Correctional Health Services Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era of increased focus on correctional healthcare, the role of a Correctional Health Services Manager has become more critical than ever.
As societal awareness of the importance of healthcare within correctional facilities grows, so too does the demand for skilled professionals who can manage, optimize and safeguard these crucial health services.
But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Correctional Health Services Manager?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to comprehend the depth of this role,
- A hiring manager formulating the profile of the ideal candidate,
- Or simply fascinated by the intricate dynamics of correctional healthcare management,
You’ve arrived at the right place.
Today, we present a customizable Correctional Health Services Manager job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive in.
Correctional Health Services Manager Duties and Responsibilities
Correctional Health Services Managers oversee the planning, directing, and coordinating of healthcare services in correctional facilities.
They ensure the health needs of inmates are met and that the facility adheres to healthcare laws, regulations, and standards.
Their duties and responsibilities include:
- Developing and implementing policies, procedures, and protocols for the healthcare services in a correctional facility
- Coordinating with healthcare providers to ensure that inmates receive appropriate medical, dental, and mental health services
- Conducting regular audits and inspections to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations
- Reviewing and addressing any health-related complaints or concerns raised by inmates or staff
- Managing and supervising a team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and mental health professionals
- Preparing and managing the budget for the correctional facility’s healthcare services
- Working closely with correctional facility management to address and minimize health risks within the facility
- Training and educating staff on healthcare policies and procedures
- Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of laws and regulations pertaining to healthcare services in correctional facilities
- Collaborating with other healthcare organizations and community resources to ensure continuity of care for inmates post-release
Correctional Health Services Manager Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking an experienced Correctional Health Services Manager to oversee the delivery of health services within a correctional facility.
This position involves coordinating medical staff, managing budgets, ensuring regulatory compliance, and improving the quality of healthcare provided to inmates.
The ideal candidate should have a strong background in healthcare management, with a focus on correctional health or public health.
They should have excellent leadership skills, an understanding of legal and ethical considerations in correctional health, and a commitment to improving public safety and individual rehabilitation.
Responsibilities
- Oversee daily operations of healthcare services within the correctional facility
- Coordinate and manage medical, dental, and mental health staff
- Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and standards
- Develop, implement, and monitor healthcare policies and procedures
- Manage budget and resources efficiently
- Work with correctional staff to ensure a safe and secure environment for healthcare delivery
- Coordinate with external healthcare providers for specialized treatments
- Address inmate healthcare complaints and concerns in a timely manner
- Promote health education and disease prevention among inmates
- Ensure confidentiality and patient rights are protected
Qualifications
- Proven experience as a healthcare manager, preferably in correctional health
- Knowledge of legal and ethical considerations in correctional health
- Strong leadership and organizational skills
- Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities
- Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration, Public Health, or a related field (Master’s preferred)
- Certification in Healthcare Management or Correctional Health (preferred)
- Ability to work under pressure in a challenging environment
Benefits
- Retirement plan
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Additional Information
- Job Title: Correctional Health Services Manager
- Work Environment: This job is located within a secure correctional facility. The environment can be stressful and fast-paced.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Health Services or Correctional Facility Warden.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
- 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 Health Services Manager Do?
Correctional Health Services Managers are healthcare professionals who work primarily in correctional facilities like prisons and detention centers.
They are responsible for overseeing the delivery of healthcare services to the incarcerated population.
This includes managing the operations of healthcare facilities within the prison, coordinating with healthcare staff, and ensuring the delivery of quality care.
These professionals handle the planning and implementation of health programs and services, and are responsible for formulating policies and procedures that align with healthcare standards, laws, and regulations.
Correctional Health Services Managers also assess the healthcare needs of inmates and ensure that appropriate medical, mental health, and dental care is provided.
They liaise with other healthcare providers, correctional officers, and administrators to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive approach to inmate health.
In addition, they oversee the recruitment, training, and supervision of healthcare staff within the correctional facility.
They ensure that staff follow established procedures and maintain a high standard of care.
They are also responsible for monitoring budgets, managing resources, and ensuring that the healthcare services provided are cost-effective and efficient.
They may also be involved in the procurement of medical supplies and equipment, and in maintaining records of inmate health.
Part of their duties may also involve responding to emergencies, investigating healthcare complaints, and implementing corrective measures when necessary.
Their overall goal is to ensure the wellbeing and health of individuals within a correctional facility.
Correctional Health Services Manager Qualifications and Skills
A competent Correctional Health Services Manager should have the skills and qualifications that align with the role, such as:
- Strong knowledge of health care administration and correctional health care standards to ensure that inmates receive appropriate medical treatment.
- Excellent leadership and management skills to oversee health services staff, including hiring, training, and performance management.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to interact with inmates, correctional staff, and healthcare providers effectively.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities to manage medical emergencies, health care needs, and other situations that may arise in a correctional facility.
- Ability to develop and implement policies and procedures in compliance with state and federal regulations, ensuring that health services are delivered efficiently and safely.
- Understanding of budgeting and finance to manage the department’s resources effectively and ensure cost-effective delivery of health services.
- Exceptional ethical standards and a commitment to providing quality healthcare to all inmates, regardless of their legal status or personal circumstances.
- Ability to manage stressful situations and work in an environment that may pose safety risks.
- A degree in healthcare administration or a related field, along with relevant experience in a healthcare management role, preferably in a correctional setting.
Correctional Health Services Manager Experience Requirements
To become a Correctional Health Services Manager, individuals typically need several years of experience in a related healthcare field.
This might include roles such as Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, or Nurse Practitioner in a correctional facility setting, public health nursing, or another healthcare administration role.
Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often obtained through internships or part-time roles within the healthcare administration industry.
This hands-on experience provides them with foundational knowledge about health services management, particularly within the unique environment of a correctional facility.
Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience are often well-versed in managing health services and have a good understanding of correctional facility operations and inmate healthcare needs.
They may have previous experience as a Correctional Health Services Supervisor or Coordinator.
Those with more than 5 years of experience often have leadership experience and proven skills in managing healthcare teams and coordinating healthcare services.
They may be well-equipped to handle the challenges of managing health services in a correctional facility setting.
Furthermore, it is often required that a Correctional Health Services Manager has a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in healthcare administration, public health, nursing, or a related field.
Some roles may also require candidates to hold a current and valid nursing license.
Continued professional development and training throughout their career can help Correctional Health Services Managers stay updated on best practices, new regulations, and emerging trends in correctional healthcare.
Correctional Health Services Manager Education and Training Requirements
Correctional Health Services Managers typically require a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, nursing, public health or a related field.
They are expected to have a solid understanding of healthcare practices, administration, and legal regulations in a correctional or prison setting.
In addition to the academic qualifications, they should have several years of experience, often five to ten, in healthcare or correctional settings.
This experience should ideally include some level of management or supervisory role.
Certain positions may require a master’s degree in healthcare administration, public health, or a related field.
This advanced degree would present a more in-depth understanding of the healthcare system, laws, ethics, and management strategies in a correctional setting.
Some correctional health services managers may also choose to become certified through the American Correctional Association (ACA), which offers a Certified Correctional Health Professional (CCHP) program.
This certification demonstrates a high level of professionalism and commitment to the field.
They should also possess excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, as they are responsible for managing staff, budgeting, liaising with other departments and ensuring the health and well-being of inmates.
Correctional Health Services Manager Salary Expectations
A Correctional Health Services Manager can expect to earn an average salary of $76,620 (USD) per year.
The actual earnings may fluctuate based on factors such as years of experience in the field, level of education, and the specific location of the correctional facility.
Correctional Health Services Manager Job Description FAQs
What qualifications does a Correctional Health Services Manager need?
A Correctional Health Services Manager typically needs a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, nursing, public health, or a related field.
Additionally, prior experience in correctional health settings or healthcare management is beneficial.
Some roles may require specific certifications such as the Certified Correctional Health Professional (CCHP) certification.
What are the daily duties of a Correctional Health Services Manager?
A Correctional Health Services Manager oversees healthcare services in a correctional facility.
They ensure that the facility complies with all relevant laws and regulations.
Daily duties may include managing budgets, supervising staff, coordinating healthcare services, handling patient complaints, improving processes, and liaising with other correctional facility staff.
What qualities make a good Correctional Health Services Manager?
A good Correctional Health Services Manager is ethical, adaptable, and able to work in a challenging environment.
They should have strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
They must also be knowledgeable about healthcare laws and regulations, particularly those relevant to correctional facilities.
How challenging is it to hire a Correctional Health Services Manager?
It can be challenging to hire a Correctional Health Services Manager, as the role requires a unique blend of healthcare management experience and understanding of correctional facility operations.
However, with a targeted recruitment strategy that highlights the unique challenges and rewards of the role, it is possible to attract qualified candidates.
What does a career progression look like for a Correctional Health Services Manager?
A Correctional Health Services Manager may start their career in a lower-level healthcare or administrative role within a correctional facility.
With experience and further education, they may move into a management role.
With extensive experience, they may progress to higher-level administrative or executive roles, overseeing multiple facilities or regions.
Some may choose to move into policy or consultancy roles, using their expertise to shape correctional healthcare on a broader level.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Today, we’ve illuminated the true essence of being a Correctional Health Services Manager.
Surprise, surprise?
It’s not just about managing health services in a correctional facility.
It’s about making a genuine difference, one health service at a time.
With our comprehensive Correctional Health Services Manager job description template and real-life examples, you’re prepared to take the next step.
But why limit yourself?
Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your go-to tool for crafting precise job listings or refining your resume to the tee.
Keep in mind:
Every health service decision contributes to a bigger purpose.
Let’s make that difference. Together.
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