About Correctional Counselors

A correctional counselor is a person who teaches criminal offenders or people with various addictions how to overcome their past and lifestyle to become a productive member of society. A correctional counselor has to provide support, accountability, guidance and stability for her clients. Because of this, many correctional counselors have a close relationship with their clients. This, in turn, can have an impact of every aspect of the counselor's life.

Function

Correctional counselors work closely with inmates, parolees, probation clients, youth offenders or people who have certain addictions, such as a sex addiction or drug addition. They provide guidance to the client about every aspect of the client's life, including coming up with suggestions as to how the client can overcome his criminal behavior or addiction. These correctional counselors are sometimes a mediator between the client and other authority figures, such as correctional officers and court officials.

The Facts

Although the training and education requirements vary depending on the location, most correctional counselors must have a minimum of a four year (Bachelor's) degree. Additional training is usually needed, most often, this is a one year on the job training course. Most of the correctional counselors who work in prison also have a Master's degree in a mental health or social sciences area of study.

Benefits

The main benefit of being a correctional counselor comes when you see that you have made a difference in a person's life. One of the main job duties of a correctional counselor is to show the client the right way to live his life. There are some clients that simply don't want to change but, when you have a client that takes your advice to heart, it becomes clear that you are making a positive impact on that person and on society as a whole.

Risk Factors

Correctional counselors, regardless of the location of their job, are subject to physical assault and a hostile work environment. This can lead to mental and physical problems. This is especially true if the counselor works in a place, such as a prison, where the clients are there involuntarily. Some correctional counselors have to wear protective gear and learn self defense techniques as part of training.

Misconceptions

One of the main misconceptions concerning correctional counselors is that they work only in prisons with adult offenders. In truth, correctional counselors work in drug rehabilitation centers, juvenile facilities and community correction programs. Many of the instructors at youth boot camps and reform programs are correctional counselors who want to help young adults before their lifestyle leads them to a life in prison.