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Correctional Counseling Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

CoreCivic

Classification Coordinator

Clifton, TN · On-site

$31.21/hr

Three years of work experience in correctional counseling, social work, classification, rehabilitation or probation and parole preferred. * Education may be substituted for the experience on a year ...

CoreCivic

Correctional Psychologist

Hartsville, TN · On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

Provides appropriate mental health assessments, counseling, and confrontation avoidance ... corrections and detention management, innovative and cost-saving real estate solutions, and a ...

CoreCivic

Correctional Psychologist

Clifton, TN · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Provides appropriate mental health assessments, counseling, and confrontation avoidance ... corrections and detention management, innovative and cost-saving real estate solutions, and a ...

CoreCivic

Correctional Mental Health

Whiteville, TN · On-site

$73K - $80K/yr

Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of psychological counseling theory and techniques by way of ... corrections and detention management, innovative and cost-saving real estate solutions, and a ...

CoreCivic

Correctional Mental Health

Whiteville, TN · On-site

$73K - $80K/yr

Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of psychological counseling theory and techniques by way of ... corrections and detention management, innovative and cost-saving real estate solutions, and a ...

CoreCivic

Unit Manager

Hartsville, TN · On-site

$67K/yr

Three years of experience in a criminal justice field, which includes two years in a supervisory capacity or two years as a CoreCivic Case Manager or Correctional Counselor, is required. * Additional ...

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Correctional Counseling information

See Tennessee salary details

$36.8K

$67.4K

$104.8K

How much do correctional counseling jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for correctional counseling in Tennessee is $67,433.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,500.00 and $75,800.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Correctional Counseling jobs in Tennessee?

For Correctional Counseling jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Correctional Counseling jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Correctional Counseling jobs in Tennessee are:

Correctional Counseling jobs near you
Infographic showing various Correctional Counseling job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,433 per year, or $32.4 per hour.

Classification Coordinator

CoreCivic

Clifton, TN • On-site

$31.21/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

CoreCivic rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 158 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 43 rated prisons

Job description

$31.21 per hour
At CoreCivic, our employees are driven bya deep sense of service, high standards of professionalism and a responsibilityto better the public good. We are currently seeking a Classification Coordinator who has a passion for providing the highest quality care in aninstitutional, secure setting. Come join a team that is dedicated tomaking an impact for the people and communities we serve.
The Classification Coordinator serves as the chairperson of the classification team to classify inmates/residents in the least restrictive environment possible and coordinates all aspects of inmate/resident incarceration related to housing and welfare.
  • Advise and/or chair various boards and provide for inmate/residents to be properly housed.
  • Counsel inmates/residents to help them adjust to prison life.
  • Coordinate information gathered from various sources and translate data into classification decisions.
  • Monitor inmate/resident workers in the work area.
  • Supervise and evaluate subordinate staff in the performance of their duties and evaluate as prescribed by the facility and corporate policy.
Qualifications:
  • Graduate from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in social or behavioral science or a closely related field.
  • Three years of work experience in correctional counseling, social work, classification, rehabilitation or probation and parole preferred.
  • Education may be substituted for the experience on a year-for-year-basis; related work experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
  • A valid driver's license is required.
  • Minimum Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years of age.

CoreCivic is a Drug-Free Workplace & EOE including Disability/Veteran.

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About CoreCivic

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At CoreCivic , we do more than manage inmates, we care for people. CoreCivic is currently seeking Registered Nurses who have a passion for providing the highest quality care in an institutional setting.

Industry

Public safety administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Brentwood, TN, US

Year founded

1983

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