Psychological Services Specialist, DOC - SCI Coal Township

About the role

Are you ready to turn your passion for mental health into meaningful, life-changing work? The Department of Corrections (DOC) is looking for a motivated Psychological Services Specialist who wants to make an impact. At the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Coal Township, you will encourage emotional stability and personal progress for individuals who rely on your support. Each day brings a chance to guide someone toward a healthier path. Be a part of a team that values dedication, compassion, and professional growth!

This position provides mental health support to inmates by offering counseling, testing, coordination, and crisis services that strengthen emotional adjustment. As a Psychological Services Specialist, you will perform the following duties:

• Counseling Services: Provide individual and group therapy that supports emotional adjustment and behavior change
• Assessment Work: Conduct interviews and administer psychological tests to guide treatment planning
• Coordination Efforts: Work with institutional departments and outside agencies to support inmate care
• Program Support: Assist in research efforts aimed at improving psychological services within the institution
• Intern Training: Guide student interns in testing, scoring, and interpretation tasks
• Crisis Response: Deliver immediate assistance to inmates experiencing urgent mental health needs

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information

• Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with a 30-minute lunch. The work schedule is to be determined and will consist of either a Tuesday - Saturday or Sunday - Thursday workweek.
• 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 $69,086.00 (before taxes).
• Additional pay will be considered for those who currently possess or obtain licensure as a Social Worker, Clinical Social Worker, or Professional Counselor issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapist and Professional Counselors. Documentation will need to be provided at interview to receive additional pay consideration.
• 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

• A master’s degree in psychology or a closely related field that includes fifteen graduate level credits in psychology or counseling.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.

Other Requirements

• 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.
• Successful completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA is required.
• 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.