Corrections Counselor 1

Commonwealth-of-Pennsylvania; Scranton (Lackawanna County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free parking

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is seeking a Corrections Counselor 1 at the Scranton Community Corrections Center to help reentrants develop skills for successful reintegration into the community. You will lead goal planning, provide crisis intervention, and conduct orientation sessions to clarify expectations and available resources.

Responsibilities include facilitating workshops, maintaining case documentation, and coordinating connections to community resources and services.

Qualifications

• Three years and six months as a corrections officer, and 18 college credits in sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field.
• Bachelor’s degree including 18 college credits in sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field.
• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes 18 college credits in sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.

Responsibilities

• Goal Support: Assist reentrants with setting and achieving goals for employment, education, training, housing, and community service
• Crisis Response: Provide crisis intervention, conduct assessments, and make referrals to needed services
• Orientation Guidance: Lead orientation sessions and review case files to help reentrants understand expectations and resources
• Skill Building: Conduct workshops, groups, and seminars that promote pro-social behavior and healthy relationships
• Case Documentation: Maintain detailed progress records and update electronic case files for each active reentrant
• Community Connection: Coordinate outreach efforts and connect reentrants to community resources and service opportunities

Skills

Corrections experience

Education background

CJIS compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree incl. 18 credits in sociology/counseling/psychology/social work/criminal justice

Three years and six months corrections officer experience + 18 credits

Equivalent combination incl. 18 credits in related fields

Job description

Are you looking for a meaningful role that lets you make a real difference as a Corrections Counselor 1 with the Department of Corrections? This position allows you to help reentrants at the Scranton Community Corrections Center develop important skills and prepare for life in the community. Your dedication will guide them through challenges and celebrate their progress. Step into a role that values leadership, compassion, and personal growth.

This role focuses on helping reentrants build the skills and confidence needed for successful reintegration into the community. You will offer guidance, support, and structured activities that promote positive change. As a Corrections Counselor 1, you will perform the following duties:

• Goal Support: Assist reentrants with setting and achieving goals for employment, education, training, housing, and community service
• Crisis Response: Provide crisis intervention, conduct assessments, and make referrals to needed services
• Orientation Guidance: Lead orientation sessions and review case files to help reentrants understand expectations and resources
• Skill Building: Conduct workshops, groups, and seminars that promote pro-social behavior and healthy relationships
• Case Documentation: Maintain detailed progress records and update electronic case files for each active reentrant
• Community Connection: Coordinate outreach efforts and connect reentrants to community resources and service opportunities

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 40 hours per week
• Work hours are 12:00 PM to 8:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• This position is eligible for full retirement benefits at age 50 or 55.
• Free parking is included with this position.
• Telework:You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary:In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Three years and six months as a corrections officer, and 18 college credits in any combination of sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field; or
• A bachelor’s degree including 18 college credits in any combination of sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes 18 college credits in any combination of sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.

Special Requirements:

• You must obtain Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network (CLEAN) and Pennsylvania Justice Network (JNET) certification within two months of employment and maintain certification for the duration of employment in this job.

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 Requirements:

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

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

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

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.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

• 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.