Post job

Corrections counselor vs group counselor

The differences between corrections counselors and group 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 $40,155 average annual salary of a group counselor.

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

Corrections counselor vs group counselor overview

Corrections CounselorGroup Counselor
Yearly salary$48,875$40,155
Hourly rate$23.50$19.31
Growth rate10%9%
Number of jobs77,13284,413
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
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 group counselor do?

A group counselor provides counseling services primarily in a group setting, aiming to provide clients with a supportive and healthy environment where they can work on different issues and reach personal goals. They typically conduct research and assessments, establish program objectives and guidelines, arrange various activities, and facilitate positive interactions to support one another. Additionally, a group counselor has the duty to implement policies and standards, create treatment plans, and optimize strategies to ensure clients receive optimal support and services.

Corrections counselor vs group counselor salary

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

Corrections CounselorGroup Counselor
Average salary$48,875$40,155
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $66,000Between $14,000 And $110,000
Highest paying CitySanta Rosa, CA-
Highest paying stateCalifornia-
Best paying companyMaxim Healthcare Group-
Best paying industryGovernment-

Differences between corrections counselor and group counselor education

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

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

Corrections counselor vs group counselor demographics

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

Corrections CounselorGroup Counselor
Average age4241
Gender ratioMale, 49.3% Female, 50.7%Male, 40.8% Female, 59.2%
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, 11.3% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 12.2% Asian, 3.2% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage11%15%

Differences between corrections counselor and group 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

Group counselor example responsibilities.

  • Administer first aid and CPR when need.
  • Develop leadership skills while training younger counselors.
  • Execute leadership skills by planning and facilitating activities.
  • Work towards empowering juveniles and their families to support a positive lifestyle by providing strength base intensive intervention and rehabilitation services.
  • Provide behavior modification and social skills training to children and adolescents with ADHD and other behavioral and emotional disorders.

Corrections counselor vs group counselor skills

Common corrections counselor skills
  • Mental Health, 16%
  • Substance Abuse, 16%
  • Social Work, 10%
  • Crisis Intervention, 6%
  • Rehabilitation, 6%
  • Criminal Justice, 6%
Common group counselor skills
  • Mental Health, 23%
  • Patients, 21%
  • Crisis Intervention, 8%
  • Social Work, 8%
  • Rehabilitation, 7%
  • Group Therapy Sessions, 5%

Browse community and social services jobs