The primary objective of the criminal justice system is to ensure that people who commit crimes are punished and rehabilitated. This is done by the Corrections Department and it is one of many bodies of the criminal justice system that contribute to its function.
If you are considering a career in corrections management, you might benefit from understanding the roles, responsibilities, and duties of professionals in this field and how to become one. In this article, we provide an overview of the duties and responsibilities of a correctional case manager, how to become one, and how much a correctional case manager earns.
What do Correctional Officers Do?
It is the responsibility of correctional officers to oversee individuals who are detained while awaiting trial or who have been found guilty and are incarcerated in a jail, reformatory, or penitentiary for the period they have been sentenced.
According to the BLS, the correctional officer job description is as follows
- Maintain order within jails and prisons by enforcing the rules
- Observe, supervise, and manage inmate activities
- Ensure that the premises and facilities meet all safety and security requirements
- Find out if any illegal items are present among the inmates
- Making detailed reports on the inmates’ behavior and activities
- Maintaining peace and resolving disputes
- Transportation and escorting of inmates between facilities
What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Correctional Officer?
The specific requirements for a career as a corrections officer vary depending on the job. The consensus, however, is that corrections officers should have excellent interpersonal and communication skills. High school diplomas may be sufficient to qualify for a corrections officer position in some cases.
The federal government, however, requires a college education like a bachelor’s or master’s corrections degree from an accredited college. Also, the Federal correctional officer age requirements vary depending on the state.
Today, most colleges offer Criminal Justice courses that prepare graduates to confidently and skillfully perform the duties of correctional officers. The core courses they offer include criminal law and procedural law covering a range of topics, including ethical scenarios, legal evidence, counseling, criminal justice administration, and the connections between corrections, parole, and probation.
Corrections officers who are hired will be required to attend training at an academy where they will be instructed in specific policies and procedures, regulations, and self-defense training.
What Are the Career Paths in Corrections Management?
These are some major careers in corrections that you can pursue in the field of corrections management and their salaries.
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Correctional Officer
Correctional officers supervise inmates and suspects awaiting trial within jails or prisons. Their duties include performing security checks on the facility, monitoring inmates and filing reports about their behavior, and providing secure transportation of prisoners to and from outside of the facilities.
Average Salary:$42,126
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Bailiff
The purpose of these law enforcement officers is to maintain peace in the courtroom. Bailiffs are responsible for ensuring the safety of courtrooms by enforcing courtroom rules, assisting judges with documents and evidence, and accompanying jurors, witnesses, and prisoners.
For example, they monitor attorneys and witnesses to make sure that they do not influence jurors outside of courtroom proceedings. They play an important role in maintaining the neutrality of a criminal trial.
Average Salary: $42,110
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Parole Officers
A parole officer is a professional who assists individuals who have recently completed a prison sentence and are going back to live a normal life. It is the responsibility of a parole officer to perform regular visits to parolees to check on their progress, to inspect their homes, and to investigate any potential parole violations. The other responsibilities of a parole officer may include finding a job or a place to live for a parolee, conducting drug tests, etc.
Average Salary: $49,912
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Probation Officer
A probation officer is responsible for monitoring the progress of people who have been sentenced to probation following their conviction for a crime. The probation officer supervises people who have committed crimes and helps them reintegrate into society, however, they are more likely to work with nonviolent or first-time offenders. Their goal is to prevent probationers from committing further offenses by providing them with social services such as job training, counseling, and education.
Average Salary:$56,274
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Substance Abuse Counselor
Substance abuse counselors work with people who are trying to overcome drug or alcohol addiction. They provide support and guidance to these addicts and help them quit bad habits. In correctional facilities, their duties include assessing the mental and physical health of the inmates, creating treatment plans, and educating them about addiction.
Average Salary:$55,987
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Corrections Nurse
Prisons and jails house a large number of individuals who require medical treatment regularly. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and registered nurses (RNs) working in correctional facilities treat a wide variety of ailments and health issues among the residents. This role involves the treatment of wounds caused by combat, withdrawal symptoms caused by addiction, as well as routine illnesses.
Average Salary:$54,000
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Juvenile Correctional Officer
A juvenile correctional officer is responsible for managing incarcerated minors at a juvenile detention center. As part of this task, the guard observes the activities of inmates, searches their living areas for contraband, escorts them to court appearances, reports any issues with inmates, and resolves conflicts among them. Their role may be to act as role models, provide advice, provide counseling, and communicate with the juveniles’ families to provide mental or emotional support to them.
Average Salary:$55,265
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Chaplain
A prison chaplain provides religious counseling and education to inmates while they are incarcerated. Regardless of their religious affiliation, they are available to inmates who wish to learn more about their spirituality and follow their religion.
Average Salary:$67,553
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Group Prison Counselor
A group counselor is a psychologist who works with inmates in prison as well as parolees or probationers to modify their behavior and overcome addictions, behavioral issues, and mental illnesses. It is the role of group counselors to provide support and treatment options to clients in a group setting.
Average Salary:$63,593
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Prison Warden
The prison wardens are responsible for overseeing the daily operations in both adult and juvenile correctional facilities. The responsibility also involves overseeing prison staff and making sure that everyone follows the rules, regulations, and policies of the facility, state, and federal governments. A prison warden manages budgets, monitors inventories, analyzes data reports, and maintains prison records among other tasks
Average Salary:$82,000
Correctional Officer’s Job Opportunities, Salaries, and Degree Requirements
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Job Opportunites | Some of the federal correctional officer jobs include:
Correctional Officer, Federal Detention Officer, Juvenile Probation Officer, Public safety officer, Prison chaplain, Correctional nurse, Substance abuse counselor, Juvenile correctional officer, Bailiff, and Parole officer. |
| Salaries | According to the BLS, the salary of a correctional officer in May 2023 was $53,300. According to the report, the bottom 10% earned less than $38,340, while the top 10% earned more than $87,250. |
| Degree Requirments |
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Is it a good career?
Having the opportunity to work in corrections can be an exciting and challenging experience, as you will spend time with individuals who are experiencing some of the most challenging times of their lives. When positive changes are made, these tough circumstances can make the work that much more satisfying. So, is it a good career? Definitely, if you are aiming to join the forces and contribute to a crime-free society.
We hope you find this guide helpful when looking for corrections job careers.
