Prison classification counselor vs residential counselor

The differences between prison classification counselors and residential counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a prison classification counselor and a residential counselor. Additionally, a prison classification counselor has an average salary of $52,033, which is higher than the $34,117 average annual salary of a residential counselor.

The top three skills for a prison classification counselor include role model, treatment programs and . The most important skills for a residential counselor are direct care, medication administration, and mental health.

Prison classification counselor vs residential counselor overview

	Prison Classification Counselor	Residential Counselor
Yearly salary	$52,033	$34,117
Hourly rate	$25.02	$16.40
Growth rate	10%	12%
Number of jobs	27,559	81,287
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 56%	Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Average age	41	41
Years of experience	4	4

Prison classification counselor vs residential counselor salary

Prison classification counselors and residential counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Prison Classification Counselor	Residential Counselor
Average salary	$52,033	$34,117
Salary range	Between $39,000 And $69,000	Between $27,000 And $42,000
Highest paying City	-	Seattle, WA
Highest paying state	-	Washington
Best paying company	-	The Evergreens
Best paying industry	-	Education

Differences between prison classification counselor and residential counselor education

There are a few differences between a prison classification counselor and a residential counselor in terms of educational background:

	Prison Classification Counselor	Residential Counselor
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 56%	Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Most common major	Criminal Justice	Psychology
Most common college	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill	California State University - Long Beach

Prison classification counselor vs residential counselor demographics

Here are the differences between prison classification counselors' and residential counselors' demographics:

	Prison Classification Counselor	Residential Counselor
Average age	41	41
Gender ratio	Male, 42.6% Female, 57.4%	Male, 33.0% Female, 67.0%
Race ratio	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%	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 Percentage	15%	15%

Differences between prison classification counselor and residential counselor duties and responsibilities

Prison classification counselor example responsibilities.

Conduct group check-in and co-lead group psychotherapy sessions to help clients identify and manage problems associate with psychiatric conditions.
Work towards empowering juveniles and their families to support a positive lifestyle by providing strength base intensive intervention and rehabilitation services.
Organize and lead regular youth and college bible studies, teaching about prayer and promoting spirituality.

Residential counselor example responsibilities.

Lead recreational activities for adolescents with ADHD and other behavior disorders.
Engage, educate and empower participants to access community base resources in order to achieve greater self-determination, rehabilitation and recovery.
Train in AMAP, SCIP, and first aid procedures.
Assist residents with ADL, occasionally accompany to medical appointments, administer medications.
Refine an understanding of HIPAA and DMH programs.
Assist special needs students to reach their IEP and treatment plan goals in 1:1 and group settings.

Prison classification counselor vs residential counselor skills

Common prison classification counselor skills

Role Model, 72%
Treatment Programs, 28%

Common residential counselor skills

Direct Care, 9%
Medication Administration, 9%
Mental Health, 8%
Social Work, 7%
Developmental Disabilities, 6%
Mental Illness, 6%

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Prison Classification Counselor
Prison Classification Counselor vs Residential Counselor

Updated January 8, 2025

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