Centuries of Contribution Social Service Careers in the Field of Criminal Justice - CareerAlley

Centuries of Contribution Social Service Careers in the Field of Criminal Justice - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. The very first evidence of social service work in the criminal justice system was in 1817 when Elizabeth Fry took on the challenge of prison reform in Britain. Known as the angel of the prisons, Fry advocated for humane treatment of prisoners, the separation of genders in prison facilities, and post-release support through education and paid work. The profession was officially recognized almost 100 years later as a result of ongoing philanthropy and changing social mores. Today, social service workers are an essential part of the criminal and juvenile justice system. They fill an important need in the rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals. Professional Challenges, Personal Rewards Social service careers in criminal justice can be extremely fulfilling for individuals who seek to contribute to an often under-served sector of American society, including a disproportionate number of young males and minorities. These jobs also have an impact on the community at large, as appropriate treatment can reduce recidivism. Statistics from the United States Department of Justice indicate that 650,000 people are released from federal and state prisons each year. Unfortunately, without effective counseling and support after release, over half of all prisoners eventually reenter the system. There are a lot of challenges to consider when entering this field. However, a social services worker can have a positive personal impact on the lives of others, including the families of detainees. Career growth opportunities are plentiful: Correctional Treatment Specialist Median Salary: $47,200 Job Outlook: 18% growth by 2020 Correctional treatment specialists monitor criminal offenders who have been released from prison. Much like a probation officer, these professionals help previously incarcerated individuals transition back into society. Individuals with a masters degree in criminal justice can often be hired without any previous experience in apprehending criminals. However, they should be aware this job can be a dangerous one. Correctional treatment specialists need to carry a firearm for protection when conducting home visits, employment checks, and property searches. Substance Abuse Behavioral Disorder Counselors Median Salary: $38,100 Job Outlook: 27% growth by 2020 Counselors can find job opportunity in prisons and juvenile detention centers, as well as with parole and probation agencies. Licensure in this field requires a masters degree, two to three years of experience, annual recertification, and continuing education. Counselors are also regulated by their state of residency. The growth rate of this profession is very favorable as drug offenders are required to undergo treatment as part of their rehabilitation within the criminal justice system. Social Workers Median Salary: $42,500 Job Outlook: 25% growth by 2020 Social workers play an essential role in criminal justice, working with the incarcerated as part of a multidisciplinary prison health team. The position plays an important role throughout the prisoner lifecycle, from intake assessments of new inmates to exit counseling of those being released. Licensure varies by state, as do educational requirements. Individuals with a degree in social work, coupled with a masters degree in criminal justice, will be dually prepared for the challenges of this role. Adding Value in a Growing Industry The United States criminal justice system has become more punitive in recent decades. More prisoners are being housed across the country than ever before, including juvenile offenders. Mentally ill people who fall through the cracks also end up in jail when no other options are available. Many prisons struggle with overcrowding, creating the opportunity for new and more modern structures to be built and ultimately staffed by criminal justice professionals, including those in the social services field. While many jails and detention centers hire directly, an increasing number are managed by separate companies with expertise in corrections and behavioral health. Outside the prison walls, social service workers can continue to support the criminal justice system in helping prisoners make a successful transition back into society. This career is not for everyone, but those who follow the path are highly valued contributors in todays world. Author Byline: Laura Mingo writes in the field of higher education. This article aims to offer career advice for university students in relation to criminal justice and promotes the benefits of advanced study regarding an online masters in criminal justice Sources: www.socialworkers.org www.urban.org www.census.gov www.bls.gov www.naswil.org www.historyofsocialwork.org photo credit: brizzle born and bred via photopin cc This is a Guest post. If you would like to submit a guest post to CareerAlley, please follow these guest post guidelines. Visit me on Facebook