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Prison Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State of Michigan

Prison Counselor 9-P11

Ypsilanti, MI · On-site

$26 - $35.85/hr

Position functions as a professional prison counselor in prison housing units, completing a variety of assignments to carry out the activities of a prison treatment program and the activities ...

State of Michigan

Prison Counselor 9-P11

Ypsilanti, MI · On-site

$26 - $35.85/hr

Prison Counselor 10 One year of professional experience providing prison counseling services equivalent to a Prison Counselor 9. Prison Counselor P11 Two years of professional experience providing ...

Jubilee Ministries

MEN'S PRISON CHAPLAIN

Somerset, PA · On-site

$21.20/hr

Provide counsel to prison inmates from the Bible about life change through the gospel * Pray that the Spirit of God would bring life change through the gospel to prison inmates * Help coordinate ...

Jubilee Ministries

MEN'S PRISON CHAPLAIN

Somerset, PA · On-site

$21.20/hr

Provide counsel to prison inmates from the Bible about life change through the gospel * Pray that the Spirit of God would bring life change through the gospel to prison inmates * Help coordinate ...

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$16.5K

$62.1K

$92.5K

How much do prison counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for prison counselor in the United States is $62,134.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $76,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a prison counselor?

Prison counselors are professionals who work within correctional facilities to provide support, guidance, and rehabilitation services to inmates. Their main responsibilities include assessing inmates' needs, developing individualized treatment and rehabilitation plans, facilitating group or individual counseling sessions, and helping inmates prepare for successful reintegration into society. Prison counselors also collaborate with correctional staff and outside agencies to ensure the well-being and progress of inmates.

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

To thrive as a Prison Counselor, you need a background in psychology, social work, or counseling, typically supported by a relevant degree and state licensure or certification. Familiarity with case management software, assessment tools, and correctional facility protocols is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, emotional resilience, and effective communication help build trust and guide inmates through rehabilitation. These skills ensure the delivery of effective support services, promote inmate rehabilitation, and maintain safety within the correctional environment.

What are the most common challenges faced by prison counselors when working with incarcerated individuals?

Prison counselors often encounter challenges such as building trust with inmates, addressing a wide range of mental health and behavioral issues, and managing safety concerns within a correctional environment. Establishing rapport can be difficult due to past traumas or mistrust of authority among inmates. Additionally, counselors must balance providing support with maintaining professional boundaries and adhering to institutional policies, often while working with limited resources. Collaboration with correctional staff and other professionals is essential to ensure both effective rehabilitation and the safety of all parties.

What is the difference between Prison Counselor vs Probation Officer?

AspectPrison CounselorProbation Officer
CredentialsRelevant degrees in psychology, social work, or counseling; licensure often requiredBachelor's or master's in criminal justice, social work, or related fields; sometimes required to have counseling credentials
Work EnvironmentCorrectional facilities, prisons, detention centersCommunity settings, courts, probation offices
Employer & IndustryCorrectional institutions, government agenciesCourts, probation departments, criminal justice agencies
Job FocusProviding mental health counseling, rehabilitation, and support to inmatesMonitoring, supervising, and assisting offenders in the community

Both Prison Counselors and Probation Officers work within the criminal justice system and require related credentials. While Prison Counselors focus on inmate rehabilitation within correctional facilities, Probation Officers supervise offenders in the community. Their roles complement each other but differ mainly in work environment and specific responsibilities.

Are prison counselors in demand?

Prison counselors are in demand due to the ongoing 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 do you become a prison counselor?

To become a prison counselor, you typically need a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field, and some positions may require a master's degree. Relevant experience, strong communication skills, and sometimes certification or licensure are also important for employment in correctional facilities.
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What states have the most Prison Counselor jobs?

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Prison Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prison Counselor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 36% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 63% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,134 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Prison Counselor 9-P11

State of Michigan

Ypsilanti, MI • On-site

$26 - $35.85/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

State Of Michigan rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 189 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 50 rated states

Job description

Job Description The Michigan Department of Corrections is proud to be a Michigan Veteran's Affairs Agency (MVAA) Gold Level Veteran Friendly Employer. MDOC is proud to employ nearly 1,500 veterans and actively serving military members across the department. The Department has many benefits and services available to support our military and veteran employees, spouses, and families.

Learn more about what makes MDOC a Gold-Level Veteran Friendly Employer here. Position functions as a professional prison counselor in prison housing units, completing a variety of assignments to carry out the activities of a prison treatment program and the activities necessary to maintain a prison housing unit. Position evaluations prisoner's behavior to determine progress made through treatment programs and maintains the housing unit in accordance with policy and procedure.

Position Description - Prison Counselor Required Education and Experience Education Possession of a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, correctional administration, criminology, psychology, social work, counseling and guidance, child development, sociology, school social work, social work administration, family relations, human services, or theology. Experience Prison Counselor 9 No specific type or amount is required. Prison Counselor 10 One year of professional experience providing prison counseling services equivalent to a Prison Counselor 9.

Prison Counselor P11 Two years of professional experience providing prison counseling services equivalent to a Prison Counselor, including one year equivalent to a Prison Counselor 10. Alternate Education and Experience Prison Counselor 9 Possession of a bachelor's degree in any major and one year of Department of Corrections' experience. OR Education level typically acquired through the completion of high school and one year as an Assistant Resident Unit Supervisor 11 or Corrections Shift Supervisor 11; or, two years as a Corrections Field Services Assistant E10, Corrections Medical Unit Officer E10, Corrections Resident Representative E10, Corrections Security Representative E10, Corrections Transportation Officer E10, Resident Unit Officer E10, or Special Alternative Incarceration Officer E10; or, three years as a Corrections Medical Officer E9 or Corrections Officer E9.

Additional Requirements and Information The Department of Corrections will not hire individuals who have been convicted of a felony or who have felony charges pending, in accordance with Public Act 140 of the Public Acts of 1996. View the entire job specification at: https://www.michigan.gov/mdcs/-/media/Project/Websites/mdcs/JOBSPECS/P/PrisonCounselor.pdf Accommodations If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or selection processes, please contact the ADA coordinator for the agency that posted this position vacancy.

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