Launch Your Career as a Correctional Counselor with the Bureau of Prisons
Are you seeking a high-impact career that combines public service with meaningful behavioral support? The Bureau of Prisons is currently looking for dedicated individuals to serve as Correctional Counselors in Los Angeles, California. This role is essential for maintaining the safety of our institutions while guiding inmates toward a successful life after release.
Job Responsibilities
As a Correctional Counselor, you will serve as the primary point of contact for inmates within your unit. Key duties include:
- Facilitating individual and group counseling sessions.
- Managing unit intake, orientation, and property coordination.
- Upholding institutional security protocols.
- Implementing evidence-based programs to prepare inmates for re-entry into society.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet several critical criteria, including:
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Successful completion of a three-week training course in Glynco, Georgia.
- Adherence to a maximum entry age of 36.
- Ability to pass comprehensive physical, drug, and background screenings.
Comparison of Key Factors
| Factor | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Salary | $76,415 – $98,606 |
| Location | Los Angeles, CA |
| Citizenship | Mandatory (U.S.) |
| Physicality | Arduous/High Demand |
Salary Overview
The salary for this position is competitive, ranging from $76,415 to $98,606 per year, depending on experience and qualifications. This pay scale is part of the Federal General Schedule (GS) system, which offers stability and potential for growth.
Benefits
Employees of the Bureau of Prisons enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) for retirement savings.
- Generous paid time off and federal holidays.
- Structured professional development pathways.
Application Tips
- Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your experience reflects the specific duties mentioned in the announcement, such as counseling or law enforcement.
- Document Everything: Include hours worked per week and specific dates for all past roles.
- Stay Organized: Check your status frequently through the online portal and ensure all uploaded files are readable.
Serving as a Correctional Counselor is a challenging but highly rewarding career path. If you are ready to contribute to public safety while helping individuals change their lives, apply for the Los Angeles Correctional Counselor position today.
Why This Correctional Officer (Correctional Counselor) Job Matters
Ready to make a difference in public safety and inmate rehabilitation? Join the Bureau of Prisons in Los Angeles as a Correctional Counselor and play a pivotal role in secure operations.
Correctional Officer (Correctional Counselor) Job Overview
The Bureau of Prisons is seeking dedicated professionals to join their team in Los Angeles, California. As a Correctional Counselor, you will foster a humane and secure institutional environment while preparing inmates for successful community reentry. You will act as a key figure in unit management, providing essential guidance, counseling, and security oversight to ensure the safety of the facility and the public.
Requirements for Correctional Officer (Correctional Counselor)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Ability to meet specialized experience requirements in law enforcement, social work, or counseling
- Must be 36 years of age or younger for original appointment (per 5 U.S.C. 3307)
- Successful completion of a three-week training program in Glynco, Georgia
- Must pass a physical examination, drug screening, and comprehensive background investigation
- Must pass a criminal record and credit check
Preferred Qualifications for Correctional Officer (Correctional Counselor)
- Prior experience conducting individual and group counseling sessions
- Experience in residential facility environments or detention center operations
- Proficiency in administrative grievance processes and policy adherence
- Demonstrated capability in coordinating inmate re-entry programs and intake processes
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary and step increases
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
- ✓Federal retirement benefits including the Thrift Savings Plan
- ✓Paid federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave
- ✓Career development and professional training opportunities
💡 How to Apply Correctional Officer (Correctional Counselor) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Correctional Officer (Correctional Counselor) Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS profile with a current resume
- Ensure your resume includes detailed dates (MM/YYYY) and hours worked per week for every position
- Gather supporting documents such as SF-50s, performance appraisals, and transcripts if required
- Complete the online application and assessment questionnaire via the official portal
- Verify that all documents are legible and named appropriately before uploading
- Submit your application by 11:59 p.m. EST on the closing date
💡 General Tips
- Read the entire announcement carefully to ensure you understand every eligibility requirement.
- Be specific about your hours worked per week; the hiring team requires this for accurate credit.
- Use standard document names like 'SF-50' or 'Transcript' to avoid system errors.
- Ensure your resume is limited to two pages and highlights your most relevant experience.
- Check your USAJOBS account regularly to monitor your application status.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of a Correctional Counselor?
Correctional Counselors manage inmate units, provide individual and group counseling, oversee personal property and trust fund activities, and facilitate the admission and orientation process for new inmates.
Are there specific physical requirements for this job?
Yes. This position involves arduous physical exertion, including prolonged standing, walking, and the ability to physically restrain inmates in emergency situations.
How is the applicant evaluated?
Applicants are evaluated based on their resume, online assessment scores, and submitted documentation. Top candidates receive priority for review.
What is the maximum age limit for applying?
The entry age limit for initial appointment is 36 years old per U.S. law.
Is relocation assistance offered?
Relocation assistance is not offered for this specific vacancy.
Job from Bureau Of Prisons/Federal Prison System
The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is responsible for the custody and care of approximately 150,000 federal inmates. Our mission is to ensure a secure, humane, and professional environment while providing the tools necessary for rehabilitation. By joining the BOP, you become part of a national network dedicated to public safety and community stability.