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Corrections counselor vs family counselor

The differences between corrections counselors and family 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 $41,510 average annual salary of a family counselor.

The top three skills for a corrections counselor include mental health, substance abuse and social work. The most important skills for a family counselor are social work, community resources, and POC.

Corrections counselor vs family counselor overview

Corrections CounselorFamily Counselor
Yearly salary$48,875$41,510
Hourly rate$23.50$19.96
Growth rate10%14%
Number of jobs77,13293,253
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Average age4241
Years of experience-4

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 a family counselor do?

A Family Counselor treats married couples or family members in order to help them overcome mental or emotional problems. They provide effective treatment measures to help the family members resolve their issues.

Corrections counselor vs family counselor salary

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

Corrections CounselorFamily Counselor
Average salary$48,875$41,510
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $66,000Between $27,000 And $62,000
Highest paying CitySanta Rosa, CANew York, NY
Highest paying stateCaliforniaNew York
Best paying companyMaxim Healthcare GroupShirley Ryan AbilityLab
Best paying industryGovernmentProfessional

Differences between corrections counselor and family counselor education

There are a few differences between a corrections counselor and a family counselor in terms of educational background:

Corrections CounselorFamily Counselor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Most common majorCriminal JusticePsychology
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Long BeachCalifornia State University - Long Beach

Corrections counselor vs family counselor demographics

Here are the differences between corrections counselors' and family counselors' demographics:

Corrections CounselorFamily Counselor
Average age4241
Gender ratioMale, 49.3% Female, 50.7%Male, 26.3% Female, 73.7%
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, 7.0% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 13.9% Asian, 4.6% White, 68.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage11%6%

Differences between corrections counselor and family 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.
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Family counselor example responsibilities.

  • Conduct group check-in and co-lead group psychotherapy sessions to help clients identify and manage problems associate with psychiatric conditions.
  • Assist the clients in completing their DCF case plan, helping to remove any hindrances they may encounter.
  • Counsele and test patients who requesting confidential HIV testing services
  • Collaborate and coordinate patient care with resident/faculty physicians to provide appropriate levels of care to patients.
  • Receive and process referrals from DCF and community-base case managers for individuals suspect as substance abusers.
  • Utilize PowerPoint presentations to facilitate ongoing new student orientation, ensuring students understand rules and regulations.
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Corrections counselor vs family counselor skills

Common corrections counselor skills
  • Mental Health, 16%
  • Substance Abuse, 16%
  • Social Work, 10%
  • Crisis Intervention, 6%
  • Rehabilitation, 6%
  • Criminal Justice, 6%
Common family counselor skills
  • Social Work, 22%
  • Community Resources, 13%
  • POC, 7%
  • Family Support, 5%
  • Family Therapy, 5%
  • DOD, 4%

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