Correctional Treatment Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s justice system, the role of correctional treatment specialists has become increasingly pivotal.

As society progresses, the need for proficient professionals who can plan, facilitate, and supervise the rehabilitation of offenders grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a correctional treatment specialist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker attempting to comprehend the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager crafting the profile of the ideal candidate,
• Or simply interested in understanding the intricacies of correctional treatment,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable correctional treatment specialist job description template, designed for seamless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Correctional Treatment Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Correctional Treatment Specialists, also known as Case Managers or Correctional Counselors, play a crucial role in the criminal justice system.

They provide counseling and create rehabilitation plans for inmates to follow once they are released from the correctional facility.

Correctional Treatment Specialists have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Evaluate inmates’ mental and physical health, personal histories, and crimes committed to develop appropriate rehabilitation and treatment plans
• Interview and evaluate inmates to determine their risk of reoffending
• Create and implement behavior modification plans
• Assist inmates with developing skills necessary for reintegration into society such as job seeking skills
• Work with probation officers to manage inmates on parole
• Prepare reports detailing inmates’ treatment plans and progress
• Conduct group therapy or counseling sessions
• Consult with other professionals such as psychologists, social workers, and parole officers to plan and coordinate treatment strategies
• Make recommendations for parole, transfer, or continued imprisonment
• Provide crisis intervention as needed

 

Correctional Treatment Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Correctional Treatment Specialist to join our team.

The Correctional Treatment Specialist will be responsible for developing rehabilitation plans for offenders, conducting interviews and assessments, and ensuring that inmates are receiving the appropriate treatment and care.

Our ideal candidate has a strong understanding of the criminal justice system, excellent interpersonal skills, and is capable of making sound judgements in stressful situations.

Ultimately, the role of a Correctional Treatment Specialist is to promote rehabilitation and reduce recidivism through effective intervention and support.

 

Responsibilities

• Evaluate inmates using interviews, psychological tests, counseling sessions, and review of background information.
• Develop treatment plans, including substance abuse programs, mental health treatment, and job training.
• Prepare reports regarding an inmate’s progress and treatment plan.
• Monitor inmates for changes in behavior and update treatment plans accordingly.
• Advise parole boards on inmate’s progress and eligibility for parole.
• Coordinate with other professionals such as psychologists, social workers, and correctional officers.
• Provide crisis intervention as needed.
• Assist inmates in their transition back to the community.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience in a correctional or rehabilitation setting.
• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology, or related field.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Understanding of the criminal justice system and rehabilitation methods.
• Ability to handle stressful situations and make sound decisions.
• Experience working with diverse populations.
• Must pass a criminal background check.

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Correctional Treatment Specialist
• Work Environment: Correctional facility. This role may involve irregular hours and responding to emergencies.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Rehabilitation Supervisor or Correctional Facility Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,300 minimum to $74,458 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 Treatment Specialist Do?

Correctional Treatment Specialists, also known as case managers or correctional counselors, work within the criminal justice system, primarily in jails, prisons, or parole or probation agencies.

Their main role is to develop rehabilitation plans for inmates and individuals on probation or parole.

These plans are based on the individual’s needs and are intended to help them reintegrate into society and reduce the likelihood of reoffending.

Correctional Treatment Specialists assess inmates using interviews, psychological tests, and review of criminal records.

They evaluate the progress of individuals and make necessary adjustments to their rehabilitation plans.

They also work with other professionals such as psychologists, social workers, and correctional officers to ensure the welfare of inmates.

These professionals also provide pre-release services and help inmates with procedures related to job search, housing, and community contacts.

They may also conduct seminars or workshops on life skills or job readiness.

They maintain detailed written reports on each inmate and regularly update their progress.

They are also responsible for informing parole boards about inmates’ progress and making recommendations for parole or continued detention.

In the case of parolees or probationers, Correctional Treatment Specialists monitor their activities and behaviors, ensuring they comply with the conditions of their release and helping them avoid situations that could lead to re-arrest.

Their ultimate goal is to aid in the rehabilitation of offenders and contribute towards safer communities.

 

Correctional Treatment Specialist Qualifications and Skills

Correctional Treatment Specialists, also known as case managers or correctional counselors, should possess a unique blend of skills to effectively manage and rehabilitate inmates.

These skills include:

• Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain professional relationships with inmates and other staff members, enabling effective management and treatment planning.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and oral, to clearly convey treatment plans, progress reports, and other important information to inmates, their families, prison staff, and parole boards.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to assess the needs of individual inmates and develop effective treatment strategies that address their specific issues.
• Understanding of criminology, psychology, and social work, to effectively assess and address behavioral patterns and needs of inmates.
• Ability to manage high-stress situations and make difficult decisions under pressure, often dealing with hostile or unpredictable individuals.
• Patience and empathy to work with individuals who may be resistant to treatment, understanding their struggles and working persistently towards their rehabilitation.
• Knowledge of legal guidelines and institutional rules to ensure compliance during the development and implementation of treatment plans.
• Organizational skills to keep track of multiple cases at a time and maintain detailed records of each inmate’s progress.

 

Correctional Treatment Specialist Experience Requirements

Correctional Treatment Specialists, also known as case managers or correctional counselors, typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in social work, criminal justice, psychology, or a related field.

This provides them with a theoretical foundation in behavioral sciences and the criminal justice system.

During their educational pursuits, many aspiring Correctional Treatment Specialists gain practical experience through internships or part-time roles in correctional facilities, probation offices, or social service agencies.

This hands-on experience often involves case management, group therapy facilitation, and assessments.

Before becoming a Correctional Treatment Specialist, it’s common to have at least 1 to 2 years of professional experience in a related field such as probation officer, social worker, or correctional officer.

Some employers may require candidates to have more advanced experience which could include managerial duties or specialized work with certain populations (e.g., juvenile offenders, substance abuse clients).

These roles may require a master’s degree in a related field and around 3 to 5 years of relevant work experience.

Those with more than 5 years of experience in the field may be prepared for leadership roles in correctional treatment, such as head case manager or program director, where they can shape program strategies and guide teams of correctional treatment specialists.

 

Correctional Treatment Specialist Education and Training Requirements

Correctional Treatment Specialists, also known as case managers or correctional counselors, typically require a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology, or a related field.

The study program should ideally include coursework in social sciences, correctional administration, criminal law, and rehabilitation.

Many employers also require prior work experience in probation, pretrial services, parole work, or a related field.

Experience could be through internships, work-study programs, or in some cases, relevant military experience.

Once hired, correctional treatment specialists usually undergo a training program sponsored by their state government or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

This may be followed by a probationary period under the supervision of a senior correctional treatment specialist.

Although not required, some correctional treatment specialists may also pursue a master’s degree in criminal justice or a related field to improve their advancement opportunities.

Certain professional certifications, such as Certified Corrections Professional (CCP) or Offender Workforce Development Specialist (OWDS), can further demonstrate a candidate’s specialized knowledge and commitment to the field.

 

Correctional Treatment Specialist Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Correctional Treatment Specialist is around $54,290 (USD) per year.

However, this figure can fluctuate depending on factors such as level of experience, qualifications, and the location of employment.

In some high-cost areas, experienced Correctional Treatment Specialists may earn a considerably higher salary.

 

Correctional Treatment Specialist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Correctional Treatment Specialist need?

Correctional Treatment Specialists should have strong communication skills for interacting with inmates and other correctional staff.

They should also have good analytical thinking skills to assess inmates’ progress and adjust treatment plans accordingly.

Knowledge in psychology and social work, as well as understanding legal terminology, can be essential in this role.

Moreover, they must possess good organizational skills for maintaining detailed records.

 

Do Correctional Treatment Specialists need a degree?

Yes, Correctional Treatment Specialists typically need a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology, or a related field.

Some positions, particularly those in the federal prison system, may require a master’s degree.

Most employers also require some amount of work experience in probation, pretrial services, parole, or a related field.

 

What should you look for in a Correctional Treatment Specialist resume?

Firstly, make sure the candidate has the necessary educational qualifications and relevant work experience.

Look for experience in correctional facilities, social work, or counseling.

The resume should also highlight skills such as communication, analytical thinking, problem-solving, and knowledge of legal terminology.

Any certification related to correctional treatment or counseling can be a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Correctional Treatment Specialist?

A good Correctional Treatment Specialist is empathetic and understanding, able to work with diverse populations and handle potentially stressful situations.

They need to be detail-oriented to maintain comprehensive inmate records.

They should also be able to think critically and make decisions based on their assessments of inmates’ progress.

A high level of integrity and professionalism is expected from them, as they work in a sensitive environment dealing with confidential information.

 

What are the daily duties of a Correctional Treatment Specialist?

On a typical day, a Correctional Treatment Specialist may meet with inmates for counseling sessions, assess their progress, and adjust their treatment plans if necessary.

They may also develop release plans for inmates nearing the end of their sentences.

Other tasks can include writing reports on inmates’ progress, attending parole board hearings, and working with parole officers to ensure the smooth transition of inmates into society.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve uncovered the true essence of being a Correctional Treatment Specialist.

Guess what?

It’s not just about maintaining order.

It’s about shaping lives, one inmate at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive Correctional Treatment Specialist job description template and authentic examples, you’re fully equipped to make your next move.

But why stop at the surface?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for crafting precision-targeted job listings or honing your resume to absolute perfection.

Remember:

Every life you touch is a part of a broader societal change.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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