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Prison Social Worker Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

State of Indiana

Correctional Chaplain

Michigan City, IN · On-site

$47K/yr

The prison grounds also include a level-two facility with a capacity of 385 incarcerated adult ... Maintain a working knowledge of community-based programs, agencies, and governmental agencies that ...

State of Indiana

Correctional Chaplain

Michigan City, IN · On-site

$47K/yr

Indiana State Prison is a level‑four maximum‑security facility located in Michigan City ... Maintain a working knowledge of community-based programs, agencies, and governmental agencies that ...

Centurion

Registered Nurse Full-Time Nights (81808)

IN · On-site

$38 - $49/hr

We are currently seeking a full-time Registered Nurse to join our team at Indiana State Prison ... working under the direction of the Director of Nursing (DON) and/or Nursing Supervisor and ...

Centurion

Registered Nurse Full-Time Days (82098)

IN · On-site

$38 - $49/hr

We are currently seeking a full-time Registered Nurse to join our team at Indiana State Prison ... working under the direction of the Director of Nursing (DON) and/or Nursing Supervisor and ...

All JobsPrison Social Worker JobsPrison Social Worker Jobs in Indiana

Prison Social Worker information

See Indiana salary details

$32.8K

$72.6K

$111.3K

How much do prison social worker jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for prison social worker in Indiana is $72,572.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,100.00 and $87,100.00 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.

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.
More about Prison Social Worker jobs

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

The most popular types of Prison Social Worker jobs in Indiana are:

What are popular job titles related to Prison Social Worker jobs in Indiana?

For Prison Social Worker jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Prison Social Worker jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Prison Social Worker jobs in Indiana are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Prison Social Worker jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Prison Social Worker job openings:

Prison Social Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prison Social Worker job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,572 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Licensed Mental Health Professional $15,000 Bonus (80192)

Centurion Health

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Centurion Health rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 140 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

648th of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

EARN A $15,000 SIGN-ON BONUS FOR JOINING OUR TEAM FULL-TIME!

Salary Range $56,500- $72,000, depending on experience and license + comprehensive benefits!

Opportunities for: LMHC, LMHC-A, LCSW, LSW, LMFT

Centurion is proud to be the provider of comprehensive healthcare services to the Indiana Department of Correction. 

We are currently seeking a full-time Licensed Mental Health Professional to join our team at Indiana Women's Prison located in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The Licensed Mental Health Professional provides mental health case management services to patients in a correctional setting and consults with a multi-disciplinary team in providing comprehensive mental health care, including: intake and assessments, crisis intervention, treatment planning, and providing individual and group therapy.

  • Masters level degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or related field from an accredited educational institution required.
  • Active mental health professional license in Indiana (LMHC, LMHC-A, LCSW, LSW, LMFT)
  • Must show current tuberculosis documentation and active CPR certification.
  • Minimum of two years’ experience with direct care for individuals with mental illness preferred.
  • Must be able to pass a background investigation and obtain agency security clearance where applicable.

Available Shift: full-time days, Monday-Friday

We offer excellent compensation and comprehensive benefits for our full-time team members including:

  • Health, dental, vision, disability and life insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Generous paid time off
  • Paid holidays
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Continuing Education benefits
  • Much more...

Centurion is the provider of healthcare services for the Indiana DOC. To explore a non-medical career in corrections with Indiana DOC, text IDOC to 765-263-6322 to speak with a recruiter, or apply now at https://www.in.gov/idoc/careers-in-corrections/.

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