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Corrections counselor vs program counselor

The differences between corrections counselors and program 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 $43,820 average annual salary of a program counselor.

The top three skills for a corrections counselor include mental health, substance abuse and social work. The most important skills for a program counselor are developmental disabilities, patients, and community integration.

Corrections counselor vs program counselor overview

Corrections CounselorProgram Counselor
Yearly salary$48,875$43,820
Hourly rate$23.50$21.07
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs77,132133,491
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
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 program counselor do?

A Program Counselor is an essential part of a school's faculty. It's the counselor's responsibility to ensure that students are benefiting from the school's educational curriculum. This person is also tasked to help students resolve issues and problems that may hinder any educational progress. They are also part of the disciplinary team intended to instill good morals, ethics, and decency in students. The Program Counselor is one of the teacher or professor who has expertise or has a high educational degree in a particular subject or field.

Corrections counselor vs program counselor salary

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

Corrections CounselorProgram Counselor
Average salary$48,875$43,820
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $66,000Between $33,000 And $58,000
Highest paying CitySanta Rosa, CANew York, NY
Highest paying stateCaliforniaNew York
Best paying companyMaxim Healthcare GroupRussell Sage College
Best paying industryGovernmentHealth Care

Differences between corrections counselor and program counselor education

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

Corrections CounselorProgram Counselor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Most common majorCriminal JusticePsychology
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Long BeachCalifornia State University - Long Beach

Corrections counselor vs program counselor demographics

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

Corrections CounselorProgram Counselor
Average age4241
Gender ratioMale, 49.3% Female, 50.7%Male, 35.9% Female, 64.1%
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 program 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

Program counselor example responsibilities.

  • Lead recreational activities for adolescents with ADHD and other behavior disorders.
  • Provide education, within hospital setting, to adolescent psychiatric patients regarding substance abuse and dependency issues.
  • Receive CPR and first aid certifications.
  • Attend and receive CPR and basic restraint technique certifications.
  • Assist each client with compassion to encourage them on their journey to recovery.
  • Encourage and mentore residents during their recovery and rehabilitation process.
  • Show more

Corrections counselor vs program counselor skills

Common corrections counselor skills
  • Mental Health, 16%
  • Substance Abuse, 16%
  • Social Work, 10%
  • Crisis Intervention, 6%
  • Rehabilitation, 6%
  • Criminal Justice, 6%
Common program counselor skills
  • Developmental Disabilities, 11%
  • Patients, 11%
  • Community Integration, 9%
  • CPR, 8%
  • Social Work, 8%
  • Medication Administration, 7%

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