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Jail Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Jail Chaplain

Lancaster, OH · On-site

$15.63/hr

The Chaplain functions as a religious professional, offering religious services, counseling ... WORKING CONDITIONS The Jail Chaplain is a part-time position working inside the correctional ...

JAIL NURSE

Lowville, NY · On-site

$35.44 - $40/hr

Work is performed under the supervision of the Jail Physician. Does related work as required ... Performs HIV screenings and counseling; Arranges for health or mental health referral services for ...

JAIL NURSE

Lowville, NY · On-site

$35.44 - $40/hr

Work is performed under the supervision of the Jail Physician. Does related work as required ... Performs HIV screenings and counseling; * Arranges for health or mental health referral services ...

Correctional Counselor 1

Charleston, WV · On-site

$32K - $56K/yr

Areas of specialization include vocational counseling, substance abuse counseling and guidance for ... Other Information Adult Facilities Prisons and Jails Central Regional Jail and Correctional ...

Jailer

Desoto, TX · On-site

$46K - $67K/yr

Jail Operations Opening Date: 11/13/2025 Closing Date: Continuous FLSA: Non-Exempt Description This ... Employee Assistance Program- Deer Oaks Assists in recommending counselors for any city employee ...

Jail Nurse

John Day, OR · On-site

$43.61 - $65.96/hr

Jail Nurse LOCATION: Grant County Health Dept. / Jail FLSA: .2 FTE, Expectation to work 8 hours a ... Must be well verses in medication management, interviewing, and counseling techniques.

Jail Nurse

John Day, OR · On-site

$43.61 - $65.96/hr

Jail Nurse LOCATION: Grant County Health Dept. / Jail FLSA: .2 FTE, Expectation to work 8 hours a ... Must be well verses in medication management, interviewing, and counseling techniques.

Jail Nurse

John Day, OR · On-site

$43.61 - $65.96/hr

Jail Nurse LOCATION: Grant County Health Dept. / Jail FLSA: .2 FTE, Expectation to work 8 hours a ... Must be well verses in medication management, interviewing, and counseling techniques.

Jail Nurse Provides a variety of professional and routine medical service which are related to the ... Must be well versed in medication management, interviewing, and counseling techniques. Communicate ...

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Jail Counselor information

See salary details

$35.5K

$62.5K

$102K

How much do jail counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for jail counselor in the United States is $62,532.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a jail counselor?

Jail counselors are mental health professionals who work within correctional facilities to support inmates' psychological well-being. Their main responsibilities include assessing inmates' mental health needs, providing counseling services, developing treatment plans, and facilitating rehabilitation programs. Jail counselors also help inmates cope with incarceration, address substance abuse issues, and prepare for successful reintegration into society. They play a critical role in reducing recidivism by addressing the underlying behavioral and emotional challenges faced by inmates.

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

To thrive as a Jail Counselor, you need a background in psychology or social work, often with a relevant bachelor's or master's degree and, in some cases, state licensure or certification. Familiarity with case management software, risk assessment tools, and documentation systems is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, resilience, and cultural sensitivity help build trust and effectively support individuals in challenging environments. These skills are crucial for promoting inmate rehabilitation, ensuring safety, and facilitating successful reintegration into society.

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

Jail Counselors often encounter challenges such as managing high caseloads, navigating complex inmate behaviors, and working within a highly structured correctional environment. Building trust with inmates while maintaining professional boundaries can be difficult but is essential for effective counseling. Counselors can address these challenges by utilizing evidence-based intervention techniques, engaging in regular professional development, and collaborating closely with correctional officers and other facility staff to ensure a supportive and safe environment for both inmates and staff.

What is the difference between Jail Counselor vs Probation Officer?

AspectJail CounselorProbation Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or bachelor's; counseling certification often preferredBachelor's degree in criminal justice, social work, or related field; some roles require certification
Work EnvironmentCorrectional facilities, jails, detention centersCommunity settings, courts, offender supervision offices
Employer & Industry UsageCorrectional institutions, detention centersProbation departments, criminal justice agencies
Common Search & ComparisonJail Counselor vs Probation Officer

Jail Counselors and Probation Officers both work within the criminal justice system, but Jail Counselors focus on providing mental health and counseling services to inmates within correctional facilities. Probation Officers supervise offenders in the community, ensuring compliance with court orders. While their roles differ in setting and specific duties, both require knowledge of criminal justice and counseling skills, making them closely related careers in the criminal justice field.

Are jail counselors in demand?

Jail counselors are in demand due to the need for mental health and rehabilitation services within correctional facilities. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as facilities seek qualified professionals with counseling skills and relevant certifications to support inmate rehabilitation and reduce recidivism.

How to become a jail counselor?

To become a jail counselor, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field, along with relevant experience working with at-risk populations. Many jurisdictions also require certification or licensing, such as a state-issued counselor license, and strong interpersonal and crisis management skills are essential. Some positions may require a background check and completion of specialized training in correctional environments.
More about Jail Counselor jobs

What cities are hiring for Jail Counselor jobs?

Cities with the most Jail Counselor job openings:

What states have the most Jail Counselor jobs?

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

What are popular job titles related to Jail Counselor jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Jail Counselor job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 37% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 62% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,532 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

Counselor, Jail Based

Ashtabula, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Description

$2,000 Hiring Bonus Available

Qualified candidates are eligible for a $2,000 bonus, with $1,000 paid on the first paycheck and an additional $1,000 after successfully completing 90 days of employment. 


At Signature Health, our purpose is to provide integrated healthcare for our community specializing in patients with mental illness and/or addiction because we want people to realize their highest potential. If you align with our core values, putting people first, striving for excellence in the work you do each day and have a can do mindset, then Signature Health is the best place for the next step in your rewarding career. As a full-time employee, you will have access to the following employer/employee paid benefits:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k match, HealthJoy - a no cost medical and mental health online resource available Day 1, and much more
  • Robust earned paid time off program (PTO)
  • Federal Loan Forgiveness Program (available on eligible roles
  • Professional Development Support

SCOPE OF ROLE

Reporting to the Ashtabula County Behavioral Health Manager, the Counselor, Jail-Based will provide counseling/crisis services and intake assessments to patients experiencing behavioral and emotional difficulties at the local jails, with the primary location being the Ashtabula County Jail. The Counselor, Jail-Based may also occasionally provide crisis services within the community, as needed. The scope of services may be provided either in an individual or group setting. You will utilize a team-focused treatment plan approach to provide clients with exceptional therapeutic intervention services.

HOW YOU'LL SUCCEED

  • Provide crisis and intake assessments at local jails, and if needed, client homes, and various community settings.   
  • Provide crisis prescreening and intervention primarily with the Ashtabula County jail and at other designated locations to determine and make recommendations to corrections staff on the appropriate level of care for the safety and welfare of the client and others. This entails providing diagnostic assessment, with a provisional diagnosis, with appropriate disposition within available resources. 
  • Provide ongoing brief solution focused therapy to inmates within the jail setting as determined by the person's length of stay in the jail.
  • Respond to all requests for counseling services from inmates within the allotted timeframe.
  • Provide regular check-ins with inmates to assess their ongoing need for counseling services.
  • Obtain appropriate "Release of Information" documents at the time of assessment to allow for two-way communication with other organizations, providers and contacts.
  • Participate in weekly huddles with other treatment providers and jail staff to coordinate care.
  • Determine and develop ongoing programming for individuals in the jail in collaboration with corrections staff and supervisor, Function as a liaison between the agency and external organizations to support timely, coordinated client care and aftercare services delivered with professionalism.
  • Actively engage in supervision with the Manager, Behavioral Health.
  • Maintain client charting in accordance with Medicaid, Ohio Department of Behavioral Health, CARF and professional standards.
  • Prepare and complete all required documentation for client discharge and aftercare referrals.
  • Assist in community outreach as necessary.
  • Acts to understand and safeguard the welfare of others.
  • Actively consult with supervisor to address ethical and legal considerations
  • Other duties as assigned.


Requirements

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor's Degree required.
  • Valid unencumbered LSW, LISW, LPC, LPCC, LIMFT or MFT License in the state of Ohio required.
  • Possess a working knowledge of the disease concept of chemical dependency. 
  • Experience collaborating with other team members to optimize outcomes clients.
  • Familiarity of state and federal healthcare regulations.
  • Awareness of community and state support resources for population served.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Work may be performed in a variety of settings, including a typical office or clinical environment, correctional facilities, client residences, and community locations.
  • While hours of operation are generally standard, flexibility to work evenings and extended hours may be required.
  • Possible exposure to blood-borne pathogens while performing job duties.
  • Requires periods of sitting, standing, telephone, and computer work.  
  • Hearing: adequate to hear clients or patients in person, over the telephone or through telehealth technology.
  • Speaking: adequate to speak to clients or patients in person, over the telephone or through telehealth technology.
  • Vision: Visual acuity adequate to perform job duties, including reading information from printed sources and computer screens.
  • Physical effort required: occasional lifting and carrying items weighing up to 15 pounds, unassisted.
  • Possible exposure to bloodborne pathogens while performing job duties.
  • Frequent bending, reaching, and repetitive hand movements, standing, walking, squatting and sitting, with some lifting, pushing and pulling exerted regularly throughout a regular workday.
  • Sufficient dexterity to operate a PC and other office equipment.


This Success Profile is not an exhaustive list of all functions or requirements that you may be required to perform; you may be required to perform other job-related assignments as requested by your supervisor or the company. You must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily; however, if requested, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable you to perform the essential functions of this job, absent undue hardship. Signature Health may revise this Success Profile at any time, with or without advanced notice. 


All employees of Signature Health are required to comply with the Signature Health Annual Influenza Vaccination Policy. This policy requires employees to obtain an annual flu vaccination. A medical and/or religious exemption may be submitted for review by the Signature Health Review Committee. Exemption requests are not guaranteed to be approved. Signature Health is a drug-free workplace. After receiving a conditional job offer, all applicants must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen.


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