How to Become a Corrections Social Worker

Social workers help vulnerable people and communities cope with and get through challenging times. They may find social services to help those in need or provide therapy as a clinical social worker.

There are jobs for social workers in many industries, including education, government, nonprofits, the legal system, and healthcare.

Corrections social workers help inmates within the criminal justice system. Individuals interested in the legal system, advocating for those within the system, and helping offenders transition from prison may find a career as a corrections social worker very rewarding.

Corrections or criminal justice social workers typically work in county, state, or federal correctional facilities or juvenile detention centers. They may also work with law enforcement agencies or diversion programs that allow defendants to avoid incarceration by completing a program. Many work with correctional officers and other treatment specialists inside and outside correctional facilities.

These social workers may work with inmates in group support situations or one-on-one with individuals. They provide counseling to inmates to increase their chances of living a successful life in society, as well as to address any mental health and/or substance abuse issues.

The latest data from the Department of Justice found that 62% of prisoners released in 2012 were arrested within three years. A corrections social worker can help those reentering society by connecting them with community resources like housing, healthcare, and employment. These social workers may also teach them the life skills that can help them succeed.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

While state requirements vary, the following represent the most common steps to becoming a corrections social worker.

At a minimum, a corrections social worker needs a bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field. Some social work programs offer specializations in criminal justice.

The program should hold accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) to ensure the degree is recognized by employers and state licensing boards. Accredited programs also require that students get experience in the field.

Those with a bachelor’s degree typically work in entry-level positions under the supervision of a social worker with a master’s degree. Some states require a master’s to gain licensure.

Prospective corrections social workers who earned a bachelor’s in another field, such as criminal justice, psychology, and sociology, may qualify for some positions or gain licensure by earning a master of social work.

Social work programs accredited by the CSWE include hands-on experience. This may come in the form of practice and internships. A practicum enables students to observe social workers and typically incorporates theory and practice. Some schools incorporate fieldwork throughout the program.

An internship offers direct full-time or part-time experience, with students applying what they learned in the classroom under a social worker’s supervision. Typically, programs help students find fieldwork that aligns with their interest area. These internships may occur in criminal justice or legal settings.

With this experience and degree, students may qualify for non-clinical social work positions and licensure in some states after passing an exam.

Employers and states may require a master of social work degree to work as a corrections social worker. Those interested in providing therapy need a master’s degree in social work to gain licensure as a clinical social worker.

These social workers focus on rehabilitation by providing counseling, therapy for drug or alcohol misuse, and life-skills training. This position also requires 2-3 years of supervised clinical work experience.

Most graduate programs in social work enable students to specialize in their interest area, gaining critical knowledge that allows them to better support their clients. A master’s degree in social work also offers increased job opportunities and earning potential.

A survey conducted by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) in 2017 found that those with a master of social work degree made, on average, about $13,000 more than social workers with a bachelor’s degree.

Social work licensing requirements vary by state. Each state’s social work regulatory board determines the level of education required and the scope of practice. While some states allow social workers to work in a limited capacity without a license, others require all social workers to hold a license. All states require clinical social workers who work without supervision to gain licensure.

Licensing requirements include having a certain education level and passing a national exam. Some states also require passing state-specific exams.

The Association of Social Work Boards offers five exams for varying levels of education and practice. Because criminal justice social workers tend to provide treatment for substance misuse or mental health conditions, many become licensed clinical social workers.

Social workers must complete continuing education hours to maintain their license. The number of hours varies by state and license type and must be met before the license expires. In most states, licenses expire after two years.

Social workers also benefit from continuing their professional development and staying abreast of the latest techniques and models for supporting their clients.

Social workers’ salaries vary based on the position, employer, experience, and education level. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that all types of social workers earned a median annual salary of $50,390 in May 2021, with the top 10% earning more than $82,840.

Those working at the federal executive branch level made the most in 2021, with an average annual wage of $83,020. Social workers employed by the local government earned an average salary of $62,450. The BLS also projects social work jobs to grow by 12% from 2020-2030, amounting to an average of 78,300 new jobs each year.