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Prison Counselor Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

$42.98/hr

Counsels WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers by telephone, text messaging, email, home visits, shelter visits, prison visits, and/or hospital visits at scheduled intervals. * Counsels pre-natal ...

BREASTFEEDING PEER COUNSELOR

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$14.25 - $18.75/hr

Counsels WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers by telephone, text messaging, email, home visits, shelter visits, prison visits, and/or hospital visits at scheduled intervals. * Counsels pre-natal ...

The prison grounds also include a level-two facility with a capacity of 385 incarcerated adult ... Conduct individual counseling sessions with offenders as needed. * Maintain a working knowledge of ...

Prison Counselor information

See Indiana salary details

$15.7K

$59.1K

$88K

How much do prison counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for prison counselor in Indiana is $59,124.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,600.00 and $72,800.00 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.
Infographic showing various Prison Counselor job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 36% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 62% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,124 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

BREASTFEEDING PEER COUNSELOR

On-site

Marion County Public Health Department
Health Care and Social Assistance • 201 - 500 employees

$42.98/hr

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

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Sub-Division:MCPHD

FLS Status: [[JOB_REQUISITION_CUSTOM27]]

Marion County Public Health Department is an organization that celebrates diversity, and seeks to employ a diverse workforce. We actively encourage all individuals to apply for employment and to seek advancement opportunities. Marion County Public Health Department also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities as required by law. For additional questions please contact us at: hrmail@hhcorp.org .

Job Role Summary

Gives basic breastfeeding information, encouragement, and support to Women, Infant and Children Program (WIC) pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

  • Attends breastfeeding training classes to become a peer counselor. Continues advancing breastfeeding knowledge through participation in available conferences, workshops, shadowing more experienced breastfeeding consultants, and participating in team meetings.
  • Counsels WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers by telephone, text messaging, email, home visits, shelter visits, prison visits, and/or hospital visits at scheduled intervals.
  • Counsels pre-natal and breastfeeding women in the WIC clinics.
  • Teaches breastfeeding classes in WIC clinics and offsite when necessary.
  • Provides leadership with support groups and centering groups when available.
  • Receives an assigned caseload of WIC participants and makes routine contacts providing basic breastfeeding information and support to new mothers. This includes but is not limited to educating on the benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers, establishing milk supply dialogues, and addressing myths.
  • Refers situations that are beyond the provided training or comfort level. This includes common problems that do not begin improving within 24 hours of the intervention, or when there are medical situations for the mother or infant.Yields such situations first to an IBCLC within WIC or the medical provider.
  • Offers support to WIC participants outside of usual clinic hours.
  • Participates in outreach activities in the community.
  • Keeps accurate records of all contacts made with WIC participants within the automated system and the S-drive.
  • May assist WIC staff in promoting breastfeeding peer counseling through special projects and duties as assigned.
  • Maintain confidentiality of all client records and information as specified by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).
  • Participate in public health preparedness exercise and in response to public health emergencies, as directed.
  • Participate in a minimum of two H.O.P.E events totaling of minimum of eight (8) hours annually.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Associated Job Duties
  • Transport, on occasion, client information and or supplies between MCHD health offices following HIPAA guidelines.
Qualifications
  • Completion of high school or GED.
  • Having breastfed at least one baby (does not have to be currently breastfeeding).
  • Previous or current participation in the WIC Program.
  • Access to personal transportation.
Licenses/Certifications RequiredKnowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Current lactation practices and terminology or the willingness to learn.
  • Use effective and efficient time management skills under pressure of patient volume.
  • Work independently.
  • Pleasantly communicate verbally and in writing with the public, assigned hospital staff and WIC staff.
  • Be flexible to changing work duties.
  • Operate office equipment especially computers.
  • Bilingual is preferred.
  • Primarily works out of WIC office located in WIC clinics or in area hospitals where WIC provides services.
  • May require periodic evening phone contact with established clients.
  • Some travel required between program locations and within community.
  • Exposure to communicable illnesses and diseases due to direct client contact.
  • Considerable walking and standing.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

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