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Prison Social Worker Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

All JobsPrison Social Worker JobsPrison Social Worker Jobs in Rochester, NY

Prison Social Worker information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$34K

$75.2K

$115.4K

How much do prison social worker jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for prison social worker in Rochester, NY is $75,249.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,200.00 and $90,300.00 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.
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Prison Social Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prison Social Worker job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,249 per year, or $36.2 per hour.

Case Manager - RRC

Volunteers of America Upstate NY

Rochester, NY • On-site

$21 - $24/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Volunteers Of America rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 129 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

365th of 783 rated non-profit organizations

Job description

Make a difference in a family's life!
Volunteers of America Upstate New York's continuum of residential programs offer homeless & low-income individuals and families safe housing and support services. We provide long-term solutions to the problems of homelessness, addiction, incarceration, and poverty by helping the people we serve overcome obstacles and develop healthier, more self-sufficient lives.
Part-tkme Case Manager Residential Reentry Center Rochester, NY
SUMMARY
This position is responsible for providing all aspects of case management to Residential Reentry Center residents and former residents currently on home confinement. Scheduled hours include three 8-hour shifts per week, from 12 pm - 8 pm, to include one weekend day.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Work with Residential Reentry Center residents and former residents currently on home confinement to develop and execute individualized case plans.
  • Establish good working relationships with related agencies to maintain a comprehensive referral network for residents.
  • Conduct home visits and employment checks in accordance with VOA policies and relevant regulatory and funding sources.
  • Provide pro-social life skills training and support on an individual and group basis, and provide follow up to assure residents are achieving set goals. Upload all progress notes (IPP) and other required documentation on R3M - Federal Bureau of Prisons case management program
  • Transport and coordinate transportation for residents to services when needed.
  • Maintain accurate records for all residents in accordance with VOA policies and relevant regulatory and funding sources.
  • Attend all required trainings and maintain all required certifications.
  • Provide evening and on-call services as scheduled.
  • Other duties as needed.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS
  • Associates' Degree with a Bachelor's Degree preferred in a social, human services, criminal justice or behavioral science program from an accredited college or university. Four years' of relevant experience may be substituted for a bachelor's degree or two years with an Associate's Degree.
  • One year of experience working in human services, corrections or community-based services
  • Valid NYS Driver's License
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Working knowledge of MS Office products

VOA provides comprehensive benefits for eligible employees including:
  • Competitive Pay
  • Paid Time Off
  • Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • Company Paid Life & LTD Insurance
  • 403(b), & more!

Volunteers of America is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.

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