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Correctional Counseling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are currently seeking a Correctional Counselor who has a passion for providing the highest quality care in aninstitutional, secure setting. Come join a team that is dedicated tomaking an impact ...

We are currently seeking a Correctional Counselor who has a passion for providing the highest quality care in aninstitutional, secure setting. Come join a team that is dedicated tomaking an impact ...

We are currently seeking a Correctional Counselor who has a passion for providing the highest quality care in aninstitutional, secure setting. Come join a team that is dedicated tomaking an impact ...

We are currently seeking a Correctional Counselor who has a passion for providing the highest quality care in aninstitutional, secure setting. Come join a team that is dedicated tomaking an impact ...

We are currently seeking a Correctional Counselor who has a passion for providing the highest quality care in aninstitutional, secure setting. Come join a team that is dedicated tomaking an impact ...

Typically gained from completion of a bachelor's degree or higher in the human services or criminal justice related field such as social work, psychology, rehabilitation counseling, correctional ...

Nature of Work Under general supervision, provides a variety of counseling services for the inmate population of a correctional facility. Positions may vary as to predominant job function or area of ...

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Correctional Counseling information

See salary details

$40.5K

$74.3K

$115.5K

How much do correctional counseling jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for correctional counseling in the United States is $74,297.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $83,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is correctional counseling?

Correctional counseling is a specialized form of counseling that focuses on helping individuals who are incarcerated or involved in the criminal justice system. The goal is to address behavioral, emotional, and psychological issues that may have contributed to criminal behavior, and to support successful rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Correctional counselors use assessments, therapy sessions, and rehabilitation programs to guide clients toward positive change and reduce the likelihood of reoffending. They often work in prisons, jails, probation offices, or halfway houses.

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

To thrive as a Correctional Counselor, you need a background in psychology, social work, or criminal justice, often supported by a relevant degree and sometimes licensure or certification. Familiarity with case management software, assessment tools, and documentation systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, empathy, conflict resolution, and critical thinking skills help build trust and manage challenging situations with inmates. These competencies are essential for promoting rehabilitation, ensuring safety, and supporting successful reintegration into society.

What are some common challenges faced by correctional counselors, and how can they effectively manage them?

Correctional counselors often encounter challenges such as managing high caseloads, addressing the diverse and complex needs of inmates, and maintaining professional boundaries in a correctional setting. Balancing the needs of rehabilitation with institutional safety and security can also be demanding. Effective management involves strong organizational skills, ongoing training in crisis intervention, and regular collaboration with correctional officers, mental health professionals, and community resources to ensure comprehensive support for inmates.

What is the difference between Correctional Counseling vs Probation Officer?

AspectCorrectional CounselingProbation Officer
CredentialsTypically requires a master's degree in counseling, psychology, or social workUsually requires a bachelor's degree; some roles prefer a master's in social work or criminal justice
Work EnvironmentCorrectional facilities, prisons, detention centersCommunity settings, courts, offender supervision offices
Employer & IndustryCorrectional institutions, government agenciesCourts, probation departments, criminal justice agencies
Job FocusProviding mental health support, rehabilitation, and counseling to inmatesMonitoring offenders in the community, ensuring compliance with probation terms

Correctional Counseling and Probation Officers both work within the criminal justice system but serve different roles. Correctional Counselors focus on rehabilitating inmates through counseling, while Probation Officers supervise offenders in the community. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the criminal justice field.

Are correctional counselors in demand?

Correctional counselors are in steady demand due to ongoing needs for rehabilitation and mental health support within correctional facilities. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as the criminal justice system emphasizes rehabilitation programs and mental health services, often requiring relevant certifications and counseling skills.

How do I become a correctional counselor?

To become a correctional counselor, you typically need a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, psychology, social work, or a related field. Relevant skills include strong communication, counseling, and conflict resolution abilities, and some positions may require certification or licensure depending on the jurisdiction.
More about Correctional Counseling jobs

What cities are hiring for Correctional Counseling jobs?

Cities with the most Correctional Counseling job openings:

What states have the most Correctional Counseling jobs?

States with the most job openings for Correctional Counseling jobs include:

Infographic showing various Correctional Counseling job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,297 per year, or $35.7 per hour.

Correctional Counselor-26505005

County of San Diego

San Diego, CA • On-site

$82K - $101K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Perform casework assignments related to psycho-social, educational, vocational, and wellness areas.

  • Provide case management and facilitate groups within detention facilities.

  • Work primarily in detention facilities with restricted access.


County Of San Luis Obispo rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

388th of 856 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Summary Bring Your Passion and Support the Rehabilitation Process The County of San Diego is currently recruiting for the position of Correctional Counselor Selected candidates will be hired at step 1, $82,284.80.80 of the salary range. County employees are subject to the County Promotion Rule for Step Placement in Accordance with Compensation Ordinance 1.3.5. FUTURE SALARY INCREASE ** June 2027 - 4.43% increase to base pay (3.00% Across-the- Board + 1.43% Market Adjustment) The following additional pay incentive(s) and/or premium(s) are available: Correctional Counselors assigned to institutional work locations earn 5% above the regular base rate

About the Position Correctional Counselor is a professional journey-level position that works within the Sheriff's Office, Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), and Probation Department. A Correctional Counselor performs a wide variety of casework assignments related to psycho-social, educational, vocational, and wellness. Counselors provide case management and facilitate groups.

Work primarily takes place in detention facilities with restricted access. Hiring Process and Timeline: The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below. Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews.

Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening. Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results. Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.

If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies. Education and Experience: A bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency in counseling, psychology, sociology, criminal justice/administration, or related behavioral or social science field, AND Three (3) years of full-time experience performing counseling services for an agency or organization

Note: Experience in performing correctional counseling to incarcerated individuals in a locked detention or correctional facility is highly desirable. The complete description of the duties and responsibilities can be found by visiting the Correctional Counselor job classification page. Blind Applicant Screening: The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all recruitments.

This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, hides a candidate's personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age, and race. This process helps contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or supplemental questionnaire.

Conditions of Employment: As part of the County of San Diego's pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Current County employees may be excluded from this process. Background Investigation: Must have a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness.

Felony convictions will be disqualifying. Misdemeanor convictions may be disqualifying depending on type, number, severity, and recency. Prior to appointment, candidates will be subject to a thorough background investigation which may include a psychological, truth verification or other examination or test.

Evaluation: Qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) month employment list based on scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental application form will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.

Accommodation: Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a qualified individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis. As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce.

We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans. Veteran's Preference Policy: The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego.

Please read the Veteran's Preference Policy for additional information. Military Skills Translator: Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience. This tool can help.

Please read the Military Skills Translator to access the tool. The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability.

Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Please see the Strategic Plan for more information.

(Download PDF reader). Disaster Service Worker: Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district.

Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law. The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset, and our customers are our number one priority.


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