Correctional Facility Social Worker Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an increasingly complex society, the role of correctional facility social workers has never been more crucial.

As the dynamics of the criminal justice system evolve, the demand for compassionate professionals who can navigate, enhance, and safeguard the well-being of those within our correctional facilities grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What exactly is expected from a correctional facility social worker?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager crafting the profile of the ideal candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the challenges and rewards of correctional social work,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable correctional facility social worker job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Correctional Facility Social Worker Duties and Responsibilities

Correctional Facility Social Workers play a critical role in helping inmates in prisons, jails, and other correctional facilities to cope with the challenges of incarceration, rehabilitate and prepare for life after release.

They focus on mental health support, counseling and connecting inmates with necessary resources.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Assess the mental and emotional well-being of inmates
• Provide counseling and therapy to inmates, individually or in group settings
• Develop and implement treatment plans to address the psychological needs of inmates
• Work with inmates to develop coping strategies for dealing with incarceration and preparing for reentry into society
• Connect inmates with resources for continuing education, vocational training, and job placement
• Collaborate with other facility staff and professionals, including medical staff and probation officers
• Maintain detailed records of inmates’ progress and treatment plans
• Participate in parole board hearings to provide insight and recommendations about inmates’ readiness for release
• Provide crisis intervention and suicide prevention services
• Advocate for inmates’ rights and fair treatment within the correctional system

 

Correctional Facility Social Worker Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a compassionate and empathetic Correctional Facility Social Worker to join our team.

This role involves providing comprehensive social work services to incarcerated individuals, helping them navigate the personal and social challenges associated with incarceration.

As a Correctional Facility Social Worker, your responsibilities will include performing psychosocial assessments, developing treatment plans, providing individual and group therapy, and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate inmates’ reintegration into society.

 

Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive psychosocial assessments to identify individual needs.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans.
• Provide crisis intervention services as needed.
• Facilitate individual and group therapy sessions.
• Coordinate with facility staff, families, and community organizations to facilitate inmate reintegration.
• Provide education and counseling on coping strategies and mental health issues.
• Document all interventions and maintain accurate case files.
• Advocate for inmates’ rights and needs within the correctional system.
• Comply with all legal and ethical guidelines in the provision of services.

 

Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in Social Work from an accredited institution.
• Current license to practice Social Work in the state of employment.
• Previous experience working in a correctional facility or similar setting is preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to establish rapport with a diverse population.
• Knowledge of correctional systems and relevant laws and regulations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in case management software and digital record-keeping.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Correctional Facility Social Worker
• Work Environment: Correctional facility. This position may require interaction with inmates in a controlled setting.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Facility Director or Social Services Supervisor.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $80,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Correctional Facility Social Worker Do?

Correctional Facility Social Workers, also known as prison social workers, play a crucial role in the criminal justice system.

They work in jails, prisons, and other correctional facilities to aid the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into society.

Their primary responsibility is to provide counseling and therapeutic services to inmates.

This may involve conducting individual or group therapy sessions, anger management classes, and substance abuse programs.

They assess the inmate’s mental health, identify their needs, and create a treatment plan to address these issues.

Correctional Facility Social Workers also provide crisis intervention and mediate conflicts within the prison population.

They work with inmates who may be dealing with a range of issues, including depression, anxiety, addiction, and trauma.

These professionals collaborate with other prison staff, such as correctional officers and healthcare providers, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of inmates.

They also communicate with parole officers and community organizations to help former inmates reintegrate into society after their release.

Furthermore, Correctional Facility Social Workers advocate for inmates’ rights and assist them in understanding and navigating the legal system.

This may involve helping inmates with parole hearings, appealing convictions, or securing legal representation.

In addition, they may also be involved in providing vocational training, educational opportunities, and job placement assistance to help inmates prepare for life after their release.

 

Correctional Facility Social Worker Qualifications and Skills

A Correctional Facility Social Worker should possess specific skills and qualifications that are critical for their role in a correctional facility, these include:

• Proficient understanding of criminal justice system to work effectively in a correctional facility environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for building relationships and communicating effectively with inmates, staff, and external entities.
• Extensive knowledge about substance abuse, mental health issues, and other challenges often faced by inmates.
• Ability to use assessment tools and techniques to evaluate inmates’ mental health status, substance abuse issues, and readiness for reintegration into society.
• Strong problem-solving skills to help address and manage inmates’ behavioral issues, conflicts, and crises.
• High level of empathy, patience, and emotional stability to handle stressful situations and interact with individuals who may be aggressive or in distress.
• Experience in case management, as well as planning and implementing treatment plans.
• Knowledge of group facilitation and therapy techniques to conduct group sessions for inmates.
• Understanding and respect for diversity and cultural differences, considering the diverse inmate population.
• Good record-keeping skills to maintain accurate and timely documentation of interactions, assessments, and treatments.

 

Correctional Facility Social Worker Experience Requirements

Correctional Facility Social Workers typically require a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a related field to get started in their career.

This degree program provides students with the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary for working in a correctional facility setting.

Internship opportunities in correctional facilities or related settings are often available during their educational program.

These internships provide valuable hands-on experience, helping students understand the realities of the job and acquire practical skills.

Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained from internships, part-time roles, or full-time roles in related fields such as case management, probation services, or substance abuse counseling.

Candidates with 3-5 years of experience often have a Master’s Degree in Social Work or a related field.

This additional education coupled with years of experience allows them to tackle more complex cases and provides them with a deeper understanding of correctional facility dynamics.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have a specialization in areas like substance abuse or mental health.

They may also have experience in supervisory or managerial roles, making them prime candidates for leadership positions within the correctional facility’s social work department.

 

Correctional Facility Social Worker Education and Training Requirements

Correctional Facility Social Workers are generally required to have at least a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology, or a related field.

However, many employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree in social work (MSW) or a related discipline.

A strong foundation in criminal justice and understanding of correctional systems can be extremely beneficial for this role.

This knowledge can be acquired through specialized courses or through a degree in criminal justice.

Furthermore, to become a licensed social worker, which many correctional facilities require, individuals must meet the licensing criteria of their state.

This typically includes earning a social work degree, completing a certain amount of supervised work experience, and passing an examination.

It is also essential for Correctional Facility Social Workers to be well-versed in crisis intervention, substance abuse counseling, and mental health therapy.

Therefore, additional training or certifications in these areas can make a candidate more competitive for these roles.

Continuing education is important in this field, as it ensures the social worker is up to date with the latest methodologies, ethics, and interventions.

Many states require social workers to complete a certain number of continuing education hours every few years to maintain their license.

Finally, experience in a correctional or law enforcement environment can also be beneficial.

This could be gained through internships, volunteer work, or paid employment.

 

Correctional Facility Social Worker Salary Expectations

A Correctional Facility Social Worker earns an average salary of $51,204 (USD) per year.

The salary can fluctuate based on factors such as experience, qualifications, the location of the correctional facility, and the specific requirements of the role.

 

Correctional Facility Social Worker Job Description FAQs

What skills does a correctional facility social worker need?

A correctional facility social worker requires strong communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships with inmates and understand their needs.

They should also be empathetic and patient, given the challenging nature of the job.

Problem-solving abilities, resilience, and the ability to work under pressure are also crucial.

Knowledge of legal and ethical aspects related to inmate rights, rehabilitation, and reintegration is also required.

 

Do correctional facility social workers need a degree?

Yes, to become a correctional facility social worker, one must hold a Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field.

However, many correctional facilities prefer hiring individuals with a Master’s degree in social work.

All social workers, including those in correctional facilities, must be licensed in the state they intend to practice in.

 

What should you look for in a correctional facility social worker’s resume?

The resume should highlight the candidate’s educational background, licensure, and experience working in correctional facilities or similar settings.

Look for skills such as crisis intervention, case management, and group therapy.

It can also be beneficial if the candidate has experience dealing with issues common in incarcerated populations, like substance abuse, mental health disorders, and trauma.

 

What qualities make a good correctional facility social worker?

A good correctional facility social worker is patient, empathetic, and non-judgmental.

They need to be resilient to handle the emotionally demanding nature of the job.

Effective communication and listening skills are vital to build trust with inmates.

The ability to maintain professional boundaries while being sensitive to the inmates’ struggles is also essential.

 

Is it challenging to hire correctional facility social workers?

Yes, hiring for this role can be challenging due to the emotionally demanding nature of the job and the environment in which it is performed.

Many individuals may not be willing to work within a correctional facility due to the associated risks and challenges.

Therefore, offering competitive salaries, comprehensive training, and strong support systems can attract potential candidates.

 

Conclusion

And so, we’ve come to the end.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a correctional facility social worker.

And guess what?

It’s not just about maintaining order.

It’s about shaping the future, one individual at a time.

With our reliable correctional facility social worker job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to make your next move.

But why stop there?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating spot-on job postings or perfecting your resume to stand out.

Remember:

Every person you help is a step towards a better society.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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