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Jail Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Southeast Healthcare

Jail Clinician

Mount Gilead, OH · On-site

The Jail Clinician provides comprehensive mental health services within a correctional setting ... Deliver individual counseling and brief therapeutic interventions * Provide case management ...

CHR Inc

Clinician: Jail Diversion

Manchester, CT · On-site

$55K - $83K/yr

Jail Diversion Within the Jail Diversion program, staff work within the courts and mental health ... Annual wellness stipend, FREE premium subscription to the Calm app, 6 FREE confidential counseling ...

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Jail Counselor information

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$62.5K

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How much do jail counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 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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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:

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.

Certified-Substance Abuse Counselor (C/SAC)

Newport News, VA

City of Newport News
Public Administration • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about City of Newport Newsexternal

$20.25 - $27.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

City Of Newport News rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

DESCRIPTION

The Newport News Sheriff's Office has an immediate opening for a full-time Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC). The Sheriff's office operates two facilities housing over 500 inmates.

The Masters Level Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) leads rehabilitation education, completes assessments, case management and discharge planning of clients admitted into the Newport News City Jail. This position assists the medical staff as needed in their evaluation of inmate with substance abuse addiction.

Administers appropriate screening tool such as Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI), VA Modified Offender Screening Tool (M-OST) and/or Offender Screening Tool (OST). Assists in case management/discharge planning, with appropriate referrals based on client needs. The CSAC assures that an Individualized Treatment Plan is established for each participant and that a Treatment Plan Review is completed weekly for those who remain incarcerated for greater than 16 weeks. Daily tasks consist of attending and leading group sessions and individual sessions.

The CSAC is a strategic member of the Treatment Team and makes decisions and recommendations in the area of social services required placement in other social structures and counseling with recommendations for other wraparound services, including re-entry.

Work is performed in accordance with established departmental policies with application of professional knowledge and skills in completion of case assignments, working with a degree of professional independence. The counselor will work closely with a multidisciplinary team consisting of jail administrators and staff, medical providers, program staff (counselors, re-entry specialists), and community partners such as CSB and similar agencies. Performance of duties are under the supervision of the Executive Director of Community Outreach and Programs.

Essential Functions

Essential functions include, but are not limited to:

  • Demonstrate the ability to engage individuals in a hopeful, empathetic manner regardless of the phase of recovery.
  • Provide a welcoming environment while conducting daily classes for individuals enrolled in substance abuse treatment and counseling.
  • Make referrals to appropriate personnel who will determine participants' eligibility for Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT).
  • Perform individual counseling and group classes. Document client progress through counseling and interaction through groups and individual sessions.
  • Identify any case management needs and work to address those needs.
  • Conduct follow up with re-entry before release from incarceration to ensure appropriate placement in re-entry classes/programs.
  • Coordinate services and service planning with medical providers within NN-MAT and with other agencies such as criminal justice agencies, probation officers, Veterans Affairs staff, jail staff, psychiatric hospitals, counselors, landlords, vocational programs, doctors, etc., to ensure continuity of care.
  • Maintain records related to service delivery according to applicable ethical requirements and the requirements of the Newport News Sheriff's Office and other regulatory agencies (federal, state, and other).
  • Participates in team meetings, professional development trainings, seminars, and conferences pertaining to the program and its operation.
  • Always acts in the best interest of the program and Newport News Sheriff's Office; honors, supports and protects the data and rights of all participants

Education/Experience

Master's degree in a human services field (i.e. Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Counseling, Public Health).

CSAC - Certification

Two years' experience in a human services field (i.e., Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Counseling, Public Health).

Two or more years' experience working with adults with mental health/substance abuse disorders; preferably in a jail-based setting.

Additional Information & Requirements

  • Possession of a valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record by the DMV
  • Must be certified or certifiable in basic first aid and CPR

Work Location: Newport News City Jail

Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday (8am-4pm), evenings and weekends as needed

REQUIREMENTS

  • Must be at least 21 years of age.
  • Must be a citizen of the United States.
  • Requires an acceptable background check and acceptable credit check.
  • Have never been dishonorably discharged from any of the armed forces of the United States.
  • Requires a valid drivers license with an acceptable driving record.
  • Must be able to work a varying shift pattern and be on-call on a rotational basis for certain duties and teams.
  • Employees in this job are required to refrain from all use of controlled substances and are subject to random controlled substances testing.

The Newport News Sheriff's Office shall safely and securely provide appropriate supervision of all persons entrusted to the care of the Newport News City Jail and Annex; provide for safe and secure operations in the courts; guarantee expedient and accurate service of civil and criminal warrants, and enforce the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

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