|
Correctional counselors, also known as case managers, correctional treatment specialists or drug treatment specialists, create rehabilitation plans for prison inmates and parolees. Correctional Counselor Job Duties Correctional counselors evaluate the progress of inmates in jails and prisons. They normally write treatment plans and reports for each client, and also work with inmates, probation officers and other agencies to develop parole and release plans. They provide case reports to the parole board when their clients are eligible for release. In addition, they plan educational and training programs to offenders, and counsel offenders either individually or in groups on their coping skills, anger management skills, and drug or sexual abuse prevention. Workplace Correctional counselors work in jails and prisons, or in parole or probation agencies.  Education and Training To become a correctional counselor you'll need a 4-year bachelor's degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology or a related area to work in the field. Many correctional treatment specialists have master's degree in criminal justice, social work or psychology. Most correctional counselors work as trainees for about 6 months, then obtain a permanent position. A typical agency has several levels of correctional treatment specialists, as well as supervisors. Licensing and Certification At minimum, you'll need to be a US citizen over 20 years old, not be a convicted felon, have a bachelor's degree, and pass several competitive written, oral, psychological and physical examinations. Some states require that correctional treatment specialists take certification tests during or after the completion of training. Salary According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, correctional counselors earned a median salary of $42,500 in 2006, while the middle 50 percent earned between $33,880 and $56,280, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $71,160.
Related Articles: Criminal Justice Home
Paralegal Articles & Resources | Find Criminal Justice Schools |
