What is a Correctional Treatment Specialist?
Correctional treatment specialists work with criminal offenders and provide them with rehabilitation services after they have served both prison and parole time. They begin their work by visiting correctional institutions and meeting with inmates to evaluate and monitor their progress. This involves administering questionnaires and psychological tests to evaluate an offender’s mental state, consulting with probation officers to establish release plans, and developing case reports that detail an offender’s criminal history and identify the likelihood of future criminal offenses.
After working with and thoroughly evaluating an offender, specialists design rehabilitation plans to help with the transition into the real world. These plans usually consist of services and programs that focus on education, job skill training, or counseling.
Treatment specialists usually work in correctional-related environments like jails, prisons, or probation or parole agencies. Their work can be dangerous and stressful as they often must handle various cases at once and meet court-imposed deadlines. While they generally work regular 40 hour weeks, it is not uncommon for them to work longer in order to assist or supervise offenders.
How to Become a Correctional Treatment Specialist
Those interested in becoming correctional treatment specialists should earn at least a bachelor’s degree in sociology, social work, or a related social science. In these types of majors, students learn about social environments and human behavior as well as important issues such as criminal activity, juvenile delinquency, and the criminal justice system. Common courses include criminology, community resources, populations at risk, human behavior and social environment, social and economic justice, social work practice, modern social problems, and social policy and services.
Most employers like to see applicants who have gained experience and practical knowledge through internships or volunteer work in areas related to corrections, social work, or counseling. Depending on which State one wants to work in, participation in a certification or training program may be required to practice professionally. Most employers prefer to hire highly responsible candidates with a relevant education, work experience, and exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
Many correctional treatment specialists start out in entry-level positions as trainees before advancing to permanent positions within correctional treatment.
Correctional Treatment Specialist Career Outlook & Salary
In a world where criminal activity is as old as time itself, there will always be a need for individuals who are qualified to help rehabilitate offenders. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of probation officers and correctional treatment specialists is projected to increase by about 19% within the next decade. This is due to longer sentences resulting in an expanding prison population, more States emphasizing alternative forms of punishment and rehabilitation, and higher numbers of offenders being released from prison.
With growing employment and a high number of specialists expected to retire, there should be plenty of job opportunities for up and coming specialists. Those with a relevant college education, related work experience, and the ability to handle challenging and stressful situations will attain the best and most lucrative positions. The Bureau reported that the median annual salary of probation officers and correctional treatment specialists was $45,910 in May 2008, with those working within State government, local government, and urban areas earning the highest amounts.
