Correctional Counselor Jobs
Correctional Counselor jobs are open across federal and state corrections systems, county jails, juvenile detention facilities, and community supervision agencies, from entry-level case manager roles to senior and supervisory positions, with specializations in substance abuse counseling, reentry planning, and mental health case management. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Job Posting: CORRECTIONAL COUNSELOR II (SPECIALIST)
Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation
CORRECTIONAL COUNSELOR II (SPECIALIST)
$9,609.00 - $12,699.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Final Filing Date: 11/24/2026
Job Description and Duties
The mission of Region I is to safely and securely house and process incoming incarcerated people by compiling and evaluating their criminal records, life histories, medical, dental, physiological, mental health histories, and social histories to determine their custody score, identify any specific placement needs, and assign them to one of the 34 state prisons.
The California Department of Corrections Rehabilitation (CDCR) Headquarters has implemented a new automated system to streamline the hiring process. The Human Resources Technology System (HRTS) is an intuitive, user-friendly system that provides the applicant access to real time updates throughout the hiring process.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
This position is located in Elk Grove, CA
Position Details
Department Information
Special Requirements
Candidates new to CDCR/CCHCS are required to submit to a background investigation process utilizing Live Scan Fingerprinting, as well as a Tuberculosis test/evaluation prior to appointment, followed by department annual Tuberculosis testing/evaluation thereafter.
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 11/24/2026Who May Apply
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is required and must be included.
- Statement of Qualifications -
A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is REQUIRED and must be submitted with your Employment Application (STD. 678). Applications received without an appropriate SOQ based on the instructions below will be rejected for being incomplete and will not be considered. Resumes, cover letters, and other documents will not be considered as a response to the SOQ’s. Please refer to the SOQ section below for specific instructions. For helpful guidance on writing an effective SOQ or a Supplemental Questionnaire, please visit Work4CA: How to Write a Statement of Qualifications.pdf
Please submit your Statement of Qualifications in Calibri font, size 12 point and upload the SOQ in PDF format. A Word Doc will not be accepted.
- Other -
A Cover Letter is required. Apps submitted without a Cover Letter will be disqualified from the hiring process. Please submit your Cover Letter in Calibri font, size 12 point and upload the Cover Letter in PDF format. A Word Doc will not be accepted.
Desirable Qualifications
- Highly motivated, flexible and able to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficient in a wide variety of classification duties.
- The ability to work collaboratively with team members and stakeholders in order to quickly meet operational goals.
- Experience acting on behalf of or communicating with executive staff within a large government agency or equivalent.
- Experience operating at an intellectually high-level capacity providing research and analysis for a large government agency or equivalent.
- Experience working collaboratively with executive staff to meet the department’s or company’s mission and goals.
- Experience in reacting to adversity and organizing, coordinating, and effectively and thoroughly responding to multiple complex issues.
- Demonstrated experience communicating effectively both orally and in writing with high-level management representatives of federal, state, and local government agencies, or equivalent, and internal and external stakeholders.
- Demonstrated strategic thinking, and ability to take initiative, identify issues, and advise the General Counsel to assist with developing solutions.
- Demonstrated ability to gain the confidence and support of top-level administrators in multiple departments and institutions.
- Demonstrated ability to professionally and persuasively communicate views and opinions and facilitate an open exchange of ideas.
Benefits
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Lisa Thor
(279) 223-3546
Lisa.Thor@cdcr.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:Office of Civil Rights
(916) 255-0458
M_CivilRights@cdcr.ca.gov
SOQ Requirements
A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is REQUIRED and must be submitted with your Employment Application (STD. 678). Applications received without an appropriate SOQ based on the instructions below will be rejected for being incomplete and will not be considered. Resumes, cover letters, and other documents will not be considered as a response to the SOQ’s. Please refer to the SOQ section below for specific instructions.
1. Please provide a narrative discussion of how your education, training, experience, and skills best qualify you for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
Correctional Counselor Jobs by Experience Level
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Find Correctional Counselor JobsCorrectional Counselor Job Market
Who's Hiring
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in correctional counselor jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology, or a related field
- Experience conducting risk and needs assessments using standardized tools such as LSI-R or COMPAS
- Knowledge of case management documentation and correctional management information systems
- Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor credential or eligibility to obtain one
- Ability to pass a thorough background investigation and security clearance process
- Strong written communication skills for preparing court reports, treatment plans, and case notes
Tips for Your Correctional Counselor Job Search
Tailor your resume to case management
Corrections employers want to see specific caseload sizes, documentation systems you've used, and risk assessment tools like LSI-R or COMPAS. List these by name rather than describing your duties in general terms.
Get your CADC credential before applying
Many correctional counselor postings list a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor credential as preferred or required, especially in substance abuse units. Earning it before you apply moves your resume past the first screening round.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists correctional counselor openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings by facility type intentionally
Federal Bureau of Prisons, state DOC, and county jail roles each have different hiring timelines, background check depth, and union structures. Decide which environment fits your goals before applying so your cover letter speaks directly to that setting.
Prepare for scenario-based interview questions
Correctional counselor interviews almost always include situational prompts about managing a resident in crisis, documenting a rule violation, or coordinating a reentry plan under time pressure. Practice structured responses that name the specific steps you'd take.
Negotiate your hire date, not just your salary
Government corrections roles often have fixed pay scales, so there's limited flexibility on salary. What you can negotiate is your start date, leave accrual credit for prior public service, and placement within a pay band if the agency allows step increases.
Correctional Counselor Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most correctional counselors?
The Salvation Army, NYC Health + Hospitals, and Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties are hiring the most correctional counselors right now, with openings concentrated in Alaska, New York, and Michigan, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Availability shifts as hiring cycles open and close, so checking current listings regularly gives you the most accurate picture.
How many correctional counselor jobs are remote?
About 25% of correctional counselor openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting how limited remote options are in a facility-based role. The positions most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements are those focused on reentry coordination, parole case management, and administrative functions rather than direct in-facility counseling.
How do you become a correctional counselor?
Start by earning a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, social work, or psychology, as most entry-level postings require at minimum that credential. Gain direct experience through internships or employment in jails, treatment programs, or community supervision offices. Pursue a credential such as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor designation to strengthen your candidacy, then apply to positions at the facility type and level of government that fits your goals.
Can you get a correctional counselor job with little or no experience?
Yes, some entry-level correctional counselor positions are open to candidates with a relevant degree and no prior corrections experience, particularly at the county jail and juvenile detention level. Internships, volunteer work at reentry nonprofits, or case aide roles within a corrections agency are the most direct ways to build the hands-on exposure that competitive postings require before moving into a full counselor role.
What does the correctional counselor interview process look like?
Most correctional counselor interviews involve an initial screening call with HR, followed by a structured panel interview with a supervisory officer, a treatment staff member, and sometimes a human resources representative. Panels typically ask scenario-based questions about crisis response, documentation practices, and working with resistant residents. Some agencies add a written exercise or background investigation step before extending a conditional offer.
Where can I find and apply to correctional counselor jobs?
You can find and apply to correctional counselor jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience, facility preference, and location, then apply directly to each one that fits.
See All 16 Correctional Counselor Jobs
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