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Jail Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Coleman Health Services

Jail Liaison Counselor

Warren, OH

$60K - $65K/yr

... jail in Warren, Ohio and to coordinate care up to 30 days after release. Must have minimum Ohio ... Must pass required background check and driving record check. LPCC/LISW preferred (with NPI number ...

West Virginia

Correctional Counselor 2

Charleston, WV

$34K - $58K/yr

This is full-performance level Correctional Counselor work. The employee works independently in ... Other Information Adult Facilities Prisons and Jails Central Regional Jail and Correctional ...

Malheur County

Jail Corrections Deputy

Vale, OR · On-site

$4.4K/mo

... counsel inmates regarding their behavior in jail; supervise inmate program activities; maintain discipline; review and recommend classification and housing of inmates. 3. Conduct inmate status checks ...

ATC Healthcare Services

QMHP - Alpena County Jail

Alpena, MI · On-site

$44K - $58K/yr

Masters Degree Licensed State of Michigan (Psychologist, Social Worker or Counselor) * Candidates ... ATC Benefits for Jail Nurse(s): * Weekly Direct Deposit * Overtime for all hours worked over 40 in ...

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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.
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What states have the most Jail Counselor jobs?

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

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

Jail Counselor jobs near you
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.

D186- Part-Time Clinician-Jail Services

Macon, GA • On-site

River Edge Behavioral Health Center
Health Care and Social Assistance • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about River Edge Behavioral Health Centerexternal

$52K - $69K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

River Edge Behavioral Health Clinician

At River Edge Behavioral Health in Macon, GA, employees are expected to develop meaningful relationships with patients, establishing trust and making a difference in the lives of clients and their families. We believe in supporting our team as well as our clients with our comprehensive benefits package and a supportive work culture, including health, dental, and vision benefits, paid vacation, retirement plans, and more.

Program Overview

River Edge is currently seeking a full-time Clinician for the Judiciary In-reach Program. Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Clinician will conduct confidential behavioral health assessments, brief and ongoing mental health counseling, substance abuse assessment and counseling, for clients at the Bibb County Jail.

Schedule: Five days weekly including one weekend day 3:00P.M.-8:00P.M.

  • Conduct confidential behavioral health assessments, brief and ongoing mental health counseling, and substance abuse assessment and counseling for clients at the Bibb County Jail.
  • Facilitate client participation in developing a solution-focused treatment plan addressing important goals, objectives, and interventions.
  • Participate in individual and group counseling sessions and attend court proceedings if applicable.
  • Complete collaborative documentation tasks.
  • Identify and collaborate with jail staff to intervene in crisis and potential crisis situations.
  • Demonstrate problem-solving abilities at the designated level.
  • Attend staff meetings, case conferences, and training programs as required.
  • Participate in clinical supervision sessions to enhance skills and knowledge.
  • Provide clinical consultation to referral sources, jail staff, family members, and others to support clients' recovery.
  • Review referral information, consult with Jail Services Case Manager/Discharge Planner, and coordinate services and client interviews as needed.
  • Coordinate the admission and intake process for admitted clients, ensuring a timely and smooth transition into treatment.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date clinical records, including case notes, treatment plan reviews, discharge planning, and outcomes.
  • Stay informed about treatment agencies, programs, and available resources for clients.
  • Adhere to internal and external policies, procedures, regulations, and standards, including River Edge's policies and procedures, Quality Assurance Plan, DBHDD requirements, State Licensing standards, County Monitoring requirements, and managed care regulations.
Qualifications
  • Master's degree in social service field (e.g., Social Work, Sociology, Psychology,) or related field, such as counseling. (Required)
  • Associated Licensed in one of the following: LAPC, LMSW, LAMFT (Required)
  • Fully Licensed in either - LMFT, LPC, LCSW (Preferred)
  • At least one (1) year of postmaster's experience providing mental health and substance abuse treatment.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and expertise with the chronically mentally ill population.
  • At least one (1) year of case management experience, in the community and the criminal justice system.
Additional Benefits
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Short and long-term disability coverage
  • 11 Paid holidays
  • Voluntary Life Insurance

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