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Corrections Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Areas of specialization include vocational counseling, substance abuse counseling and guidance for ... Experience in the area of corrections or related fields may be substituted for the required ...

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Corrections Counselor information

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$33.5K

$62.9K

$83K

How much do corrections counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for corrections 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 corrections counselor?

Corrections Counselors are professionals who work within correctional facilities to help inmates address personal, social, and behavioral issues. They provide counseling services, develop rehabilitation plans, and assist inmates in preparing for successful reintegration into society. Their work often involves assessing inmates’ needs, facilitating group or individual therapy sessions, and coordinating with other correctional staff. Corrections Counselors play a crucial role in reducing recidivism and supporting the overall safety and well-being of both inmates and the community.

What does a corrections counselor do?

A corrections counselor works with criminal offenders in prison settings to help them prepare for their release back into society and avoid repeat offenses. As a corrections counselor, your job duties include meeting one-on-one with offenders, discussing their plans and goals for their remaining sentence and life after prison, developing a relapse prevention plan, and keeping detailed records on each offender in your caseload. The qualifications for a career as a corrections counselor are a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or social work, experience working with diverse populations, particularly in clinical settings, and excellent communication skills.

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

To thrive as a Corrections Counselor, you need a background in criminal justice, psychology, or social work—often with a relevant degree and experience in case management. Familiarity with case management software, risk assessment tools, and documentation systems is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to build trust are crucial for effectively guiding and supporting inmates. These skills and qualities are essential for promoting rehabilitation, ensuring safety, and facilitating successful reintegration into society.

How does a corrections counselor typically collaborate with correctional officers and other staff within a facility?

Corrections Counselors work closely with correctional officers, case managers, and mental health professionals to create comprehensive rehabilitation plans for inmates. They regularly communicate with officers to monitor inmate behavior, address concerns, and ensure the safety and progress of those under their guidance. Effective collaboration is essential for coordinating programs, resolving conflicts, and supporting inmates’ successful reintegration, making teamwork and strong communication skills crucial in this environment.

What is the difference between Corrections Counselor vs Probation Officer?

AspectCorrections CounselorProbation Officer
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or criminal justice; some roles may require a master's degreeBachelor's degree in criminal justice, social work, or related field; some positions prefer a master's degree
Work EnvironmentCorrectional facilities, rehabilitation centers, or community programsCourts, community agencies, or correctional offices
Employer & Industry UsageState and federal correctional institutions, rehabilitation agenciesCourts, probation departments, criminal justice agencies

Corrections Counselors focus on rehabilitating inmates within correctional facilities or community programs, providing counseling and support. Probation Officers supervise offenders in the community, ensuring compliance with court orders. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work within the criminal justice system, Corrections Counselors primarily work inside facilities, whereas Probation Officers operate mainly in community settings.

Are corrections counselors in demand?

Corrections counselors are in steady demand due to ongoing needs for mental health and rehabilitation services within correctional facilities. Employment opportunities often require relevant certifications and experience in counseling or social work, with job growth driven by the expanding focus on inmate rehabilitation and community reintegration.

What cities are hiring for Corrections Counselor jobs?

Cities with the most Corrections Counselor job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Corrections Counselor jobs?

The top employers for Corrections Counselor jobs are:

What states have the most Corrections Counselor jobs?

States with the most job openings for Corrections Counselor jobs include:

Infographic showing various Corrections Counselor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,927 per year, or $30.3 per hour.

Corrections Counselor 2 - SCI Fayette

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, PA • Hybrid

$64K - $98K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

THE POSITION Become a Corrections Counselor 2 with the Department of Corrections (DOC) and take on a meaningful role focused on steady growth and positive change at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Fayette. This position allows you to engage directly with inmates as they work through challenges, build stronger decision-making skills, and move toward productive futures. You guide individuals in strengthening their education, behavior, and re-entry planning through firm structure and supportive direction.

Step into a career where your leadership encourages progress, reinforces accountability, and helps inmates prepare for long-term success. DESCRIPTION OF WORK Corrections Counselor 2 staff guide inmates through behavioral, emotional, and adjustment challenges while supporting their progress and re-entry goals. They provide counseling, maintain case records, and coordinate treatment plans with multiple teams inside the institution.

As a Corrections Counselor 2, you will perform the following duties: Inmate Counseling: Interview inmates to address adjustment issues, encourage positive choices, and guide personal development Case Management: Maintain records, prepare reports, and communicate with families, agencies, and DOC staff regarding inmate progress Assessment Review: Analyze test results, compile histories, and maintain documentation used for programming and risk evaluations Treatment Coordination: Work with multidisciplinary teams to align programming, activities, counseling, and educational services Parole Preparation: Make re-entry recommendations, write parole reports, and help inmates identify employment opportunities and community resources Team Support: Participate in staffing discussions and assist with decisions involving inmate misconduct, custody levels, and programming needs Interested in learning more. Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description. Work Schedule and Additional Information: Full-time employment, 40 hours per week Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday.

This position is eligible for full retirement benefits at age 50 or 55. Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position. Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $64,574.00 (before taxes)

You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices. REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS Minimum Experience and Training Requirements: Successful completion of the Corrections Counselor 1 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration) training program; or One year of professional counseling or casework experience in a correctional facility, and a bachelor's degree including 18 college credits in any combination of sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field; or An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes one year of professional counseling or casework experience in a correctional facility and 18 college credits in any combination of sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field.

Special Requirements: You must obtain Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network (CLEAN) and Pennsylvania Justice Network (JNET) certification within two months of employment and maintain certification for the duration of employment in this job. Other Requirements: Successful completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA is required. You must meet the PA residency requirement.

For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines. You must be able to perform essential job functions. Legal Requirements: You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.

Commonwealth employees who wish to use their seniority rights must apply to the internal posting for their seniority rights to be considered. How to Apply: Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education)

If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date.

Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted. Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position. All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work.

Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans: Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. 7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs

To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans. Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS): 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals). If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law.

All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. EXAMINATION INFORMATION Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).

Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions. Your score is valid for this specific posting only. You must provide complete and accurate information or: your score may be lower than deserved.

you may be disqualified. You may only apply/test once for this posting. Your results will be provided via email.


Commonwealth of Pennsylvania logo

About Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is not a traditional company but rather a state government entity headquartered in Middletown, Pennsylvania, United States. Through its official website pa.gov, the government provides a broad range of services to its residents, including but not limited to, health services, education, transportation, and regulatory functions. Founded in 1787, the Commonwealth holds a rich history dating back to the foundation of the United States itself. The government's core mission is to serve and improve the lives of Pennsylvanians, fostering a more prosperous, informed, and secure state.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Harrisburg, PA, US

Year founded

1787