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Prison Social Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Social Worker

Bronx, NY

$70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Osborne's Prison Services department is seeking a dedicated Clinical Social Worker to join our Elder Reentry Initiative (ERI) Expansion. This rapid reentry bridge program, based on the Critical Time ...

Social Worker

Bronx, NY · On-site

$70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Osborne's Prison Services department is seeking a dedicated Clinical Social Worker to join our Elder Reentry Initiative (ERI) Expansion. This rapid reentry bridge program, based on the Critical Time ...

Social Worker

Bronx, NY · On-site

$70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Osborne's Prison Services department is seeking a dedicated Clinical Social Worker to join our Elder Reentry Initiative (ERI) Expansion. This rapid reentry bridge program, based on the Critical Time ...

Social Worker

Norwood, VA

$29.81 - $32.70/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Green Rock Correctional Center is an all-male, level 3 security state prison in Chatham, Virginia ... Pay rate: $29.81/hr. ($62,000 annually.) Candidates with a LICSW, LCSW, CSAC, CADC, or equivalent ...

Social Worker

Norwood, VA · On-site

$29.81 - $32.70/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Green Rock Correctional Center is an all-male, level 3 security state prison in Chatham, Virginia ... Pay rate: $29.81/hr. ($62,000 annually.) Candidates with a LICSW, LCSW, CSAC, CADC, or equivalent ...

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Prison Social Worker information

See salary details

$34.5K

$76.3K

$117K

How much do prison social worker jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for prison social worker in the United States is $76,266.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $91,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a prison social worker?

Prison social workers are professionals who provide support, counseling, and rehabilitation services to incarcerated individuals. They help inmates address personal and psychological issues, facilitate access to education or treatment programs, and assist with reentry planning for life after release. Their role is crucial in promoting inmates' mental health, reducing recidivism, and supporting successful reintegration into society.

What does a prison social worker do?

As a prison social worker, you work in a jail or correctional facility. Your responsibilities revolve around assessing the mental health of prisoners, identifying substance abuse issues, and providing counseling and support services to promote rehabilitation. You lead group therapy sessions and work with the inmate population, helping them learn life skills so that they are better prepared to reenter the community upon their release. Additionally, you have related administrative duties like maintaining inmates’ medical records and assessment results, developing and documenting care plans, and communicating with prison officials, law enforcement, and the courts regarding prisoner status and progress.

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

To thrive as a Prison Social Worker, you need a degree in social work (often a master's), state licensure, and a solid understanding of criminal justice and mental health issues. Familiarity with case management systems, risk assessment tools, and relevant legal regulations is essential. Exceptional communication, resilience, and conflict resolution skills help you effectively support inmates and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills are crucial for promoting rehabilitation, ensuring safety, and facilitating positive outcomes within the correctional environment.

What are some common challenges faced by prison social workers when supporting incarcerated individuals?

Prison social workers often encounter challenges such as limited resources, navigating strict security protocols, and addressing the complex mental health needs of incarcerated individuals. Building trust with clients can be difficult due to stigma or distrust of institutional systems. Additionally, social workers must balance advocating for inmates' well-being while collaborating with correctional staff, which requires strong communication and conflict resolution skills. These challenges make the role demanding but also highly impactful for those committed to rehabilitation and restorative justice.

What is the difference between Prison Social Worker vs Probation Officer?

AspectPrison Social WorkerProbation Officer
CredentialsMaster's degree in social work or related field, licensure often requiredBachelor's or master's degree in criminal justice, social work, or related field; licensure varies
Work EnvironmentCorrectional facilities, prisons, detention centersCommunity settings, courts, probation offices
Employer & IndustryCorrectional institutions, government agenciesCourts, probation departments, criminal justice agencies
Primary FocusRehabilitation and support for incarcerated individualsSupervision and monitoring of offenders in the community

Prison Social Workers and Probation Officers both work within the criminal justice system but serve different roles. Prison Social Workers focus on supporting incarcerated individuals within correctional facilities, while Probation Officers supervise offenders in the community. Both roles require relevant credentials and are essential for offender rehabilitation and community safety.

Can you be a prison social worker in a prison?

Yes, prison social workers are employed within correctional facilities to provide mental health support, counseling, and case management to inmates. They typically need a relevant degree, such as a master's in social work, and must pass background checks; they work directly in the prison environment. Certification and knowledge of correctional policies are also important for this role.

How much money do prison social workers make?

Prison social workers typically earn between $40,000 and $65,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and level of education. They often require a bachelor's or master's degree in social work and may need state licensure to practice in correctional settings.

What cities are hiring for Prison Social Worker jobs?

Cities with the most Prison Social Worker job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Prison Social Worker jobs?

The most popular types of Prison Social Worker jobs are:

What states have the most Prison Social Worker jobs?

States with the most job openings for Prison Social Worker jobs include:

Infographic showing various Prison Social Worker job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,266 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

$70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Description

Osborne Association serves individuals, families, and communities affected by the criminal justice system. Through our programs, we offer opportunities for people to heal from and repair harm, restore their lives, and thrive. We challenge systems rooted in racism and retribution and fight for policies and practices that promote true safety, justice, and liberation. 


At Osborne, we are guided by core values and shared beliefs. We honor everyone's capacity to change, celebrate our shared humanity, are united in our pursuit of justice and equity, take all possible steps to keep our commitments, and advocate for people and principles with fierce and tenacious determination.  


Providing Critical Care to Older Adults Returning Home

Are you a compassionate clinical professional looking to make a meaningful difference? Osborne's Prison Services department is seeking a dedicated Clinical Social Worker to join our Elder Reentry Initiative (ERI) Expansion. This rapid reentry bridge program, based on the Critical Time Intervention (CTI) model, provides vital, time-limited community support to older adults transitioning back into society from prison.


The Social Worker provides short-term therapy and crisis support for older adults in Osborne's Elder Reentry Initiative Expansion, a Rapid Reentry Bridge Program based on the Critical Time Intervention (CTI) model. Reporting to the Deputy Director, the Social Worker delivers intensive, time-limited, community-based support and clinical services to clients post-release. Additionally, this role is responsible for providing remote transitional planning for individuals being released throughout New York State.


This is an on-site position based out of Osborne's Bronx office.  MSWs who are interested in pursuing clinical social work licensure will receive clinical supervision from an LCSW.


This position requires clearance by the New York State Department of Correction and Community Supervision (DOCCS). Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain Department of Correction and Community Supervision (DOCCS) clearance to work in facilities operated by the Department of Correction and Community Supervision (DOCCS).   


Salary Range: $70,000 annually

Requirements

Essential Duties:  

  • Provide short-term therapy and, within a team, provide on-call crisis support to participants.
  • Deliver high-intensity, in-person support in NYC to help clients secure foundational needs, stabilize, and engage in the Bridge program.
  • Deliver transitional planning and brief, remote post-release follow-up for approximately 22 Bridge Program participants preparing to return from incarceration per year (allocating ~10% of time).
  • Facilitate "warm handoffs" to long-term community providers, including mental health clinics, primary care doctors, and senior centers.
  • Maintain accurate case records and contribute to data collection for tracking program effectiveness.
  • Collaborate closely with the ERI team, including the Deputy Director, Care Manager, and Peer Specialists to ensure comprehensive care.
  • Travel locally and into correctional facilities occasionally to conduct pre-release planning and accompany new residents upon release.
  • In Person attendance is required to collaborate with others.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.


Minimum Qualifications:

  • MSW (Masters in Social Work) required.
  • Knowledge of and/or experience supporting individuals impacted by the criminal legal system.
  • Experience providing short-term therapy, crisis intervention, and transitional planning.
  • Competence in the criminal justice system and the jail or prison setting.

Key Competencies:

  • Ability to work effectively under tight deadlines, pay strong attention to detail, and time management skills.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong problem-resolution skills.
  • Ability to work in teams and collaborate effectively with people in different functions.
  • Ability to take the initiative and drive for results.
  • Ability to travel locally and to correctional facilities as needed.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
  • Ability to communicate with all levels of the organization and build strong relationships.

Benefits of Working at Osborne

Generous benefits including four weeks vacation, tuition reimbursement, flexible work schedule, excellent Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, and a 403(b) plan with a company match. Career development through ongoing training and individual development plans.


The Osborne Association is an EEO/Affirmative Action employer and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, unemployment status, or any other protected category. The Osborne Association takes affirmative action in support of its policy to advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.


Thank you for your interest in the Osborne Association. Be sure to include a cover letter with your application. No phone calls please. We wish we could personally respond to each application. However, we are unable to do so due to the volume of interest received.


** Salary is based on commensurate experience and other qualifications.Â