Correctional Therapist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era of criminal justice reform, the focus on Correctional Therapists has never been greater.

As societal attitudes shift, the demand for skilled professionals who can rehabilitate, empower, and guide individuals within the corrections system is on the rise.

So, let’s dive deeper: What’s really expected from a Correctional Therapist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker aiming to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager envisioning the perfect candidate,
• Or simply captivated by the intricacies of correctional therapy,

You’ve landed in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Correctional Therapist job description template, crafted for seamless use on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Correctional Therapist Duties and Responsibilities

Correctional Therapists work in correctional facilities, providing therapeutic counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation services to inmates.

They conduct assessments, create treatment plans, and monitor progress, often working with a multidisciplinary team to aid in the rehabilitation of offenders.

Correctional Therapists have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Evaluate inmates’ mental and emotional health through interviews and psychological tests
• Create individualized treatment plans based on the inmate’s needs and circumstances
• Provide one-on-one or group therapy sessions to address issues such as substance abuse, anger management, and other behavioral problems
• Monitor inmates’ progress and adapt treatment plans as necessary
• Collaborate with other professionals such as correctional officers, social workers, and physicians to provide comprehensive care
• Document and maintain detailed case files and treatment records for each inmate
• Recommend resources and strategies to help inmates reintegrate into society after their release
• Consult with court officials, attorneys, and judges regarding inmates’ progress and rehabilitation prospects
• Conduct crisis intervention and manage potentially volatile situations
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings and seminars to stay updated on correctional therapy practices

 

Correctional Therapist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking an empathetic and experienced Correctional Therapist to join our team.

In this role, you will provide therapeutic treatment to inmates, aiding their rehabilitation and promoting mental well-being.

The Correctional Therapist’s responsibilities include conducting assessments, creating treatment plans, facilitating group and individual therapy sessions, and maintaining accurate client records.

Our ideal candidate has experience in a correctional or similar setting, along with a strong understanding of the issues affecting incarcerated individuals.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct psychological assessments to determine appropriate treatment plans
• Develop and implement individualized therapy programs
• Facilitate group and individual therapy sessions
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records
• Coordinate care with other healthcare professionals as needed
• Assist in crisis intervention situations
• Adhere to ethical and professional standards of conduct
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development

 

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or related field
• Current and valid state licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), or similar
• Experience in a correctional or similar setting preferred
• Strong understanding of mental health issues affecting incarcerated individuals
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive situations with professionalism
• Ability to work well under pressure and handle crisis situations effectively

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Correctional Therapist
• Work Environment: This position is based in a correctional facility environment. The nature of the work requires interaction with inmates and correctional staff.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Mental Health Services or Clinical Supervisor.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $70,000 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 Therapist Do?

Correctional Therapists are specialized mental health professionals who provide therapy and counseling services to individuals who are incarcerated in jails, prisons, and correctional facilities.

Their main responsibility is to assess the mental and emotional health of inmates and develop therapeutic treatment plans to help them cope with the stress and anxiety of incarceration, deal with underlying mental health issues, and prepare for their eventual reintegration into society.

They utilize different therapeutic methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, group therapy, or other approaches based on the specific needs of the inmate.

Correctional Therapists work closely with other correctional staff, such as correctional officers, social workers, and medical professionals, to ensure the safety and overall well-being of the inmates.

They often play a significant role in crisis intervention, risk assessment, and suicide prevention within the correctional environment.

Additionally, they maintain comprehensive records of each inmate’s progress, update treatment plans as necessary, and often provide recommendations for post-release therapy or rehabilitation programs.

Their job is challenging as they work in a unique environment with individuals who have often experienced trauma, substance abuse issues, and serious mental health disorders.

However, their role is crucial in helping inmates overcome their challenges and prepare for a more positive future.

 

Correctional Therapist Qualifications and Skills

Correctional Therapists should possess a unique combination of soft skills, technical skills and knowledge about the criminal justice system to effectively perform their duties, which include:

• Strong knowledge and understanding of criminal behavior, corrections, and the criminal justice system to effectively engage with clients in a correctional setting
• Highly developed interpersonal skills to establish trust and open communication with clients who might be resistant or hostile
• Ability to use various therapeutic techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care to address the unique needs of each individual client
• Exceptional problem-solving and critical thinking skills to assess clients’ needs, develop appropriate treatment plans, and adjust those plans as necessary
• Excellent communication skills to accurately document client progress, write reports, and collaborate with other professionals such as correctional officers, social workers, and probation officers
• Emotional intelligence and resilience to cope with high-stress situations and work with clients who have experienced trauma, substance abuse, and mental health issues
• Understanding and adherence to professional and ethical guidelines, including maintaining client confidentiality and promoting the welfare of clients

 

Correctional Therapist Experience Requirements

Correctional Therapists should have completed a Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or a related field.

Many employers also require a Master’s degree in counseling, clinical social work, or a related discipline.

Entry-level Correctional Therapists often require at least 1 to 2 years of experience, ideally in a correctional or clinical setting.

This could be through an internship, practicum, or part-time role in a community mental health center, crisis center, or similar environment.

These professionals can also gain on-the-job experience in roles such as Behavioral Health Technician, Substance Abuse Counselor, or Mental Health Specialist.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have developed their counseling skills and knowledge in entry-level Correctional Therapist or Behavioral Health Counselor roles.

They may also have specific experience with certain populations, such as individuals with substance abuse issues, the mentally ill, or juveniles.

Those with more than 5 years of experience in the field may have some leadership experience and could be prepared for roles such as Program Director or Clinical Supervisor.

They may also have specialized knowledge or certification in specific therapeutic techniques or treatment models, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, trauma-informed care, or dialectical behavior therapy.

Regardless of experience level, Correctional Therapists should also have a current and valid license to practice in their state.

This usually requires passing a comprehensive exam and may also require ongoing continuing education to maintain.

 

Correctional Therapist Education and Training Requirements

Correctional Therapists typically require a bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field.

This coursework includes studies in human behavior, mental health disorders, ethics, and counseling techniques.

Further specialization into correctional therapy can be acquired through postgraduate studies or specific training programs.

Some states may require Correctional Therapists to hold a master’s degree in a related field.

This advanced degree often includes supervised clinical experience, research projects, and extensive training on various therapeutic techniques used within correctional facilities.

In most cases, Correctional Therapists need to be licensed.

Licensing requirements vary by state, but generally require a master’s degree and completion of a certain number of supervised clinical hours.

After meeting these criteria, an examination must be passed to obtain the license.

This examination tests knowledge and understanding of counseling theory, techniques, and ethics.

Certifications may be available and provide evidence of a Correctional Therapist’s skills and knowledge in specific areas.

This can include a certification in correctional healthcare, substance abuse counseling, or trauma-focused therapy.

Continued learning is crucial in this role to stay updated on best practices, new research, and ethical guidelines.

Therefore, ongoing professional development through courses, workshops, or conferences is often encouraged.

 

Correctional Therapist Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Correctional Therapist is approximately $50,570 (USD) per year.

The earnings can vary depending on factors such as experience, qualifications, location, and the specific correctional facility in which one is employed.

 

Correctional Therapist Job Description FAQs

What are the key skills a correctional therapist should possess?

Correctional therapists should be compassionate, patient, and have excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build relationships with incarcerated individuals.

They need to have an understanding of different therapeutic techniques and be able to apply them in a correctional setting.

Also, they should be prepared to handle potentially stressful situations and be capable of problem-solving and crisis management.

 

What kind of education does a correctional therapist need?

Correctional therapists typically need a Master’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field.

They also need to be licensed to practice therapy in their state.

This often requires additional supervised clinical experience and passing a state exam.

 

What should you look for in a correctional therapist’s resume?

A correctional therapist’s resume should reflect their educational background, professional license, and clinical experience, particularly within a correctional or criminal justice setting.

It’s also important to look for evidence of their ability to work with diverse populations and handle high-stress situations.

Professional references and any specializations or certifications may also be valuable.

 

What qualities make a good correctional therapist?

A good correctional therapist is empathetic and non-judgmental, which allows them to build trust with incarcerated individuals.

They’re also resilient and can cope well with stress, as the job can be challenging.

Good correctional therapists are observant and perceptive, which helps them to assess patients and their progress effectively.

 

What are the daily duties of a correctional therapist?

A correctional therapist’s daily duties include conducting individual or group therapy sessions, assessing patients’ mental health status, developing and implementing treatment plans, and documenting patient progress.

They may also communicate with other correctional staff and healthcare providers regarding the patients’ treatment and progress.

Additionally, they may provide crisis intervention as needed.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the true essence of being a correctional therapist.

Surprised?

It’s not merely about rehabilitation.

It’s about fostering change and progress, one therapy session at a time.

With our comprehensive correctional therapist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step forward.

But why limit yourself?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your tool for creating meticulous job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every therapy session is a step towards a transformed life.

Let’s facilitate that change. Together.

How to Become a Correctional Therapist (Complete Guide)

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