Correctional Counselor-26505005

San Diego County Sheriff; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 70,574 - 86,257; Full time

Job summary

Joinsdsheriff is hiring for the position of Correctional Counselor in San Diego, California. This role involves casework assignments related to psycho-social, educational, vocational, and wellness, primarily within detention facilities. Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree and have three years of full-time counseling experience.

The position offers a starting salary of $78,416 annually, with future salary increases planned. Correctional Counselors at institutional work locations earn an additional 5% above the base rate.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in counseling, psychology, sociology, or related behavioral or social science.
• Three years of full-time counseling experience.
• Experience with incarcerated individuals in correctional facilities is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Perform a wide variety of casework assignments related to psycho-social, educational, vocational, and wellness.
• Provide case management and facilitate groups.
• Work primarily in detention facilities with restricted access.

Skills

Counseling

Case management

Group facilitation

Psycho-social assessment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Counseling or related field

Job description

Correctional Counselor

This position is eligible for appointment at step 1, $78,416.00 annually. County employees are subject to the County Promotion Rule for Step Placement in accordance with Compensation Ordinance 1.3.5.

Future Salary Increase

• June 2026 – 4.93% increase to base pay (3.50% Across-Board + 1.43% Market Adjustment)
• June 2027 – 4.43% increase to base pay (3.00% Across-Board + 1.43% Market Adjustment)

Additional pay incentive: Correctional Counselors assigned to institutional work locations earn 5% above the regular base rate.

About the Position

Correctional Counselor is a professional journey-level position that works within the Sheriff's Office, Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), and Probation Department. A Correctional Counselor performs a wide variety of casework assignments related to psycho-social, educational, vocational, and wellness. Counselors provide case management and facilitate groups. Work primarily takes place in detention facilities with restricted access.

Hiring Process and Timeline

1. Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
2. Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
3. Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.

Education and Experience

1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency in counseling, psychology, sociology, criminal justice/administration, or related behavioral or social science field, AND
2. Three (3) years of full-time experience performing counseling services for an agency or organization.

Experience in performing correctional counseling to incarcerated individuals in a locked detention or correctional facility is highly desirable.

The complete description of the duties and responsibilities can be found by visiting the Correctional Counselor job classification page.