Becoming A Correctional Counselor Essay

There is no denying that Correctional Counselors play a vital role in the United States criminal justice and prison systems. Though it seems to be a declining field, correctional counselors will always be needed regardless of what our leaders in this country may decide. Correctional counselors are also referred to as correctional treatment specialists or case managers. They work with offenders directly in hope of evolving plans and goals to prevent them from being a repeat offender when they are released back into society. However, the most important duty of correctional counselors is to assist individuals in turning their life around and motivating to a brighter future.
In order to become a Correctional Counselor, one needs at least a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Social Work, or phycology. However, a Master’s degree
However, a master’s degree is preferred. Individuals with a Bachelor’s degree will most likely work in psychology or sociology related fields. However, with a Master’s degree, individuals get to work in their field of study. Social workers also need to complete an internship or supervised practicum in order to gain experience and taste and feel what their duties will entail. Social Workers also need to be licensed. Licensing varies by state and also varies by the type of social worker one wants to become. For example, all states require clinical social workers to be licensed. Most states also have licensure or certification requirements for nonclinical social workers which varies by state. Also, there are certain exams that have to be passed. The median annual wage for social workers was $45,900 in May 2015. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $28,530, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $76,820