• Bachelor's Programs in Psychology
• American Probation & Parole Assoc.

Correctional Treatment Specialist (Case Manager) Duties and Environment

Correctional treatment specialists most often work in the correctional system in jails or prisons. They counsel inmates that are preparing for probation, parole or release. They also work closely with the department's parole and probation officers to create education, counseling and employment plans that will help a parolee or recently released inmate adjust to life in the community. Correctional treatment specialists write reports based on their meetings with inmates that are used in meetings that determine whether an inmate should be paroled. Correctional treatment specialists conduct their work in the prison but some work on the outside with parole officers. Much of the correctional treatment specialist's work is counseling related to anger management, drugs and sexual abuse.

Correctional treatment specialists carry large work loads. It is not uncommon to have 100 active cases. This is a stressful career and sometimes can be very dangerous, based on where much of the work is conducted and who it is conducted with. Those who do work in the field enjoy the challenge of the work and find it very rewarding.

How to Become Correctional Treatment Specialist

1) Earn a bachelor degree in criminal justice, corrections, social work, counseling, psychology, sociology or a related field. Correctional treatment specialists are employed by county, state and federal departments and are usually required to have at least a bachelor degree education.

Sociology and Psychology BA Degrees at Ashford University

2) Contact the county, state or federal department you are interested in working for and find out what specific work experience and advanced education requirements they want their correctional treatment specialists to have.

3) Make sure you meet their minimum application requirements and then apply.

More Correctional Treatment Specialist Requirements

Most departments require you to be at least 21 years of age, be a US citizen, have a valid state driver's license. Educational requirements vary by department, but federal agencies want to see graduate education (master's degree) as well as work experience in a related field. Opportunities for advancement exist but will require experience and most often a master's degree in psychology, counseling or related field. Correctional treatment specialists, once hired, will have to complete training programs as well as a probation period as well as pass any required certification exams. These requirement will vary depending on department an location.

In order to successfully create a rehabilitation plan a correctional treatment specialist must be able to assess and evaluate individual and group behavior. Correctional treatment specialists should be able to conduct both individual and group counseling sessions, communicate effectively. One of the primary responsibilities or requirements of a correctional treatment specialist is to be able to determine an inmate’s rehabilitation needs by evaluating court reports, presentence investigation reports, their history, the nature of crime, if they have successfully completed any prior treatments and how an inmate will respond to risk factors that resulted in their original prison sentence.

Correctional Treatment Specialist Salary and Job Outlook

As the population continues to grow, crime will continue to increase despite the advancements in law enforcement. Based on this trend the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects job growth in this field to continue. Our correctional treatment specialist salary research found the range of salaries to be from $25,000 to $58,000 a year. With experience and education there is the potential to earn $6,000 to over $8,000 a month. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a range from $26,310 to $66,660 a year, according to their 2004 probation officer and correctional treatment specialist salary survey. Salaries will depend on location, education and experience.

Bachelor's and Master's Degrees

= Staff Recommended

University of Phoenix: The University of Phoenix Criminal Justice and Psychology bachelor's degree programs will help you meet the requirements for a correctional treatment specialist, probation or parole officer career. University of Phoenix offers online and campus based degree options that fit your schedule. University of Phoenix is the largest university in North America. Request free information from their programs today!

BS in Criminal Justice
BS in Psychology

Colorado Technical University: CTU offers a BS in Criminal Justice that can be completed in 15 months if the student already holds a two year degree. Let CTU help you pursue a career as a correctional treatment specialist. Request free information from the BS in Criminal Justice program today.

BS in Criminal Justice

Capella University: Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers the following master degree programs that can help you advance your career in the field of probation and parole as well as help meet the requirements to become a federal probation or parole officer.

MS in Psychology
MS Human Services - Counseling

Ashford University:Ashford Universiy will help you meet your personal and professional goals. Ashford accepts college transfer credits that will apply to your toward your degree. Start your future as a correctional treatment specialist today. Request free information today.

BA Sociology
BA Psychology