Are you ready to become a correctional counselor but not sure where to find jobs? Correctional counselors can work in many settings, which can make a job search confusing at first. This post aims to eliminate some of that uncertainty by explaining where to find correctional counselor jobs.
Understanding the Role of a Correctional Counselor
A correctional counselor provides mental health support to people in correctional facilities, working directly with jailed people to help them navigate the challenges of incarceration and rehabilitation. They provide these services by assessing patients’ mental health needs and collaborating with correctional offices, medical staff, and other mental health professionals to provide interventions.
Correctional counselors typically are employed in prisons and jails, probation and parole offices, and community reentry programs, but there are also unique places to find correctional counselor jobs.
Where to Find Correctional Counselor Jobs
Finding a job as a correctional counselor requires knowing where to look. Positions can be found in government agencies, private facilities, nonprofit organizations, and job search platforms. Below are some resources for finding these roles.
Government Job Boards
Many correctional counseling jobs are within federal, state, and local correctional systems. These positions offer stability, benefits, and opportunities for career advancement. Consider searching for jobs in these places:
- USAJOBS. The official federal government job portal, where you can find positions with the Federal Bureau of Prisons and other federal agencies.
- State Department of Corrections Websites. Each state has its own corrections department that posts job openings for correctional counselors. Visit your state’s official website for job listings.
- Government Job Portals. Local jails and probation offices hire correctional counselors. Check your county or city’s website for openings in community-based correctional programs.
Private Companies
Companies like TK Health partner with corrections officials to provide healthcare and mental healthcare services in correctional facilities through government contracts. These private companies often have openings for correctional counselors. Take a look at TK Health’s current job openings. Our job openings are updated regularly as new roles become available.
Nonprofit Organizations
Not all correctional counseling positions are in government-run facilities. Rehabilitation centers and nonprofit organizations also offer jobs. Consider searching for jobs with organizations like The Fortune Society, which provides support to formerly incarcerated people. These types of organizations hire counselors to help with reentry, mental health, and substance use treatment.
Job Search Websites
General job boards or sites, like Glassdoor, Indeed, LinkedIn, or ZipRecruiter, and specialized criminal justice job sites, like Corrections1, can help you discover open positions. These platforms allow you to search for correctional counseling jobs by location and other details specific to your needs.
Networking and Professional Associations
Building a strong professional network can help you learn about job openings before they are posted. Consider membership in organizations like the American Correctional Association, the National Commission on Correctional Healthcare, the American Counseling Association, or the National Association of Social Workers, all of which, like many of their peer organizations, have job banks.
Tips for Applying and Landing a Correctional Counselor Job
Of course, you want to be a competitive candidate for any job you apply for. That means you’ll need to do some work ahead of time. Correctional counseling roles require a mix of education, experience, and strong interpersonal skills. Follow these tips to improve your chances of getting hired.
Earn the Necessary Credentials and Licensing
Most correctional counselors must have bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology, social work, criminal justice, or counseling. They may also have special courses or certifications in areas like crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, or addiction counseling.
Counselors also need to obtain state licensure, such as becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
Additional specialized certifications can enhance your expertise and make you an even more attractive candidate. You may want to consider certification through the American Correctional Association or the National Commission on Correctional Healthcare.
Gain Relevant Experience
If you’re new to the field, gaining experience can make you a more attractive candidate. Many nonprofits, reentry programs, and community organizations offer opportunities for volunteering or interning.
Also, if you don’t have direct correctional counseling experience, jobs in social work, case management, mental health counseling, or probation can help.
Craft a Strong Resume and Cover Letter
Your resume and cover letter should highlight your relevant experience, education, and skills. Remember to:
- Emphasize Relevant Experience. Include any counseling, case management, social work, or correctional experience. Be sure to mention if you have worked with at-risk populations or people in rehabilitation.
- Highlight Key Skills. Showcase your ability to assess mental health needs, create treatment plans, and work with diverse populations. Soft skills like communication, conflict resolution, and crisis intervention are also important.
- Tailor Your Cover Letter. Customize each cover letter to the specific job you’re applying for, explaining why you are a good fit for the position and how your experience aligns with the organization’s mission.
Prepare for the Interview
Interviews for correctional counseling positions often focus on your experience, problem-solving skills, and ability to handle high-stress situations. Be sure to:
- Expect Behavioral Questions. You might be asked how you’ve handled difficult patients, de-escalated conflicts, or worked within a structured environment. Use the STAR method to provide clear and structured answers.
- Demonstrate Knowledge. Be prepared to discuss best practices in rehabilitation, patient mental health, and substance use treatment.
- Showcase Your Professionalism. Employers in correctional settings look for candidates who can remain calm under pressure, maintain boundaries, and work well with patients and staff.
Ready for a Correctional Counselor Job?
Are you ready to find a correctional counselor job? TK Health, an Oklahoma-based correctional healthcare provider, employs mental health professionals in jails across the region.
Our team oversees the day-to-day healthcare operations in facilities with inmate populations ranging from 25 to more than 2,000 inmates.
Want to work for TK Health? Learn more about joining our team.
