Correctional Counselor Job Description

Correctional counselors are responsible for supervising and evaluating the bahaviour and stability of inmates in a prison or other correctional facility. They are often called upon to testify in court on behalf of an inmate regarding the inmate’s progress or regress. Correctional counselors also work with employers and community groups to help an inmate with transitioning back into the community.

Typical Job Duties

• Help inmates develop the skills or trades necessary to gain employment upon their return to society

• May liaise with parole board to find employment for the inmate upon their release

• Prepare recommendations pertaining to the rehabilitation of inmates, such as if they require more time to complete their rehabilitation

• Counsel inmates to deal with violent or suicidal behaviour

• Attempt to stabilize the behaviour of unstable inmates

• Help to create programs, workshops and group meetings for inmates

• Suggest any programs considered to be a rehabilitation benefit for the inmate

• May suggest inmates be incarcerated in a higher or lower level of security

Scholarships for Becoming a Correctional Counselor

The Applicable Majors section below shows fields of study relevant to a career as a Correctional Counselor. You can search for scholarships matched to those fields of study on our All Scholarships by Major page.

Success Tip: Be sure to apply for any scholarships that you even barely qualify for, as there are millions of dollars of scholarships that go unused every year due to a lack of applicants!