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Summary
Correctional Counselor
Bring Your Passion and Support the Rehabilitation Process The County of San Diego is currently recruiting for the position of 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-the-Board + 1.43% Market Adjustment)
June 2027 – 4.43% increase to base pay (3.00% Across-the-Board + 1.43% Market Adjustment)
The following additional pay incentive(s) and/or premium(s) are available:
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: The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.
- Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
- Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
- Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.
If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.
Education and Experience:
- 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
- Three (3) years of full-time experience performing counseling services for an agency or organization.
Note: The complete description of the duties and responsibilities can be found by visiting the Correctional Counselor job classification page.
Blind Applicant Screening: The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, hides a candidate's personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age, and race. This process helps contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce. The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or supplemental questionnaire.
Conditions of Employment: As part of the County of San Diego's pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.
Background Investigation: Must have a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness. Felony convictions will be disqualifying. Misdemeanor convictions may be disqualifying depending on type, number, severity, and recency. Prior to appointment, candidates will be subject to a thorough background investigation which may include a psychological, truth verification or other examination or test.
Evaluation: Qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) month employment list based on scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental application form will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.
Accommodation: Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a qualified individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.
The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the Veteran's Preference Policy for additional information.
The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce.
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Job Description
Correctional Counselor
Bring Your Passion and Support the Rehabilitation Process The County of San Diego is currently recruiting for the position of 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-the-Board + 1.43% Market Adjustment)
June 2027 – 4.43% increase to base pay (3.00% Across-the-Board + 1.43% Market Adjustment)
The following additional pay incentive(s) and/or premium(s) are available:
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: The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.
- Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
- Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
- Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.
If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.
Education and Experience:
- 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
- Three (3) years of full-time experience performing counseling services for an agency or organization.
Note: The complete description of the duties and responsibilities can be found by visiting the Correctional Counselor job classification page.
Blind Applicant Screening: The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, hides a candidate's personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age, and race. This process helps contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce. The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or supplemental questionnaire.
Conditions of Employment: As part of the County of San Diego's pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.
Background Investigation: Must have a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness. Felony convictions will be disqualifying. Misdemeanor convictions may be disqualifying depending on type, number, severity, and recency. Prior to appointment, candidates will be subject to a thorough background investigation which may include a psychological, truth verification or other examination or test.
Evaluation: Qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) month employment list based on scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental application form will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.
Accommodation: Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a qualified individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.
The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the Veteran's Preference Policy for additional information.
The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce.
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ABOUT THE COMPANY
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