Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist 1 - SCI Somerset

About the role

Are you passionate about guiding others toward recovery and lasting change? The Department of Corrections (DOC) is seeking a motivated Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist 1 to join the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Somerset. This role supports inmates working through substance use challenges while learning important casework and counseling skills. It offers a supportive setting where you can grow your abilities and make a difference each day. Take on a role that strengthens rehabilitation and supports long-term success!

This role provides beginning-level casework and counseling services to support the treatment and rehabilitation of individuals with substance use needs. It involves working directly with inmates to guide recovery efforts and maintain accurate treatment records. As a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist 1, you will perform the following duties:

• Treatment Support: Assist in providing counseling and rehabilitation services for individuals in treatment programs
• Plan Development: Prepare individualized treatment and recovery plans in collaboration with inmates
• Group Facilitation: Lead assigned therapy groups, community meetings, and other structured activities
• Record Maintenance: Complete summaries and maintain accurate treatment documentation in accordance with regulations
• Assessment Activities: Conduct assessments and make recommendations with supervisor guidance
• Team Participation: Take part in meetings with supervisors, treatment teams, and other involved staff

Work Schedule and Additional Information

• Full-time employment, 40 hours per week
• Work hours are 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• This position is eligible for full retirement benefits at age 50 or 55.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $56,541.00 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements

• One year of para-professional experience providing drug and alcohol counseling services directly to clients in a social work setting; and certification by the PA Chemical Abuse Certification Board as a "Certified Addictions Counselor"; or
• One year of experience as a Corrections Counselor or Social Worker (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• One year of professional experience providing drug and alcohol counseling services directly to clients in a social work setting and a bachelor's degree that includes 18 college credits in the behavioral sciences; or
• A master's degree with major course work in addictions science, psychology or social work; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training which includes 18 college credits in the behavioral sciences.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Other Requirements

• Successful completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA is required.
• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirement

• You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.

How to Apply

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS)

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

Additional information

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
• your score may be lower than deserved.
• you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.