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Jail Counselor Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

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Jail Counselor information

See Florida salary details

$26.5K

$46.7K

$76.2K

How much do jail counselor jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for jail counselor in Florida is $46,730.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,900.00 and $51,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are jail counselors?

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.

How to become a correctional counselor?

To become a correctional counselor, you typically need a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, psychology, social work, or a related field. Certification or licensing may be required, and relevant skills include communication, assessment, and crisis intervention. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions can also be beneficial.

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.

What job categories do people searching Jail Counselor jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Jail Counselor jobs in Florida are:
Licensed Mental Health Counselor - Part Time

Licensed Mental Health Counselor - Part Time

Naphcare, Inc.

Jacksonville, FL • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


NaphCare rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

740th of 864 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 Jacksonville Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Jacksonville, Florida.
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

The schedule for this position consists of 2 days per week
Qualifications
Experience / Skills / Requirements
  • Master's prepared Mental Health Professional with active, unrestricted licensure as a (LCSW, LCMHC, LMFT, LMHP, LISW, etc.) in Florida
  • Must possess an active BLS CPR Certification (American Heart Association preferred)
  • 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

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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