Corrections Counselor 1 SCI Chester

Commonwealth-of-Pennsylvania; Chester (Delaware County); On-site; USD 56,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s State Correctional Institution Chester is seeking a Corrections Counselor 1 to help inmates adjust, build constructive habits, and connect them with programs and guidance for long-term success.

The role includes adjustment support, case documentation, evaluation activities, treatment planning, and parole coordination, with a 40-hour work week, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.

Qualifications

• Educational and experience requirements listed above
• 30 college credits in related fields may substitute for part of the requirements
• Eligible applicants may meet educational requirements within 3 months of graduation
• Special requirement: CLEAN and JNET certification within two months of employment

Responsibilities

• 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
• 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

Education

Three years and six months as a corrections officer, 18 college credits in sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or related field

Bachelor’s degree with 18 college credits in sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or related field

Equivalent combination including 18 college credits in related fields

Within 3 months of graduating with qualifying degree/credits

Job description

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.

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.

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.