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Correctional Counselor Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

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Correctional Counselor information

See Florida salary details

$25K

$47K

$62K

How much do correctional counselor jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for correctional counselor in Florida is $47,025.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,700.00 and $53,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 Correctional Counselors?

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 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.

What job categories do people searching Correctional Counselor jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Correctional Counselor jobs in Florida are:
What cities in Florida are hiring for Correctional Counselor jobs? Cities in Florida with the most Correctional Counselor job openings:
Infographic showing various Correctional Counselor job openings in Florida as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,025 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

$20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Pay: $20.00/hr. 


Location: 3609 West Highway 390, Panama City, FL., 32405

Status: Full Time

Benefit package includes:

  • Medical, vision, and prescription drug benefits
  • Dental benefits
  • Life insurance
  • Accidental death and dismemberment insurance
  • Short-term and long-term disability benefits
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Employee assistance program
  • Paid time off (PTO)
  • 9 paid holidays
  • Bereavement leave
  • Civic duty and military leave
  • Opportunities for job advancement

Impact lives with Management & Training Corporation (MTC)! At the Panama City Release Center in Panama City, FL, our foundation is based upon the philosophies of caring about others, giving back, and making a social impact. We provide a safe and secure working environment for our staff while helping an at-risk population receive the treatment necessary for success on their road back to a healthy, productive life.

Position Summary:

Reports to the operations supervisor. Provide supervision, counseling, custody and control, employment development and coordination, and other related services in compliance with American Correctional Association (ACA) standards, Management & Training Corporation (MTC) and Florida Department of Corrections (FDOC) directives.

Essential Functions:

  1. Provide inmates with institutional rules, regulations, operational procedures and other information relating to the inmate's initial and continued adjustment to the institution; helps inmates learn problem solving techniques for their behavioral or social adjustment problems.
  2. Creates and maintains up-to-date progress reports for each individual inmate for the purpose of evaluating inmates' progress toward program completion.
  3. Maintains and initiates changes in inmate records; observes inmates to determine needs for referral to clinical services for psychiatric treatment or other supportive services.
  4. Conducts group orientation and employment skills sessions.
  5. Promotes reentry readiness by preparing inmates for participation in career readiness programs.
  6. Read, review, and properly apply information found in inmate records which is related to the inmate's health and safety and to the security of the facility; provide appropriate information to other staff on a need to know basis; comply with all policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
  7. Count, feed and supervise inmates in housing, work and other areas, which include climbing stairs.
  8. Provide custody and security of inmates including observation of inmates, which includes long periods of sitting and standing.
  9. Transfer and transport inmates by walking or riding in vehicles. Restrain and secure assaultive inmates as needed.
  10. It is expected the incumbent will work overtime when directed to do so.
  11. Regular and predictable attendance is required.
  12. Promote the development of positive social skills through modeling appropriate behaviors and intervening when inappropriate behaviors are observed; provide regular feedback to staff regarding social skills procedures and intervention techniques.
  13. Maintain accountability of staff, inmates and property; adhere to safety practices.

It is expected that the incumbent shall perform other duties as assigned within his/her capabilities as determined by management.

Education and Experience Requirements:

A minimum of a high school diploma/GED. Excellent verbal and written communication skills and computer proficiency required.  Valid driver's license in the state of Florida with an acceptable driving record required, unless waived by management.

Post Hire Requirements:

Must successfully complete annual in-service training requirements.

Management & Training Corporation (MTC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, disabled status, veteran status, genetic information, national origin, or any other category protected by federal law. MTC participates in E-Verify. We strive to provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities, including disabled veterans, in our job application and hiring process. If you are interested in employment opportunities with Management & Training Corporation and need assistance, please contact our staffing department through customersupport@mtctrains.com or 801-693-2888.

Learn more about Management & Training Corporation here