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Prison Educator Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

State of Michigan

Prison Counselor 9-P11

Ypsilanti, MI

$26 - $35.85/hr

Position Description - Prison Counselor Required Education and Experience Education Possession of a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, correctional administration, criminology, psychology, social ...

State of Michigan

Prison Counselor 9-P11

Ypsilanti, MI · On-site

$26 - $35.85/hr

Required Education and Experience Education Possession of a bachelor's degree in criminal justice ... Prison Counselor 10 One year of professional experience providing prison counseling services ...

State of Michigan

Plumber 10

Jackson, MI · On-site

$32.19 - $43.95/hr

... the prison. Position Description SPECIAL POSITION REQUIREMENT: Possession of a journey plumber's license issued by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth. Required Education and ...

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How much do prison educator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for prison educator in Michigan is $20.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $22.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a prison educator?

A prison educator is a professional who provides educational instruction and training to individuals incarcerated in correctional facilities. Their goal is to help inmates improve literacy, earn diplomas or degrees, develop vocational skills, and prepare for successful reentry into society. Prison educators may teach a variety of subjects, including basic education, GED preparation, vocational skills, or life skills. They play a crucial role in rehabilitation by offering inmates opportunities for personal and professional growth.

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

To thrive as a Prison Educator, you need a solid background in education, subject matter expertise, and often a teaching license or relevant certification. Familiarity with learning management systems, assessment tools, and correctional facility protocols is typically required. Exceptional communication, cultural sensitivity, and resilience are crucial soft skills for engaging and supporting incarcerated learners. These skills ensure effective instruction, foster positive learning environments, and help reduce recidivism through education.

What are some common challenges faced by prison educators, and how can they be addressed?

Prison Educators often encounter challenges such as limited access to resources, varying literacy levels among students, and the need to adapt teaching methods for a secure environment. Building rapport and trust with incarcerated learners is essential, as is maintaining flexibility to accommodate institutional schedules or restrictions. Successful educators collaborate closely with correctional staff and other educators to create a supportive learning environment while adhering to security protocols. Ongoing professional development and peer support can help in overcoming these challenges and enhancing teaching effectiveness.

What is the difference between Prison Educator vs Prison Counselor?

AspectPrison EducatorPrison Counselor
Required CredentialsTeaching certification or relevant educationCounseling certification or psychology degree
Work EnvironmentClassrooms within correctional facilitiesPrivate or group counseling sessions in correctional settings
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, correctional facilities

Prison Educators focus on teaching academic or vocational skills within correctional facilities, requiring teaching credentials. Prison Counselors provide mental health support, requiring counseling certifications. Both roles work within correctional environments but serve different inmate needs, making them distinct yet complementary roles in the justice system.

What are popular job titles related to Prison Educator jobs in Michigan?

For Prison Educator jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Prison Educator jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Prison Educator jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Prison Educator jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Prison Educator job openings:

Prison Educator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prison Educator job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,737 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Prison Counselor 9-P11

Ypsilanti, MI

State of Michigan
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 189 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 50 rated states

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students

Learn more about State of Michiganexternal

$26 - $35.85/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

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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