Correctional Counselor

JOB TITLE: CORRECTIONS COUNSELOR

DEPARTMENT: Counseling / Reentry Services

The Corrections Counselor job series describes professional work performing casework and counseling services within correctional environments. In a county jail setting, this work focuses on assessment, short-term counseling, crisis intervention, program placement, and reentry planning for individuals in custody, including those awaiting trial and those serving county sentences.

This is entry-level professional work providing counseling and casework services to incarcerated individuals in a Pennsylvania county correctional facility.

An employee in this classification provides individual and group counseling to inmates throughout their facility assignment. Work involves applying casework, group, and individual counseling methods to help individuals adjust to incarceration and to support successful transition back to the community. The Corrections Counselor assists inmates in resolving social, economic, behavioral, and emotional problems and encourages development of personal responsibility, pro-social decision-making, and lawful community living.

Supervision is received from a professional counseling supervisor or facility administrator. Work is reviewed through observation, conferences, case audits, and evaluation of outcomes.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

The following examples are representative of typical duties. Individual positions may not perform all listed tasks, and additional related duties may be assigned.

• Provides individual and group counseling services to inmates during intake/reception and throughout confinement, including ongoing risk/needs screening and case planning.
• Conducts initial assessments and gathers socio-demographic and psychosocial histories to support classification, housing decisions, and program placement.
• Administers and interprets aptitude, interest, and other validated assessment tools relevant to jail programming and reentry readiness.
• Maintains accurate, timely case records including screening results, counseling notes, behavioral reports, program participation, referrals, and discharge/reentry plans.
• Coordinates with medical, mental health, classification, security, probation/parole, and community providers to support individualized service plans.
• Helps inmates address personal and family concerns, behavioral health needs, substance use issues, educational/vocational goals, and community stability barriers.
• Assists inmates with reentry preparation, including identification documents, housing planning, employment readiness, benefits navigation, and continuity-of-care referrals.
• Supports transition planning for inmates releasing to the community, county supervision, treatment courts, probation, parole, or community residential placements.
• Participates in classification, disciplinary, and program review meetings; makes recommendations regarding privileges, program changes, or referrals.
• Provides inmates with information about community resources, including medical, behavioral health, substance use treatment, social services, educational programs, and workforce supports.
• Promotes community understanding and support of jail treatment and reentry initiatives through approved outreach, facility tours, and coordination with community partners.
• Attends in-service training to enhance counseling techniques, casework practices, trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and facility policy compliance.
• Performs related duties as required.

ENTRY-LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of counseling and casework methods and techniques applicable to correctional settings.
• Knowledge of individual and group behavior, including criminogenic needs and change processes.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and electronic case management systems.
• Ability to analyze and interpret written reports, assessments, and policy/procedure.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with inmates, staff, courts, probation/parole, treatment providers, and community partners.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries, and ethical standards in a secure environment.

WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Work is performed inside a secure county correctional facility.
• Regular contact with inmates in housing units, intake areas, counseling spaces, and program rooms.
• Must be able to walk, stand, and sit for extended periods and respond appropriately in emergencies.
• Subject to facility security requirements, background checks, drug screening, and compliance with jail policies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Background in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Criminal Justice, Human Services, or a closely related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience acceptable to the County.
• Valid driver's license.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain county jail security clearance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (OPTIONAL TO INCLUDE)

• Internship or professional experience in corrections, behavioral health, substance use services, case management, or reentry programs.
• Training/experience in motivational interviewing, CBT-based interventions, trauma-informed care, or risk/needs assessment tools.
• Bilingual ability (English/Spanish) is a plus.

Pay: $ $30.00 per hour

Expected hours: 32.0 – 40.0 per week

Work Location: In person

Salary : $30