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Prison Psychology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Prison Counselor 9-P11

Ypsilanti, MI ยท On-site

$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 ...

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Prison Psychology information

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$15

$28

$58

How much do prison psychology jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for prison psychology in the United States is $28.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $35.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is prison psychology?

A prison psychology job involves assessing and treating the mental health needs of incarcerated individuals. Prison psychologists provide therapy, conduct psychological evaluations, and help inmates manage issues like trauma, substance abuse, and behavioral disorders. They also assist with rehabilitation programs, crisis intervention, and risk assessments to ensure inmates receive appropriate care. Additionally, they may work with prison staff to improve the overall mental health environment within correctional facilities.

What are some of the unique challenges faced by psychologists working in prison settings?

Psychologists in prison environments often encounter challenges such as managing complex cases with limited resources, maintaining safety and security protocols, and addressing a wide range of mental health conditions among inmates. They work with individuals exhibiting trauma, addiction, and sometimes resistance to treatment, requiring both clinical skill and adaptability. Additionally, prison psychologists must work closely with correctional officers, medical staff, and administrative personnel to coordinate care while operating under strict confidentiality and ethical guidelines. This role requires balancing therapeutic goals with institutional policies, making strong communication and stress-management abilities invaluable. While the environment can be demanding, it also provides opportunities for meaningful impact and professional growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in prison psychology, and why are they important?

To thrive in Prison Psychology, you need a master's or doctoral degree in psychology, licensure as a psychologist, and experience in clinical assessment and intervention, especially in correctional settings. Familiarity with risk assessment tools, mental health diagnostics, and secure facility documentation systems like electronic health records (EHR) used in corrections is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, resilience, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to set professional boundaries are crucial for success. These competencies are essential to effectively support inmate mental health, reduce recidivism, and ensure safety within challenging correctional environments.

Can you work in a prison with a prison psychology degree?

Prison psychologists, who hold a degree in prison psychology or a related mental health field, can work in correctional facilities providing mental health assessments, therapy, and crisis intervention. Licensing or certification as a psychologist is typically required, along with relevant experience and knowledge of the correctional environment.

How much do prison psychologists make?

Prison psychologists typically earn between $60,000 and $85,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and level of education. Salaries can vary based on the facility, certifications, and whether they work in federal or state prisons, with some earning higher with advanced degrees or specialized skills.

How to become a prison psychologist?

To become a prison psychologist, you typically need a master's or doctoral degree in psychology, along with state licensure or certification. Relevant experience in mental health and knowledge of correctional environments are also important for working in prisons.
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What cities are hiring for Prison Psychology jobs?

Cities with the most Prison Psychology job openings:

What states have the most Prison Psychology jobs?

States with the most job openings for Prison Psychology jobs include:

Infographic showing various Prison Psychology job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,773 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

DOJ Pathways Internship Program, Student Trainee - Psychology (Psychology Student Trainee)

Milan, MI โ€ข On-site, Remote

$63K - $79K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Summary
PATHWAY PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
The Pathways Internship Program is designed to provide students enrolled in a variety of educational institutions, from high school to graduate level, with paid work opportunities in agencies to explore Federal careers while still in school. Provides students with work experience related to the career goals while offering eligibility to permanent employment upon completion.
To learn more, visit: Students & Recent Graduates.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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This position is part of the Pathways Internship Program and is located at the Central Office, Regional Office, and or at an institution within the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Psychology Student Trainee works in the Psychology Services Department or Branch under the direction of a licensed psychologist.
Responsible for assisting in the collection, monitoring, coding, entry, analysis and interpretation of administrative, operational, training and/or research data for various Psychology Services and Treatment Program (PTP) functions.
Assists in preparation and coordination of all phases and aspects of Psychology training such as CENTRA training, seminars, home study materials, teleconferences, Crisis Management training and workshops.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
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: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/media/1425556/dl?inline.
Key Requirements:
  1. U.S. Citizenship is Required.
  2. Must sign a Pathways Internship Program Participant Agreement
  3. Be at least 16 years of age
  4. Maintain a GPA of 2.5 and above with no grade below a "C"
  5. Maintain at least a half-time course load at the collegiate level.

Qualifications
To be considered for the position, you must meet the following:
Applicants must be current students pursuing a degree or certificate in a qualifying educational institution with an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher AND maintain at least a half time or full time course load.
AND
Completion of 1 full academic year of graduate level education; or Eligibility under the Superior Academic Achievement Provision and completion of a bachelor's degree in an appropriate field.
One full academic year of undergraduate; graduate; vocational; trades; technical or high school education is the number of credit hours determined by the college, university or school to represent 1 year of full-time study. The high school curriculum must be approved by a State or local governing body. All education beyond high school must be accredited by an accrediting body or organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Special Provisions/or Interns with Previous Related Education or Experience.
Previous education and/or experience may be evaluated to determine the highest grade level for which the individual is qualified.
Applicants must provide documentation from the educational institution verifying current enrollment with at least a half time or full time course load. This documentation may be a Current Enrollment Verification Certificate or a statement of current enrollment or acceptance letter (which verifies all of the required information).
AND
Quality Ranking Factor:
  • A graduate student in clinical or counseling psychology program that is accredited by the American Psychological Association.

NOTE: The above quality ranking factor is preferred. Therefore, applicants who possess the quality ranking factor can be ranked above those who do not, but no candidates can be rated ineligible solely for failure to possess a quality ranking factor.
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.**
Education
ONLY if education is a requirement/substitution for specialized experience, applicant MUST upload legible transcripts as verification of educational requirement. Transcripts MUST be uploaded and electronically linked from USAJOBS at the time you apply and MUST include identifying information to include School Name, Student Name, Degree and Date Awarded (if applicable). All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, Click Here.
Foreign Education: For information regarding foreign education requirements, please see Foreign Diploma and Credit Recognition at the U.S. Department of Education website: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.
Additional information
PATHWAY PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
Allows students to be exposed to the work of the Government through Federal internships while pursuing their degree. This position is being filled under the Pathways Internship Program which is designed to provide students enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions, from high school to graduate level, with paid work opportunities in agencies to explore Federal careers while still in school. The Internship provides managers a ready source of student employees and potential permanent employees upon completion of the program requirements. It also provides the student with work experience directly related to the curriculum studies or career goals.
To learn more, please visit: Student & Recent Graduates
SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT SECTION:
Appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of a pre-employment and panel interview, urinalysis, physical and background investigation.
THIS IS A NON-CONVERSION POSITION:
The selectee for this position will be serving in an excepted appointment of one year or less and will not be eligible for a non-competitive conversion appointment into the competitive service.
NOTE: This is a Student Internship opportunity under the Pathways Program. This is a temporary internship to complete project work that's temporary in nature. This is an excepted service appointment under the Pathways Internship Program.
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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.
Health and life insurance coverage for Federal employees depends on the type of appointment. Students hired under the Pathways Internship Program may be entitled to these benefits. If eligible, employees serving on temporary appointments will receive the same government contribution as full-time permanent employees. Temporary employees are not eligible for coverage under the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance Program.
Students hired under the Pathways Internship Program are generally ineligible for retirement coverage.
Applicants hired under the Pathways Internship Program on appointments for 90 days or more are eligible to earn annual and sick leave. As provided in 5 U.S.C. 6303(b), employees whose appointments are limited to less than 90 days may be eligible for annual leave if they have previously served for a continuous period of 90 days under successive appointments.
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.