• 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. They most often 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.

Find Bachelor's or Master's Degrees for a Correctional Treatment Specialist Career

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, pre sentence 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 for Correctional Treatment Specialists

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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. They offer 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

American InterContinental University:

BSCJ - Law Enforcement
BSCJ - Forensic Science
BSCJ - Special Populations
Bachelor's in Organizational Psychology and Development
MBA Organizational Psychology and Development

Request free information from AIU to learn more about these programs.

Bryant & Stratton College : Bryant & Stratton College Online is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, one of the six regional accreditation agencies recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation.

Associate's in Criminal Justice
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice

University of the Rockies - Online: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, which is recignized by the U.S. Department of Education. The University is also an associate member of the National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology. Request information about their programs below.

Master's of Arts in Psychology, Criminology and Justice Studies
Doctor of Psychology, Criminology and Justice Studies

Walden University Online:

BS in Psychology - Applied in Everyday Life
BS in Psychology - Applied in Helping Professions
BS in Psychology - Applied in the Workplace
BS in Psychology - Preparation for Graduate Schools
MS in Psychology - Multiple Concentrations (Social, Health, Crisis Managment, Terrorism and Security, etc.)
MS in Psychology - Organizational Psychology and Development
MS in Counseling - Mental Health Counseling
Ph.D. in Psychology - Counseling

Lincoln College Online:

BS in Criminal Justice and The Study of the Criminal Mind

Request information from Lincoln College to learn more.

Capella University:

BS in Public Safety - Criminal Justice
BS in Public Safety - Emergency Management
MS in Psychology (multiple concentrations)
MS in Human Services - Counseling

Kaplan University: College of Arts and Sciences

BS in Psychology - Applied Behavioral Analysis
BS in Psychology - Substance Abuse
BS in Psychology - Child Development

Eastern Kentucky University Online:

Bachelor's in Corrections and Juvenile Justice Studies
Master's in Corrections and Juvenile Justice Studies

Ashford University: Ashford University 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 Social Science - Criminal Justice
BA Organizational Management - Criminal Justice
BA in Sociology
BA in Psychology

Rasmussen College Online:

Associate's in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
Associate's in Criminal Justice
AACJ - Corrections
AACJ - Crime Scene Evidence
AACJ - Law Enforcement
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice

South University Online:

Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice - Cyber Crime
Bachelor's CJ - Juvenile Justice
Bachelor's CJ - Crime Scene Investigation
Bachelor's CJ - Law Enforcement
Master's in Criminal Justice
Master's in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
Master's in CJ - Corrections
Master's in CJ - Cyber Crime

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

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