Become a Correctional Counselor with the Federal Bureau of Prisons

Are you looking for a career that combines public service, security, and the opportunity to facilitate positive change? The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is currently hiring for the position of Correctional Counselor in Mendota, California. This is a unique opportunity to join a vital federal agency dedicated to maintaining a safe and humane correctional environment while preparing inmates for successful reentry into society.

Job Responsibilities

As a Correctional Counselor, you will serve as a frontline expert in inmate management. Your duties will be diverse and highly impactful:

Rehabilitation: Develop and implement individual and group counseling programs.
Intake Processing: Conduct interviews with newly admitted inmates during the Admission and Orientation (A&O) process.
Security: Maintain the security of the unit by engaging consistently with the inmate population.
Administration: Coordinate inmate personal property, trust fund activities, and package approvals.
Crisis Management: Provide professional decision-making during high-pressure situations or emergencies.

Comparison: GL-07 vs. GL-09 Positions

Feature	GL-07	GL-09
Focus	Entry-level counseling & enforcement	Advanced counseling & administrative audit
Education Requirement	1 year graduate-level study	No educational substitution
Core Skill	Policy knowledge & crisis response	Internal/External audits & re-entry coordination

Requirements

To be eligible for this role, candidates must meet specific criteria regarding education and experience.

Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen.
Education/Experience: Depending on the grade level, you must possess either relevant graduate education or specialized experience in fields such as law enforcement, social work, or corrections.
Physical Fitness: The role involves physical exertion, including standing, walking, and the potential need to restrain individuals during emergencies.
Background Checks: All applicants must undergo and successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation, credit check, and drug screening.

Salary Overview

The position offers a competitive federal salary range between $57,477 and $82,716 per year, commensurate with qualifications and the grade level assigned. This remuneration reflects the importance of the role and the high level of responsibility entrusted to our counselors.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the long-term well-being of our staff, including:

Comprehensive Health Insurance
Retirement Planning (FERS)
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
Paid Leave (Vacation and Sick)
Professional Development and Career Advancement

Application Tips

Applying for a federal position requires precision.

Respect the Limits: Your resume must be limited to two pages. Extra pages will lead to automatic rejection.
Quantify Your Work: Always list your work hours per week to receive full credit for your experience.
Use Accurate Dates: Use the MM/YYYY format for all start and end dates.
Proofread: Ensure all uploaded documents, such as transcripts or DD-214s, are legible and properly named.

A career as a Correctional Counselor with the Bureau of Prisons is more than a job—it is a commitment to public safety and professional growth. If you are ready to take on this challenge in Mendota, we encourage you to review the full announcement and submit your application through the official portal today.

Why This Correctional Officer (Correctional Counselor) Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on public safety and inmate rehabilitation as a Correctional Counselor with the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Correctional Officer (Correctional Counselor) Job Overview

The Federal Bureau of Prisons is seeking dedicated individuals to join our team in Mendota, California, as Correctional Counselors. In this pivotal role, you will help maintain a secure, humane environment while guiding inmates through rehabilitation and reentry programs. You will serve as a subject matter expert on inmate property, trust fund activities, and personal counseling, playing a vital role in our mission to ensure public safety through effective correctional management.

Requirements for Correctional Officer (Correctional Counselor)

Must be a United States citizen.
Must be able to pass a rigorous background investigation, drug screening, and physical examination.
Maximum entry age of 36 applies for original appointments, with exemptions for qualified preference-eligible veterans.
Must complete the three-week 'Introduction to Correctional Techniques' training course in Glynco, Georgia.
GL-07: One full academic year of graduate education or one year of specialized experience.
GL-09: One year of specialized experience in a relevant field such as law enforcement, social work, or counseling.

Preferred Qualifications for Correctional Officer (Correctional Counselor)

Prior experience in residential facilities or detention centers.
Demonstrated ability to conduct individual and group counseling sessions.
Experience in internal or external auditing procedures.
Advanced interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills.
Knowledge of inmate intake, orientation, and re-entry coordination processes.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal health insurance plans
✓Life insurance coverage
✓Retirement benefits under FERS
✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent)
✓Paid vacation and sick leave
✓Ongoing professional training and development

💡 How to Apply Correctional Officer (Correctional Counselor) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Correctional Officer (Correctional Counselor) Job

Create or update your profile on USAJobs.gov.
Prepare a resume limited to two pages highlighting relevant experience with hours worked per week.
Submit your application and all required documents, including transcripts and SF-50 forms, before the closing date.
Complete all required online assessment questions.
Monitor your email for status updates or requests for interviews.

💡 General Tips

Strictly adhere to the two-page resume limit to avoid disqualification.
Ensure your resume includes start/end dates in MM/YYYY format and average hours worked per week.
Upload transcripts early to ensure they meet formatting and legibility requirements.
Be sure to claim any applicable Veterans Preference during the initial online application.
Save documentation as clear, descriptive filenames like 'DD-214' or 'Transcript'.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the age limit for this position?

The maximum entry age for original appointment is 36, though qualified preference-eligible veterans may be exempt.

Is travel required for training?

Yes, all successful candidates must complete a three-week training program in Glynco, Georgia.

How long is the resume supposed to be?

The resume must be limited to two pages. Applications exceeding this length will be deemed ineligible.

Do I need to be a current federal employee to apply?

*A: No, this position is open to the public.*

Is a degree required?

*A: For the GL-07 grade, one full year of graduate education may be used to qualify. For the GL-09 grade, specialized experience is required.*

What is the maximum age for hiring?

*A: The maximum entry age is 36 for original appointments.*

Job from Bureau Of Prisons/Federal Prison System

The Federal Bureau of Prisons, an arm of the Department of Justice, is responsible for the custody and care of federal inmates. Our mission is to protect society by confining offenders in the controlled environments of prisons and community-based facilities that are safe, humane, cost-efficient, and appropriately secure. By joining our team, you become part of a professional organization that values integrity, diversity, and dedication to the rule of law.