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Detention Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CoreCivic

Detention Counselor

Eloy, AZ · On-site

We are currently seeking a Detention Counselor who has a passion for providing the highest quality carein an institutional, secure setting. Come join a team that is dedicated tomaking an impact for ...

CoreCivic

Detention Counselor

Estancia, NM · On-site

We are currently seeking a Detention Counselor who has a passion for providing the highest quality carein an institutional, secure setting. Come join a team that is dedicated tomaking an impact for ...

CoreCivic

Detention Counselor

Lumpkin, GA · On-site

We are currently seeking a Detention Counselor who has a passion for providing the highest quality carein an institutional, secure setting. Come join a team that is dedicated tomaking an impact for ...

CoreCivic

Detention Counselor

Appleton, MN · On-site

We are currently seeking a Detention Counselor who has a passion for providing the highest quality carein an institutional, secure setting. Come join a team that is dedicated tomaking an impact for ...

CoreCivic

Detention Counselor

Eloy, AZ · On-site

We are currently seeking a Detention Counselor who has a passion for providing the highest quality carein an institutional, secure setting. Come join a team that is dedicated tomaking an impact for ...

CoreCivic

Detention Counselor

Estancia, NM · On-site

We are currently seeking a Detention Counselor who has a passion for providing the highest quality carein an institutional, secure setting. Come join a team that is dedicated tomaking an impact for ...

CoreCivic

Detention Counselor

Appleton, MN · On-site

We are currently seeking a Detention Counselor who has a passion for providing the highest quality carein an institutional, secure setting. Come join a team that is dedicated tomaking an impact for ...

Douglas County, NV

Youth Detention Counselor

Minden, NV · On-site

$28 - $39.20/hr

By providing mentorship and oversight of daily activities, Douglas County's Youth Detention Counselors play an important role in ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of juvenile detainees held in ...

Douglas County (NV)

Youth Detention Counselor

Minden, NV · On-site

$28 - $39.20/hr

Make a difference in the lives of at-risk youth in our community By providing mentorship and oversight of daily activities, Douglas County's Youth Detention Counselors play an important role in ...

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Detention Counselor information

See salary details

$22.5K

$60.4K

$96K

How much do detention counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for detention counselor in the United States is $60,409.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $69,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a detention counselor?

Detention Counselors are professionals who work in juvenile or adult detention facilities, providing supervision, guidance, and support to individuals in custody. Their main responsibilities include ensuring the safety and security of detainees, facilitating rehabilitative programs, and helping detainees develop skills for successful reintegration into society. Detention Counselors often act as mentors, enforce facility rules, and work closely with other staff to address the emotional and behavioral needs of those in their care.

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

To thrive as a Detention Counselor, you need a background in criminal justice, psychology, or social work, often supported by a relevant degree and experience working with at-risk youth. Familiarity with case management software, incident reporting systems, and state or federal regulations is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, and emotional resilience are vital for building trust and maintaining order within the facility. These skills ensure the safety, rehabilitation, and positive development of youth in detention environments.

What are some common challenges faced by detention counselors, and how can they effectively manage them?

Detention Counselors often encounter challenges such as managing behavioral issues among youth, maintaining safety in high-stress situations, and balancing empathy with enforcing facility rules. Effective communication, de-escalation techniques, and strong interpersonal skills are key to addressing these challenges. Regular collaboration with other staff members and ongoing professional development can also help counselors stay prepared to support residents while fostering a positive environment.

What cities are hiring for Detention Counselor jobs?

Cities with the most Detention Counselor job openings:

What states have the most Detention Counselor jobs?

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

What are popular job titles related to Detention Counselor jobs?

For Detention Counselor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Detention Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Detention Counselor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 95% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $60,409 per year, or $29 per hour.

Detention Counselor

Eloy, AZ • On-site

CoreCivic
Public Safety Administration • 10K+ employees
Learn more about CoreCivicexternal

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

CoreCivic rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 160 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

29.10 / PER HOUR

At CoreCivic, our employees are driven bya deep sense of service, high standards of professionalism and a responsibilityto better the public good.  We are currently seeking a Detention Counselor who has a passion for providing the highest quality carein an institutional, secure setting. Come join a team that is dedicated tomaking an impact for the people and communities we serve.

The Detention 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.  They will 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 on 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.
  • Develop an interactive working relationship with inmates that support the informal resolution of inmate issues.
  • Develop and maintain a cooperative working relationship with institution departments built on respect that supports problem solving.

What CoreCivic employees say

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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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