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Correctional Counselor Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

School Counselor

Marietta, GA · On-site

$40K - $50K/yr

Through a combination of individual counseling, small group sessions, and classroom guidance ... This position is regularly required to hear and use clear vision with or without correction. Spring ...

OB/GYN Physician

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$237K - $256K/yr

As a Correctional OB/GYN Physician , you will work alongside correctional officers and other ... Health education, STD screenings, follow up contraceptive counseling, prenatal care, postpartum ...

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Correctional Counselor information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$32.7K

$61.4K

$81K

How much do correctional counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for correctional counselor in Decatur, GA is $61,438.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,200.00 and $69,800.00 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 jobs pay 2000 a day?

Correctional counselors typically do not earn $2,000 a day; their salaries are usually much lower, often ranging from $40,000 to $80,000 annually. High-paying jobs that can reach $2,000 a day generally include specialized roles such as senior corporate executives, certain medical specialists, or successful entrepreneurs, often requiring advanced skills, certifications, or significant experience.

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 type of counseling gets paid the most?

In the counseling field, clinical or mental health counselors with advanced licenses, such as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) or Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), tend to earn higher salaries. Specialized counseling areas like substance abuse, marriage and family therapy, or trauma counseling often offer higher pay, especially with additional certifications and experience.

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.

Is being a correctional counselor hard?

Correctional counselors often face challenging environments, working with offenders in secure facilities and managing complex behavioral issues. The job requires strong communication skills, emotional resilience, and adherence to safety protocols, which can make it demanding but also rewarding for those committed to rehabilitation efforts.

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.
What are popular job titles related to Correctional Counselor jobs in Decatur, GA? For Correctional Counselor jobs in Decatur, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Correctional Counselor jobs in Decatur, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Correctional Counselor jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Correctional Counselor jobs? Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Correctional Counselor job openings:
Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Naphcare, Inc.

Atlanta, GA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


NaphCare rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

751st of 873 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview

NaphCare is seeking to hire an experienced Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LCSW, LCMHC, etc.) to join our team of medical professionals in the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta, GA.

As a Correctional Licensed Mental Health Counselor, you will work alongside correctional officers and other medical professionals to provide counseling and mental health care to the individuals in residence. Working within a controlled environment, where security is top priority and the days are never dull, you will have various duties to keep you engaged. This is a unique position where you can make a difference to this diverse population of patients with complex mental health and medical needs.

Responsibilities

The Licensed Mental Health Counselor is responsible for assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients in residence with mental illnesses, substance use disorders, and behavioral issues ensuring they receive quality care that protects their rights, dignity and health. Duties and responsibilities may include and are not limited to:

  • Collaborating with medical, mental health and correctional staff to enhance quality patient care while maintaining a safe and secure work environment
  • Performing and documenting mental health evaluations, progress notes, individual and group counseling notes, individual treatment plans, addressing criminogenic needs and promoting positive behavioral change to prepare residents for release
  • Participating in educational and training activities related to mental health care for patients, security personnel, and healthcare staff
  • Demonstrate knowledge of DSM-V / DSM-V-TR criteria
  • Documenting and managing case files, patient progress, preparing reports, and participating in hearings
  • Initiating and/or participating in patient education and treatment programs, such as developing educational materials and providing group therapy
  • Monitoring compliance with site-specific and company policies and procedures, taking appropriate corrective action, and ensuring compliance with ACA, NCCHC standards
Qualifications

Experience / Skills / Requirements

  • Master's prepared Mental Health Professional with active, unrestricted licensure as a (LCSW, LCMHC, LMFT, LMHP, LISW, etc.) in Georgia
  • Must possess an active BLS CPR Certification (American Heart Association required)
  • Must pass the facility's criminal background check and drug screening
  • A minimum of 3 years' clinical experience in a mental health care or acute care setting, with correctional healthcare experience preferred
  • Must have knowledge and experience in the identification and treatment of mental health and co-occurring substance abuse disorders, discharge planning, principles of social work, basic principles of individual and group behavior, and a working knowledge of psychotropic medications
  • Correctional counselors must be able to remain calm under pressure while assess patients' situations, underlying causes of their behavior and be able to develop interventions and treatment plans
  • Effective communications skills are required for building patient rapport and relaying information and treatment plan with other medical and mental health care professionals
  • Strong organizational skills are needed to keep track of patient treatment plans and progress notes
  • Must have the ability to maintain confidentiality of all proprietary and/or confidential information and integrity, professionalism and ability to adhere to a Code of Conduct and comply with all facility(s) correctional healthcare policies, procedures, and legal requirements
  • Must pass the facility's criminal background check and drug screening

 

Physical Capabilities:

Must have the ability to stand for long periods, lift and move patients (up to 50 pounds), bend, squat, reach, push, pull, walk significant distances, and perform physically demanding tasks like CPR, all while maintaining good balance and endurance throughout a shift.

Why Join NaphCare?

NaphCare is one of the largest providers of healthcare services to correctional facilities throughout the US, and we are growing. If you have never considered a career in correctional healthcare, now may be the time. In addition to competitive salaries and generous employee benefits, we strongly support career advancement within the company.

NaphCare Benefits for Full-Time Employees Include:

  • Health, dental & vision insurance that starts day one!
  • Prescriptions free of charge through our health plan, beginning day one
  • Lowest Cost Benefits!
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services
  • 401K and Roth with company contribution that starts day one!
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Referral bonuses
  • Term life insurance at no cost to the employee
  • Generous paid time off & paid holidays
  • Free continuing education and CMEs

Want a better idea of what it's like to work in a jail? See what our MHPs do:

NaphCare - Life as a Mental Health Professional - YouTube 

If you would like to speak with me to learn more about this position and NaphCare, apply directly to the position to initiate the application process, and I'll be in touch.

Equal Opportunity Employer: disability/veteran

 

Follow Us: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Advancing Correctional Healthcare | NaphCare

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

What NaphCare employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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About NaphCare

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NaphCare partners with correctional facilities to provide proactive, patient-focused healthcare. We recognize that we serve a unique and diverse patient population, and our onsite teams take pride in bringing excellence in care to a population in great need. Be part of a world-class team of professionals who are revolutionizing correctional healthcare. NaphCare offers competitive compensation! Our full-time teammates have a top-notch benefits package, which includes medical, dental, vision, FREE prescriptions, flexible spending account, company-paid life and AD&D insurance with voluntary life and AD&D options, ST & LT disability, 401(k) company contribution, 20 days Paid Time Off, paid holidays, tuition assistance, employee referral bonuses, etc.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Birmingham, AL, US

Year founded

1989