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Prison Counselor Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Prison Counselor information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$16K

$60.4K

$89.9K

How much do prison counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for prison counselor in Raleigh, NC is $60,399.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,600.00 and $74,400.00 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 Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,399 per year, or $29 per hour.

Correctional Officer (Correctional Counselor)

Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System

Butner, NC โ€ข On-site, Remote

$68K - $88K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Summary
Corrections professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by preparing individuals for successful reentry into our communities.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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The Correctional Counselor develops and implements programs within the unit to meet the individual needs of the inmates confined, to include individual as well as group counseling.
As part of the institution intake process (Admissions & Orientation), must interview newly admitted inmates.
The Correctional Counselor plays a key role in maintaining and enhancing the security of the unit and institution by their extensive contacts with the inmates.
Serves as the unit expert and coordinator on matters pertaining to: (a) inmate personal property, including incoming and outgoing package approvals; and (b) trust fund activities, including inmate withdrawals and special purchase orders.
Along with all other correctional institution employees, incumbent is charged with responsibility for maintaining security of the institution. The staff's correctional responsibilities precede all others required
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
Career Transition Programs (CTAP or ICTAP): These programs apply to Federal and/or DOJ employees who meet the definition of surplus or displaced from a position in the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must:
  1. Meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria;
  2. Be rated well-qualified for the position, scoring at least half of the total possible points for the vacancy KSAs or competencies; and
  3. Submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP eligibility:
    • A copy of the agency notice (i.e., separation notice or agency RIF letter),
    • Most recent performance appraisal, and
    • Most recent SF-50 showing current/former position, grade, promotion potential, and duty location.
    • See USAJOBS' Career Transition Programs for more information.

EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. More information can be found here: U.S Department of Justice - Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
Key Requirements:
  • U.S. Citizenship is Required.
  • See Special Conditions of Employment Section.
  • Selective Service Requirement

Qualifications
To be considered for the position, you must meet the following qualification requirements:
Education:
There is no substitution of education for specialized experience for this position.
OR
Experience:
You must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade level. This experience must have equipped the applicant with the qualifications to successfully perform the duties of the position.
Some examples of this qualifying experience are:
  • Experience in work such as police officer, social worker or mental health counselor in a residential facility or detention officer.
  • Experience in conducting individual and group counseling sessions.
  • Experience conducting internal and external audits.
  • Experience in coordinating matters pertaining to inmate personal property and involvement in the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Inmate Intake Process and inmate Admission and Orientation process.
  • Experience following policy to respond to the Administrative Remedy grievance process.
  • Experience coordinating re-entry programs.

AND
Medical Requirement:
The Department of Justice, Bureau of Prisons has established the following medical requirements for Correctional Officer positions:
The duties of these positions involve unusual mental and nervous pressure and require arduous physical exertion involving prolonged walking and standing,
restraining of prisoners in emergencies, and participating in escape hunts. Applicants must be physically capable of performing efficiently the duties of these positions and be free from such defects or disease as may constitute employment hazards to themselves or others. The duties of a Correctional Officer are arduous; and sound health as well as physical fitness is required.
If applicable, credit will be given for paid and unpaid experience. To receive proper credit, you must show the actual time (such as the number of hours worked per week) spent in activities.
**Your eligibility for consideration will be based on your responses to the questions in the application.**
Additional information
In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 3307, a maximum entry age of 36 has been established for original appointment to a position in a Bureau of Prisons institution.
If you are above the maximum entry age and have prior federal law enforcement coverage, you MUST submit an SF-50 to verify prior coverage.
Qualified Preference Eligible Veterans may be exempt from meeting the maximum age. Please refer to the Required Documents Section for the appropriate documentation to submit to validate veteran eligibility.
Special Conditions of Employment Section:
Appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of a pre-employment and panel interview, urinalysis, physical, and background investigation.
All applicants are subject to, and must satisfactorily pass all screening requirements in relation to National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and credit check.
All applicants not currently working in an institution will be required to complete a qualification inquiry regarding convictions of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence in order to be authorized to carry a firearm.
Successful completion of the "Introduction to Correctional Techniques", three-week training course at Glynco, Georgia is required.
Additional selections may be made if vacancies occur within the life of the certificate.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.