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Corrections counselor vs alcohol and drug counselor

The differences between corrections counselors and alcohol and drug counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a corrections counselor has an average salary of $48,875, which is higher than the $45,758 average annual salary of an alcohol and drug counselor.

The top three skills for a corrections counselor include mental health, substance abuse and social work. The most important skills for an alcohol and drug counselor are patients, social work, and crisis intervention.

Corrections counselor vs alcohol and drug counselor overview

Corrections CounselorAlcohol And Drug Counselor
Yearly salary$48,875$45,758
Hourly rate$23.50$22.00
Growth rate10%-
Number of jobs77,13277,461
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Average age4239
Years of experience-6

What does a corrections counselor do?

A corrections counselor develops and implements rehabilitation plans for parolees and inmates. They work directly with criminal offenders to facilitate individual or group counseling sessions to identify the reasons for their behavior, help them work through their issues, give the necessary interventions, and determine whether they can be released back into society. Besides monitoring the progress of the inmates, a corrections counselor may also help parolees and offenders prepare for their release to prevent them from going back to the life of crime. Additionally, a corrections counselor keeps records of all inmates and regularly reports to senior staff.

What does an alcohol and drug counselor do?

A drug & alcohol counselor treats addicts in either one-on-one or group settings. They help by educating and developing possible treatment plans for patients to support them in coping with their addictive personalities. A drug and alcohol counselor will evaluate to determine the progress has been successfully made towards recovery. They help patients better understand and overcome their addictions. Counselors help through offering support, rehabilitation, and guidance by using various techniques. Drug & alcohol counselors seek to help an addict find the source of their addiction.

Corrections counselor vs alcohol and drug counselor salary

Corrections counselors and alcohol and drug counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Corrections CounselorAlcohol And Drug Counselor
Average salary$48,875$45,758
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $66,000Between $30,000 And $68,000
Highest paying CitySanta Rosa, CASanta Rosa, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyMaxim Healthcare GroupMontage Health
Best paying industryGovernmentProfessional

Differences between corrections counselor and alcohol and drug counselor education

There are a few differences between a corrections counselor and an alcohol and drug counselor in terms of educational background:

Corrections CounselorAlcohol And Drug Counselor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Most common majorCriminal JusticePsychology
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Long BeachCalifornia State University - Long Beach

Corrections counselor vs alcohol and drug counselor demographics

Here are the differences between corrections counselors' and alcohol and drug counselors' demographics:

Corrections CounselorAlcohol And Drug Counselor
Average age4239
Gender ratioMale, 49.3% Female, 50.7%Male, 37.5% Female, 62.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 3.7% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 4.6% White, 63.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage11%12%

Differences between corrections counselor and alcohol and drug counselor duties and responsibilities

Corrections counselor example responsibilities.

  • Train in pepper spray, handcuffs, and CPR.
  • Provide first aid and or CPR as needed.
  • Administer risk/needs assessment to offenders using motivational interviewing techniques.
  • Utilize and demonstrate proficiency in risk reduction skills including motivational interviewing and cognitive strategies.
  • Develop re-entry plans for offenders within establish time frames and in accordance with departmental procedures.
  • Assist inmates with selecting educational and job training programs to enhance their opportunity for rehabilitation and future employment.
  • Show more

Alcohol and drug counselor example responsibilities.

  • Plan and implement follow-up and aftercare programs for clients to be discharge from treatment programs.
  • Practice cognitive behavioral, motivational enhancement and structural family therapy.
  • front office, counseling and aftercare.
  • Administer UA test onsite and send out.
  • Improve IOP successful completion rate while facilitating seven groups per week.
  • Collect and organize statistical data as required by DASA, and NEWTA.
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Corrections counselor vs alcohol and drug counselor skills

Common corrections counselor skills
  • Mental Health, 16%
  • Substance Abuse, 16%
  • Social Work, 10%
  • Crisis Intervention, 6%
  • Rehabilitation, 6%
  • Criminal Justice, 6%
Common alcohol and drug counselor skills
  • Patients, 15%
  • Social Work, 11%
  • Crisis Intervention, 8%
  • Rehabilitation, 7%
  • Substance Abuse Treatment, 6%
  • Treatment Services, 6%

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