today to help build a safer community.
Why This Correctional Treatment Specialist (Drug Abuse Treatment Specialist) Job Matters
Make a lasting impact on public safety and individual recovery as a Correctional Treatment Specialist at the Bureau of Prisons in Bryan, Texas.
Correctional Treatment Specialist (Drug Abuse Treatment Specialist) Job Overview
The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is seeking a dedicated professional to serve as a Drug Abuse Treatment Specialist (DATS). In this role, you will provide vital clinical services, including individual therapy, group counseling, and substance abuse treatment planning within a correctional setting. This position is central to the BOP's mission of ensuring institutional security while preparing individuals for successful reentry into society. You will utilize evidence-based practices to support rehabilitation, conduct psychosocial assessments, and educate staff on addiction treatment programs.
Requirements for Correctional Treatment Specialist (Drug Abuse Treatment Specialist)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must hold a degree with at least 24 semester hours in behavioral or social sciences (e.g., psychology, sociology, social work, criminal justice).
- Must meet Selective Factors: 12 semester hours of graduate work in clinical/counseling psychology or social work with an internship/practicum, OR 12 months of professional experience in treating mental health/substance use disorders.
- Must possess two years of progressively higher-level graduate education (master's degree level) or one year of specialized experience.
- Must successfully complete 'Introduction to Correctional Techniques' training.
- Must pass a pre-employment background investigation, drug test, and physical exam.
- Maximum entry age of 36 applies for original appointment, with some exemptions for veterans.
Preferred Qualifications for Correctional Treatment Specialist (Drug Abuse Treatment Specialist)
- Proven experience in developing and presenting multi-session therapeutic lectures.
- Strong proficiency in clinical report writing and analyzing data from multiple diagnostic sources.
- Demonstrated ability to perform group and individual therapy within a correctional or residential treatment environment.
- Expertise in creating comprehensive discharge and follow-up treatment plans for community reentry.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health, dental, and vision insurance programs.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Access to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
- ✓Paid federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and specialized training.
- ✓Stable career growth within the Department of Justice.
💡 How to Apply Correctional Treatment Specialist (Drug Abuse Treatment Specialist) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Correctional Treatment Specialist (Drug Abuse Treatment Specialist) Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement carefully before initiating your application.
- Prepare a resume that explicitly documents your hours worked per week for all relevant experience.
- Upload all required supporting documents, including official or unofficial transcripts, through the USAJOBS portal.
- Complete the online application questionnaire to be categorized for selection.
- Participate in the required USA Hire competency-based assessments if prompted by the system.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS 'Track this application' feature.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume is limited to two pages for PHS applicants and clearly details your employment dates in MM/YYYY format.
- Do not use special characters in file names when uploading your documents.
- Be specific in addressing the Selective Factors in your resume, as failing to do so will result in an ineligible rating.
- Set aside at least two hours of uninterrupted time to complete the USA Hire assessments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a maximum age limit for this position?
Yes, there is a maximum entry age of 36 for original appointments to the Bureau of Prisons. Qualified veterans may be exempt from this requirement.
What happens if I don't have all my documentation ready?
Failure to provide all required documents, such as transcripts or proof of veteran status, at the time of application will result in removal from consideration or loss of preference.
Job from Bureau Of Prisons/Federal Prison System
The Federal Bureau of Prisons, an agency within the Department of Justice, is responsible for the care and custody of federal inmates. BOP staff members work in a high-stakes environment where they maintain institutional security while simultaneously fostering a environment that encourages personal growth and accountability. By joining the BOP, you become a critical part of a team dedicated to public safety and human rehabilitation.