How to hire a corrections counselor

How to hire a corrections counselor, step by step

Here's a step-by-step corrections counselor hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a corrections counselor job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new corrections counselor
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a corrections counselor do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The corrections counselor hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A corrections counselor's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, corrections counselors from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of corrections counselors and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Corrections Counselor	Description	Hourly rate
   Corrections Counselor	School counselors help students develop academic and social skills and succeed in school. Career counselors assist people with the process of making career decisions by helping them develop skills or choose a career or educational program.	$16-31
   Counselor Internship	When it comes to Counselor Internship, among the primary responsibilities is to assist in dealing with various activities such as preparing and verifying necessary documentation, observing consultations and outreach programs, guide clients and help develop multiple helpful strategies, and provide assessments. Furthermore, one can conduct counseling and consultation only under supervision... Show more	$14-31
   Alcohol And Drug Counselor	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... Show more	$14-32

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Mental Health
   • Substance Abuse
   • Social Work
   • Crisis Intervention
   • Rehabilitation
   • Criminal Justice
   • Correctional Facility
   • Treatment Programs
   • Unit Management
   • Direct Supervision
   • Law Enforcement
   • Intake Process
   • CPR
   • Group Therapy

   Check all skills

   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.

   More corrections counselor duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in the corrections counselor job description is a good way to get more applicants. A corrections counselor salary can be affected by several factors, such as the location of the job, the level of experience, education, certifications, and the employer's prestige.

   For example, the average salary for a corrections counselor in Kentucky may be lower than in California, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level corrections counselor. Additionally, a corrections counselor with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

   Average corrections counselor salary

   $48,875yearly

   $23.50 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level corrections counselor salary

   $35,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 20, 2025

   Average corrections counselor salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$65,449	$31
   2	Alaska	$54,604	$26
   3	Georgia	$53,995	$26
   4	Oregon	$52,278	$25
   5	Colorado	$48,328	$23
   6	Florida	$46,477	$22
   7	Arizona	$46,457	$22
   8	Pennsylvania	$46,185	$22
   9	Minnesota	$45,503	$22
   10	South Carolina	$44,344	$21
   11	Ohio	$44,024	$21
   12	Wisconsin	$43,599	$21

   Average corrections counselor salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Maxim Healthcare Group	$56,087	$26.96	51
   2	Iowa Department of Transportation	$52,701	$25.34
   3	Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania	$51,960	$24.98
   4	State of West Virginia	$51,705	$24.86	120
   5	CFG Health Systems	$51,378	$24.70	11
   6	State Of Illinois - Illinois Student Assistance Commission	$50,417	$24.24	18
   7	Management & Training	$50,393	$24.23	36
   8	Iowa State Association of Counties	$49,793	$23.94
   9	Community Medical Services	$49,470	$23.78	21
   10	Pico de Gallo	$49,149	$23.63	83
   11	Pennsylvania State Treasurer	$49,148	$23.63	16
   12	The State of Oregon	$48,609	$23.37	17
   13	Indiana State Police	$47,569	$22.87	47
   14	State of Georgia: Teachers Retirement System of Georgia	$47,490	$22.83	61
   15	Spectrum Health	$47,113	$22.65	5
   16	Weld County Government	$44,332	$21.31	1
   17	Tarrant County	$44,003	$21.16
   18	The Salvation Army	$43,892	$21.10	335

4. Writing a corrections counselor job description

   A good corrections counselor job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a corrections counselor job description:

   Corrections counselor job description example

   FLSA Status: Non-ExemptJob Type: Full-TimeRate of Pay: $29.31/hour Schedule: 40 hours/week Location: Hiland Mountain Correctional Center
   Education and Work Experience:
   
   + An Alaska State Counselor Technician Certification is required.
   
   + Knowledgeable of Substance Related and Addictive Disorders and its treatment.
   
   + Experience consistent with the requirements for Alaska State Certification Chemical Dependency Counselor I (CDCI), though a Chemical Dependency Clinical Counselor II (CDCII) certificate is preferred.
   
   + Must be able to obtain Alaska State CDCI Certification within one year from date of hire.
   
   + Must at minimum have an Alaska State Counselor Technician certificate or its equivalent.
   
   + Must be able to pass ADOC background check and PREA screening.
   
   Scope of Position/Essential Functions:
   
   Under the direction of the SATS Coordinator, the SATS Counselor will maintain a caseload, and facilitate groups and staff meetings. The SATS Counselor will follow approved treatment curriculum and maintain compliant with ADOC SATS contract obligations. The SATS Counselor will be responsible for completing Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) as well as ASAM based assessments for clients.
   
   Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
   
   + Knowledgeable of Substance Related and Addictive Disorders and the treatment there of.
   
   + Skilled in the areas of group, individual and family counseling, didactic presentations, case management, treatment planning, discharge planning, crisis prevention/intervention, clinical evaluation, screening and assessments, and documentation requirements.
   
   + Knowledge of and ability to complete SBIRT and ASAM Assessments.
   
   + Knowledge of cross-cultural issues and skill in working with diverse population.
   
   + Ability to work with a minimum of supervision.
   
   + Strong organizational, verbal and written skills.
   
   + Detail oriented with a high level of accuracy required.
   
   + Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, maintain poise under pressure and successfully communicate with a wide range of personalities.
   
   Essential Functions:
   
   + Conducting SBIRT and ASAM assessments, orientation with new clients, development of treatment plans, referrals and reentry planning as needed.
   
   + Facilitating groups dealing with chemical dependency, substance abuse issues, co-occurring disorders, criminal personalities, and criminal thinking errors per approved curriculum
   
   + Monitoring client compliance with treatment goals and assigned curriculum work.
   
   + Completing documentation in a timely fashion and in compliance with contract requirements.
   
   + Performing other reasonably related duties as assigned by immediate supervisor or other management as required.
   
   Software-related Skills:
   
   Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, and ASAM CONTINUUM required; working knowledge of integrated database applications and ability to use new software programs with basic training.
   
   Work Environment:
   
   The work environment is located inside an Alaska Department of Corrections facility in an office setting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
   
   Language Skills:
   
   Must be able to understand, follow and give both written and oral instructions and be able to give presentations and be comfortable with public speaking. The employee must be able to use speech and hearing for ordinary and telephone conversation.
   
   Mathematical Skills:
   
   Must be able to perform simple calculations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) and apply concepts such as ratios and percentages in practical situations.
   
   Performance Skills:
   
   Must be creative, self-motivated, organized, flexible, and possess leadership skills.
   
   Sacred Boundaries and Protect the Mission:
   
   Must complete the online course for this area and pass the Background Check required by The Salvation Army for employment.
   
   Physical Requirements:
   
   Ability to sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel and twist on intermittent or continuous basis. Ability to grasp, push, pull, and reach overhead. Ability to operate a telephone. Ability to lift up to 25 pounds. Ability to access and produce information from a computer. Ability to understand written information. Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. A qualified person with a disability may request a modification or adjustment to the job or work environment in order to meet the physical requirements of the position. The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests as long as the accommodation needed is reasonable and no undue hardship would result.
   
   ADOC Personnel Management:
   
   This job description is for a contract funded employee position to provide substance abuse treatment services under a contract for the Alaska Department of Corrections (ADOC.) In addition to The Salvation Army Human Resource procedures for personnel, all staff working under the ADOC contract must also be approved by the ADOC project manager and will be required to pass a ADOC background check, complete a PREA screening, receive a Security Clearance, agreed to the ADOC Code of Ethical Conduct 202.01a, agree to the ADOC Standards of Conduct 202.15a, complete an ACOMS form and agreement, and submit a Criminal Justice Information Services Addendum prior to their hire. After hire, the ADOC reserves the right to disqualify, prevent, rescind approval, or remove any staff performing work under the contract, and is under no obligation under the contract to inform The Salvation Army of the criteria for disqualification or removal. Therefore, per the requirements of the ADOC contract, the Salvation Army reserves the right to terminate any employee deemed unsatisfactory to the ADOC.
   
   Full-time benefits:
   
   + Full-Time Positions (individual and family plans)
   
   + Medical - we offer EPO and PPO plans (includes vision and prescription drugs) - all in one price
   
   + Dental - we offer PPO and DHMO plans
   
   + Life, AD&D, STD and LTD Coverages
   
   + Medical / Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA
   
   + Wellness Programs (including an EAP)
   
   + Retirement Opportunities (Money Purchase Pension Plan & 403B)
   
   + Other fringe benefits such as Group Home & Auto Insurance, etc.
   
   + Paid Leave Benefits (Sick and Vacation Leave)
   
   Highlights: Our medical plan for a single person is at an unbelievable low cost!
   
   Educational benefits: - Free RELIAS training for CEUs- Regular paid trainings from DOC-funded providers.- Past examples: 1) Motivational Interviewing; 2) Hazelden- A New Direction; 3) Helping Men/Women RecoverCertification: Reimbursement for certification fees at $100 per year to cover renewal or upgrade costs Qualifications
   
   Licenses & Certifications
   
   Required
   
   + Cert Counselor Tech
   
   Preferred
   
   + Cert Chem Dep Cnslr I
   
   Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
   
   The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right corrections counselor for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your corrections counselor job on Zippia to find and recruit corrections counselor candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit corrections counselors, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new corrections counselor

   Once you have selected a candidate for the corrections counselor position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new corrections counselor. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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