Corrections Counselor 1 - Harrisburg CCC

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full retirement benefits

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania seeks a Corrections Counselor 1 at the Harrisburg Community Corrections Center to guide reentrants toward employment, education, and housing goals while connecting them with community resources.

The role emphasizes foundational counseling and case management, crisis intervention, and reentry orientation. You will work with a team that values guidance, growth, and service, adhering to state policies and certification requirements.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Assist reentrants in setting and reaching goals related to employment, education, housing, and services.
• Provide crisis intervention, assessments, and referrals during challenging situations.
• Lead reentry orientation sessions and facilitate groups, workshops, and seminars.
• Document activities, maintain electronic case files, and apply cognitive-based interventions.
• Coordinate discussions with partner agencies and support community service projects.

Skills

Corrections experience

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree + 18 credits in related field

Job description

Become a Corrections Counselor 1 with the Department of Corrections (DOC) and help reentrants create new pathways in life. This position at the Harrisburg Community Corrections Center (CCC) offers meaningful work that supports positive change. You will help individuals establish goals, build confidence, and connect with community support. Be part of a team that values guidance, growth, and service—apply today!

This position focuses on developing foundational skills in counseling and case management for reentrants at the Harrisburg CCC. The role supports reentrants as they work toward goals, adopt positive lifestyle choices, practice healthy behavior, and connect with needed community resources. As a Corrections Counselor 1, you will perform the following duties:

• Goal Development:Assist reentrants in setting and reaching goals related to employment, education, training, housing, and service
• Crisis Support:Provide intervention, conduct assessments, and make referrals during challenging situations
• Reentry Orientation:Lead orientation sessions and facilitate groups, workshops, and seminars that encourage positive behavior
• Progress Tracking:Document reentrant activities, maintain electronic case files, and apply cognitive based interventions
• Community Engagement:Coordinate discussions with partner agencies, promote community understanding, and support service projects for reentrants

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.
• 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 Requirement

• 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

• 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.

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.