Corrections: A Possibility for Career
The opportunities for a corrections career are quite diverse. If someone has trained or been educated to work in the area of corrections, he or she has many options from which to choose, and although they all deal with corrections in some way, the exact specialization and job duties can vary extensively. Corrections careers also allow for a range of education levels. There are positions available for those without formal corrections education, while other positions require more education or training and pay accordingly. Regardless of in which area in corrections someone chooses to work, the job can be exciting and rewarding.
Facts about a Corrections Career
Many people who are interested in a corrections career do not have a college degree. However, they are still able to obtain work in the corrections field because there are some jobs that require only a high school diploma. Other people, however, develop an interest in corrections while in college. Because the area of corrections is so diverse, students majoring in corrections, criminal justice, criminology, counseling, psychology, social work, or sociology all have the educational background needed for various corrections careers.
In addition to schooling, other activities can help prepare people for a corrections career. Internships are a popular, extremely helpful option because they give firsthand experience in working with the system and help build crucial job skills. Contract PSI writing also can assist in obtain corrections work because it shows a knowledge of the system and an ability to communicate effectively. Volunteer work always presents a good message on resumes and job applications because it conveys a real interest in the line of work and a willingness to help people even without pay.
As for the exact specializations within the field of corrections, there is a wide variety. Two of the most commonly recognized corrections careers are probation or parole agents and correctional officers, such as guards. However, not all correctional workers have similar responsibilities. Work service crew leaders, caseworkers, therapists, and group home and residential facility counselors are all classified as corrections careers, but these occupations tend to focus more heavily on psychological aspects of corrections than behavioral. A third area of corrections jobs is electronic supervision monitors, which function similar to guards, in a way. Many corrections careers are under government direction, but there are possibilities for private corrections careers, as well. Halfway houses, electronic monitoring companies, group homes, detention centers, residential facilities, work camps, and treatment centers all have correctional positions. Government corrections jobs tend to pay more than the private sector, and the salary usually starts around the mid-$20,000 level.
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