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
in one of those fields is preferred. Previous experience is a relevant position is also helpful in order to obtain a job as a Correctional Counselor. Furthermore, as of May 2014 the median annual income for correctional counselors were $49,360. In addition, correctional counselors must also pass a series of required examinations. Some of these examinations include psychological and physical exams especially for those wanting to work with prison inmates. Anyone wishing to pursue a career as a correctional counselor must be able to pass a background check, be at least 21 years old, and anyone with a past conviction may not be illegible to work as correctional counselors. Internships are also helpful in order to become a correctional counselor. By doing an internship, future correctional counselors obtain real life experience and also have a professional supervised their work before they are hired as full time correctional counselors.
Another career In Human services that interests me is Social Workers. Social workers help people solve and cope with problems in their everyday lives. They help with a wide range of situations, such as adopting a child or being diagnosed with a terminal illness. Social workers may work with children, people with disabilities, and people with serious illnesses and addictions. Their work varies based on the type of client they are working with (BLS.GOV) Moreover, there are many different form of social workers. There are clinical social workers, child and family social workers, school social workers, healthcare social workers, etc.
In order to become a social worker, one need at least a Bachelor’s degree for entry level positions.
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
(BLS.GOV).

Lastly, another career in human services that interests me is substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors. Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors advise people who suffer from alcoholism, drug addiction, eating disorders, or other behavioral problems. They provide treatment and support to help the client recover from addiction or modify problem behaviors (Bls.Gov).