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Correctional Counselor Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

CASE MANAGER

Lovejoy, GA · On-site

$24.61/hr

... of diversified correctional and community reentry services. From the development of ... Provides counseling services, assists the inmates/detainees in adjusting to facility life and ...

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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 Aug 7, 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 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.

How to 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 skills include strong communication, assessment, and conflict resolution abilities, and some positions may require certification or training in counseling or correctional practices.

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.

Are correctional counselors in demand?

Correctional counselors are generally in steady demand due to ongoing needs in the criminal justice system and mental health support for offenders. Employment opportunities often depend on government funding, facility size, and regional needs, with positions typically requiring relevant certifications and counseling skills.

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 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 cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Correctional Counselor jobs? Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Correctional Counselor job openings:
Infographic showing various Correctional Counselor job openings in Decatur, GA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,438 per year, or $29.5 per hour.

$24.61/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


The GEO Group rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 43 rated prisons


Job description

Benefits Information
Full-time employees will enjoy a competitive benefits package with options for you and your family including:
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• 401(k) Matching
• Health Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Discount
• Reduced Tuition Rates
• Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401(k)
• Pet Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Paid Training
• Flexible Spending Account
The compensation and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, with or without notice, subject to applicable law.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Overview
Are you looking for a career you can feel good about? We hire only those that strive to do their best. By joining our family, you'll receive the honor and recognition that comes with working for the industry's global leader in evidenced based rehabilitation.
Who We Are:
GEO provides complementary, turnkey solutions for numerous government partners worldwide across a spectrum of diversified correctional and community reentry services. From the development of state-of-the-art facilities and the provision of management services and evidence-based rehabilitation to the post-release reintegration and supervision of individuals in the community, GEO offers fully diversified, cost-effective services that deliver enhanced quality and improved outcomes.
Why Work for GEO:
  • We believe that work is more than a place you go to every day. It is about being inspired and motivated to achieve extraordinary things.
  • Employee benefits play an important role in making The GEO Group a great place to work. At GEO, we believe in the three pillars of employee wellbeing: physical, emotional, and financial. With comprehensive benefits and competitive wages, we trust that you will find all the resources you need here to be successful.

Responsibilities
Summary:
Provides counseling services, assists the inmates/detainees in adjusting to facility life and obtaining needed services or changes in assignment. Develops and implements programs within the facility to meet the individual needs of inmates/detainees, to include individual and group counseling.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Interviews newly admitted inmates/detainees.
  • Conducts facility orientation for newly assigned inmates/detainees explaining rules and regulations of the facility, available services and programs, and the disciplinary and classification process.
  • Provides individual counseling to inmates/detainees on an informal basis regarding work and housing assignments, adjustment problems, and family problems.
  • Resolves day-to-day problems with counseling. Refers inmates/detainees with serious problems to professional counseling staff.
  • Provides assistance to the inmates/detainees in obtaining needed services. Serves as a representative for the inmate/detainee at classification committee meetings.
  • Monitors inmate/detainee custody, housing, job and program assignments to ensure all cases are reviewed in a timely manner.
  • Conducts visits to inmates/detainees assigned to caseload who are housed in special housing.
  • Reviews inmate/detainee medical status to determine eligibility to work in volunteer job assignments.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
  • High school diploma or equivalent certification required.
  • Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, sociology, or related field is preferred.
  • One (1) year in caseload management of offenders in a correctional setting required or an equivalent combination of education and related work experience required.
  • Certified law enforcement officer experience or correctional/detention experience preferred.
  • Must be a United States citizen.
  • Must have resided within the United States or its territories for three (3) or more years out of the last five (5) years OR worked for the United States overseas for the Federal Government or US Military OR been a dependent of an employee who worked for the United States overseas for the Federal Government or US Military.

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