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Prison Social Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a highly skilled and compassionate Social Worker 7 to lead advanced clinical ... Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) to be considered for employment If you are contacted for an ...

Social Worker

Columbus, OH · On-site

$35/hr

Job Summary Our client is seeking a skilled Social Worker to join their team. The position involves ... or prison system * Experience working with black and brown communities preferred * Active NPI ...

SOCIAL WORKER 7

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$5.2K - $9.4K/mo

... Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) to be considered for employment. If you are contacted for an ... No 02 Do you possess a Licensed Master's Social Worker (LMSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker ...

Licensed Social Worker

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$48 - $55/hr

The Licensed Social Worker will provide trauma-informed counseling, interventions, and therapy to ... Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including families, prison officials ...

Licensed Social Worker

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$48 - $55/hr

The Licensed Social Worker will provide trauma-informed counseling, interventions, and therapy to ... Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including families, prison officials ...

SOCIAL WORKER 1/2/3

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$3.2K - $5.8K/mo

We are seeking a compassionate and motivated Social Worker to provide essential clinical support to ... the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) to be considered for employment The Office of Juvenile ...

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Prison Social Worker information

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$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.

Clinical Social Worker (Health/Correctional Facility)-Kern Valley State Prison, Delano

California Correctional Health Care Services

Bakersfield, CA • On-site

$8.6K - $10K/mo

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


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Job description

Effective July 1, 2025, in accordance with the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) was implemented in response to the status of the State budget. PLP 2025 requires each full-time employee in Bargaining Unit 1, 3, 4, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21, and related Excluded, Exempt and Statutory Exempt employees, will have their base salary reduced by 3 percent and will receive 5 PLP 2025 leave credits monthly through June 2027. Salaries do not reflect the recent changes. Part-time employees are subject to the same conditions as full-time employees, on a prorated basis equivalent to their time-base. Permanent intermittent employees are subject to the same condition as full-time employees, based on the number of hours worked in the pay period.
This is a limited term position which may be extended or become permanent.
Please note: Individuals may be eligible to receive a $10,000 one-time recruitment and retention stipend should they meet the eligibility criteria, including but not limited to remaining employed with CCHCS for six months. Additionally, individuals may be eligible to receive a monthly recruitment and retention differential during their first year with CCHCS (totaling $20,000), should they meet the eligibility criteria.
This Job Control is listed Until Filled. Applications will be reviewed on the following dates:
2/13/26, 2/27/26, 3/13/26, 3/27/26, 4/10/26, 4/24/26, 05/08/26, 5/29/26, 6/12/26, 6/26/26, 7/10/26, 7/24/26, 8/7/26, 8/21/26, 9/4/26, 9/18/26, 10/2/26, 10/16/26, 10/30/26, 11/13/26, 11/27/26, 12/11/26
  • This classification is subject to Section 5, Hiring-Above-Minimum (HAM) Authorization of the California State Civil Service Pay Scales. The authorized HAM rate for this classification is P $8,678 - Q $9,319.
  • Recruitment and Retention Bonus available for clinicians newly hired with California Correctional Health Care Services.
Please note: Individuals may be eligible to receive a $10,000 one-time recruitment and retention stipend should they meet the eligibility criteria, including but not limited to remaining employed with CCHCS for six months. Additionally, individuals may be eligible to receive a monthly recruitment and retention differential during their first year with CCHCS (totaling $20,000), should they meet the eligibility criteria.
IMPORTANT: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) employees may be eligible for a $5,000 referral bonus should you be selected for hire and remain employed with CCHCS for 90 days. For a CDCR/CCHCS employee to be considered, a questionnaire must be completed to the best of your knowledge, including the referring employee's name , classification , PERNR , and work location . The questionnaire will be provided to the selected candidate during the pre-employment process.
Under the general direction of the Senior Psychologist, Correctional Facility (CF) (Supervisor) or the Supervising Psychiatric Social Worker, CF, the Clinical Social Worker (Health/CF) Safety, conducts assessments and summarizes case information to use in diagnosis, treatment (level of care), and dispositional release; diagnoses and/or collaborates in the formulation of a diagnosis; develops, monitors, and modifies treatment plans in collaboration with the interdisciplinary treatment team. Provides assessments, group therapy, and collateral conferences, and documents and evaluates patients' progress in treatment. The Clinical Social Worker (Health/CF) Safety coordinates placement with community resources and the Classification and Parole Representative.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
  • CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER (HEALTH/CORRECTIONAL FACILITY) - SAFETY
Additional Documents
  • Job Application Package Checklist
  • Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-523650
Position #(s):
915-220-9872-XXX
Working Title:
Clinical Social Worker (Health/Correctional Facility)-Kern Valley State Prison, Delano
Classification:
CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER (HEALTH/CORRECTIONAL FACILITY) - SAFETY $8,678.00 - $10,569.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
Multiple
Work Location:
Kern County
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
12 Month Limited Term - Full Time
Facility:
Kern Valley State Prison
Department Information
Vision
We enhance public safety and promote successful community reintegration through education, treatment and active participation in rehabilitative and restorative justice programs.
Mission
To facilitate the successful reintegration of the individuals in our care back to their communities equipped with the tools to be drug-free, healthy, and employable members of society by providing education, treatment, rehabilitative, and restorative justice programs, all in a safe and humane environment.
CDCR and CCHCS are committed to transforming the correctional landscape to create safer, more professional, and more fulfilling environments for our employees, the incarcerated population, and those supervised in our communities. Through systemwide improvements grounded in proven and emerging practices, we aim to strengthen rehabilitation, enhance workplace satisfaction, and support successful reentry into the community through our institutions, parole, and community partnerships. Our shared mission is to promote safety, wellness, and human dignity while fostering positive change for all those who live and work within our institutions and communities
CDCR and CCHCS are committed to building an inclusive respectful workplace. We are
determined to attract and hire candidates from all communities and empower employees
from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and personal experiences. We are proud to
foster inclusion and drive collaborative efforts at all levels of the Department.
Across our organization, our programs work cooperatively to provide the highest level of health care possible to a diverse correctional population. We encourage creativity and ingenuity while treating others fairly, honestly, and with respect, all of which are critical to the success of the CDCR and CCHCS mission.
This advertisement is for a Clinical Social Worker position(s) for Kern Valley State Prison (KVSP) located in Delano, CA in Kern County. Please write the position number on your application: 915-220-9872-XXX.
Please Note: Main communication for this position will be through email. Please ensure to have a valid email address on your application.
Department Website: cchcs.ca.gov/careers
Special Requirements
Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for a job vacancy, such as your state application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, student identification number, driver's license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. Confidential information on the first page of applications submitted electronically online, such as Easy ID number, SSN, examination related information, and driver's license number will automatically be redacted upon submission.
All applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications (MQ's) of the classification, per SPB Rule 250, with the exception of Training & Development (T&D) Assignments.
Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting Minimum Qualifications with education, you should include your unofficial transcripts/diploma for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. If it is determined an applicant does not meet the Minimum Qualifications, the candidate will be withheld from the eligibility list, rendering them inactive and ineligible to be hired for the position. Candidates who have been withheld may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board.
If using academic education above the twelfth grade to meet minimum qualifications, include a copy of your degree and/or Informal (Unofficial) School Transcripts.
Applicants who completed their education outside of the US (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of U.S. course/degree equivalency. Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at NACES | National Association of Credential Evaluation Services .
Candidates new to CDCR/CCHCS are required to submit to a background investigation process utilizing Live Scan Fingerprinting, as well as a Tuberculosis test/evaluation prior to appointment, followed by department annual Tuberculosis testing/evaluation thereafter.
When submitting supporting documents, PDF file format is preferred.
CDCR/CCHCS utilizes E-Verify to confirm candidate's identity and employment authorization. For more information about E-Verify, you may go to www.e-verify.gov .
This advertisement may be used for other vacancies that occur during the life of this recruitment.
Employment History on the STD. 678 must be complete and include dates, accurate hours per week, total time worked, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. To prepare for the State Application process, please visit Work4CA: State Application Checklist .
Application Instructions
Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: Until Filled
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
California Correctional Health Care Services
Regional Human Resources-Southern
Attn: RHU KVSP CSW LTFT JC-523650
Regional Human Resources - Southern
P.O. Box 81857
Bakersfield , CA 93380
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
California Correctional Health Care Services
Kern Valley State Prison
Maritza Chavez
3000 W Cecil Avenue
Delano , CA 93215
RHU KVSP CSW LTFT JC-523650
08:30 AM - 03:30 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
  • Other - License: Possession of a valid license as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker issued by the California Board of Behavioral Science. [Individuals who do not qualify for licensure by the California Board of Behavioral Science may be admitted into the examination and may be appointed but must secure a valid license within four years of appointment; however, an individual can be employed only to the extent necessary to be eligible for licensure plus one year. An extension of the waiver may be granted for one additional year based on extenuating circumstances, as provided by Section 1277(e) of the Health and Safety Code. The time duration for unlicensed employment does not apply to active doctoral candidates in social work, social welfare, or social service, until the completion of such training.]
  • Other - Education : If using academic education above the twelfth grade to meet minimum qualifications, include a copy of your Degree and/or Informal (Unofficial) School Transcripts.
  • Other - Other - In preparation for the State Application process, please visit Work4CA: State Application Checklist - State Application Checklist
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

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