Corrections Counselor 1 - SCI Chester

Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania; Chester (Delaware County); On-site; USD 57,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Corrections seeks a Corrections Counselor 1 at SCI Chester in Chester, PA. The role helps inmates adjust, provides guidance, and connects them with programs to build constructive habits and successful reintegration.

You will manage a caseload, document records, coordinate treatment and parole-related activities, and work full-time on a daytime schedule. Salary starts at $56,541 with full benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum Experience: Three years and six months as a corrections officer.
• Education: 18 college credits in sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or related field.
• Bachelor's degree with 18 credits in related fields or equivalent combination accepted.
• Applicant may meet educational requirements within 3 months of graduating.

Responsibilities

• Adjustment Support: Meet with inmates to discuss concerns and encourage constructive behavior.
• Caseload Records: Document case information, prepare reports, and maintain staff communication.
• Evaluation Activities: Review assessments, compile histories, and update files for programming decisions.
• Treatment Planning: Coordinate activities, counseling, and educational services to align with program goals.
• Parole Coordination: Support parole prep, gather ID materials, and assist with reintegration planning.

Education

Bachelor's degree with 18 college credits in relevant fields

18 college credits in sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, or related field

Equivalent combination including 18 related credits

Within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits

Job description

Salary: $56,541.00 - $86,022.00 Annually

Location: Delaware County, PA

Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time

Job Number: CS-2026-57509-47530

Department: Department of Corrections

Division: CR CHS Trmt Svcs

Opening Date: 09/01/2026

Closing Date: 9/15/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code: 47530

Position Number: 00247622

Union: SEIU Local 668

Bargaining Unit: F4

Pay Group: ST06

Bureau / Division Code: 00112250

Bureau / Division: State Correctional Institution at Chester

Worksite Address: 500 East 4th Street

City: Chester, Pennsylvania

Zip Code: 19013

Contact Name: Ronda Hugaboom

Contact Phone: [phone]

Contact Email: [e-mail]

THE POSITION

Take on a meaningful opportunity with the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Chester as a Corrections Counselor 1! This position allows you to help inmates adjust to the institution and focus on building constructive habits. You will connect individuals with programs, guidance, and support that encourage long-term success. It is a chance to make a difference while building a fulfilling and impactful career.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position focuses on supporting inmates as they work through personal challenges and build skills that strengthen their ability to succeed. It ensures steady guidance, structured planning, and access to resources that support positive change. As a Corrections Counselor 1, you will perform the following duties:

• Adjustment Support: Meet with inmates to discuss concerns, offer direction, and encourage constructive behavior
• Caseload Records: Document case information, prepare reports, and maintain communication with staff and agencies
• Evaluation Activities: Review assessments, compile histories, and update files used for programming decisions
• Treatment Planning: Coordinate activities, counseling efforts, and educational services to align with program goals
• Parole Coordination: Support parole preparation, gather identification materials, and assist with reintegration planning

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

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 40 hours per week
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 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: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.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

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.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

• 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.