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Correctional Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CoreCivic

Correctional Counselor

Olney Springs, CO

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 ...

CoreCivic

Correctional Counselor

Tutwiler, MS · On-site

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 ...

West Virginia

Correctional Counselor 1

Charleston, WV · On-site

$32K - $56K/yr

This is the entry or beginning level of the Correctional Counselor class series. The employee works closely with the immediate supervisor or a senior counselor to learn correctional programs ...

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Correctional Counselor information

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$33.5K

$62.9K

$83K

How much do correctional counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for correctional counselor in the United States is $62,927.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,500.00 and $71,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a correctional counselor?

Correctional Counselors are professionals who work within correctional facilities to help inmates address personal, behavioral, and emotional issues. They assess inmates' needs, develop rehabilitation plans, provide counseling, and facilitate programs aimed at reducing recidivism. Their role often includes helping inmates prepare for reintegration into society by teaching skills, offering support, and coordinating with external agencies. Correctional Counselors play a key part in promoting safety and rehabilitation within the correctional system.

What are some common challenges faced by correctional counselors when working with incarcerated individuals?

Correctional Counselors often encounter challenges such as building trust with inmates, addressing complex behavioral and emotional issues, and managing heavy caseloads. Establishing rapport can be difficult given the institutional environment and the diverse backgrounds of incarcerated individuals. Additionally, counselors must balance the needs of the individuals they support with institutional safety protocols, requiring strong interpersonal skills and resilience. Successful counselors use evidence-based techniques and collaborate closely with correctional staff and outside agencies to help inmates successfully rehabilitate and prepare for reentry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a correctional counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Correctional Counselor, you need a background in psychology, social work, or criminal justice, typically supported by a relevant degree and sometimes state certification. Familiarity with case management software, behavioral assessment tools, and documentation systems is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and conflict resolution abilities help build trust and effectively guide inmate rehabilitation. These skills are essential for promoting successful reintegration, reducing recidivism, and maintaining safety within correctional facilities.

What is the difference between Correctional Counselor vs Probation Officer?

AspectCorrectional CounselorProbation Officer
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, psychology, or social work; licensure may be preferredRequires a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, social work, or related field; some positions may require certification
Work EnvironmentWorks within correctional facilities, prisons, or detention centersWorks in community settings, courts, or probation offices
Employer & IndustryEmployers include correctional institutions, detention centers, and prisonsEmployers include courts, probation departments, and community agencies

Correctional Counselors and Probation Officers both work within the criminal justice system and require similar educational backgrounds. Correctional Counselors focus on inmates within correctional facilities, providing counseling and rehabilitation services. Probation Officers supervise offenders in the community, ensuring compliance with court orders. While their roles differ in setting and specific duties, both professions aim to reduce recidivism and support offender rehabilitation.

How do you become a correctional counselor?

To become a correctional counselor, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, psychology, social work, or a related field. Relevant experience, such as internships or work in social services, and strong communication and interpersonal skills are also important; some positions may require certification or licensing depending on the jurisdiction.
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Correctional Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Correctional Counselor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,927 per year, or $30.3 per hour.

Correctional Counselor

Olney Springs, CO

CoreCivic
Public Safety Administration • 10K+ employees

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 158 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 43 rated prisons

People enjoy working here

Recommended by students

Paid breaks

Learn more about CoreCivicexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

26.24 per hour

 At CoreCivic, our employeesare driven by a deep sense of service, high standards of professionalism and aresponsibility to better the public good. 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 for the people and communities we serve.

Perform routine duties of a Correctional Counselor is a uniformed, security trained member of the Unit Management Team responsible for resolving daily inmate issues before they become significant matters, incidents or grievances.

  • Perform routine duties of a Correctional Counselor is a uniformed, security trained member of the Unit Management Team responsible for resolving daily inmate issues before they become significant matters, incidents or grievances.
  • Ensure that services and programs are delivered to inmates assigned to the unit at a time and manner as designed.
  • Maintain a caseload of inmates with the primary purpose of resolving daily living issues before they expand into significant incidents.
  • Make daily rounds through assigned units talking with staff and inmates, observing operations and interactions between staff and inmates in the unit, ensuring the unit is operating in a safe and secure manner and anticipates situations.
  • Conduct one-on-one meetings with inmates regarding grievance or potential grievance matters and resolve the situation within the framework of policy.
2025 CoreCivic Benefits Overview
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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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