Correctional Mental Health Counselor

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 62,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full retirement benefits at age 50 or

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Corrections seeks a Psychological Services Specialist at SCI Coal Township to provide counseling, testing, coordination, and crisis support for inmates, guiding treatment and research within the institution.

The role requires a master's degree in psychology, completion of PA residency and CJIS requirements, with 37.5 hours weekly (8:00 AM–4:00 PM). Telework is not available; starting salary is $69,086 plus licensure-based pay adjustments.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in psychology or closely related field with fifteen graduate level credits in psychology or counseling.
• Within 3 months of graduation, educational requirements may be met.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Education

Master's degree in psychology or closely related field with 15 graduate credits in psychology or counseling

Job description

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Corrections seeks a Psychological Services Specialist at SCI Coal Township to provide counseling, testing, coordination, and crisis support for inmates, guiding treatment and research within the institution.

The role requires a master's degree in psychology, completion of PA residency and CJIS requirements, with 37.5 hours weekly (8:00 AM–4:00 PM). Telework is not available; starting salary is $69,086 plus licensure-based pay adjustments.