Career Story: Classification Counselor

What does a day in your shoes feel like? And what are the key skills that can make or break a career in your field?**

We’ve asked a diverse group of Apolitical members to share their career story with us and the tips they have for junior public servants. In this article, Constance Mellon explains why it’s important to have an open mind - and a clear understanding of organisational skills - in her role as a Classification Counselor.

What is your current role and how do you spend your time on a standard day?

My current role as a classification counsellor at a remand centre involves conducting actuarial risk assessments on sentenced offenders and deciding on placement at correctional facilities based on risk level and criminogenic needs of the offender i.e. substance abuse issues, domestic violence, sex offending, etc.

Some offenders present with higher risk of recidivism, institutional violence, and have specific needs related to their offending behaviour. These needs, when addressed by specific institutions and their programmes, can enhance quality of life for offenders and their families and contribute to public safety by reducing recidivism.

What did you do before taking up this role?

Prior to working for the Ministry of the Solicitor General, I worked for over 20 years as a social worker in mental health, criminal justice, and substance abuse sectors, which often overlap. Most recently, as a college instructor I was teaching in the mental health, addictions, and criminal justice programmes to students of a First Nations college.

In your opinion, what are the most important skills someone needs to excel in your field?

In general, a background and/or degree in social work, psychology, criminology is a good foundation. Specific training once hired would involve specialised risk assessments such as Level of Service Inventory, various sex offender risk assessments, or ODARA (domestic violence). It is important to have knowledge of diverse client populations, be non-judgmental, and have good assessment skills to obtain the information you need.

What is your favourite part of your job?

Assessing offenders, listening to their story, trying to ascertain what predisposing and precipitating factors led to their offending behaviours. Getting offenders to correctional centres with specialised programmes to address their risks and needs is gratifying.

What advice would you give to young public servants who are interested in a career in your field?

Working in the correctional services division is a challenging, interesting, and very rewarding career, so if interested I strongly suggest pursuing it!

Want to share your own career story with the Apolitical community? Use this form to let us know about your job.