Corrections Counselor 1 - SCI Forest

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Clinton Township (PA); On-site; USD 51,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is recruiting for a Corrections Counselor 1 at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) Forest. This role guides inmates toward positive change, supports reintegration, and builds trust through counseling and casework.

You will work with staff to assess needs and develop individualized plans. Responsibilities include inmate interviews, case management, assessment reviews, and program coordination to align services with reentry goals.

Qualifications

• Three years and six months as a corrections officer or equivalent experience.
• Bachelor’s degree including 18 college credits in sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, or criminal justice.
• Equivalent mix of experience and coursework within 3 months of graduation.
• Willingness to obtain required certifications within specified timelines.

Responsibilities

• Inmate interviews to support adjustment and positive development.
• Case management: maintain records, prepare reports, and communicate with staff, families, and agencies.
• Assessment review: analyze tests, histories, and evaluations for programming and planning.
• Program coordination: work with treatment teams to align counseling and educational services.
• Reentry planning: assist with parole preparation and connect to community resources.

Education

Bachelor's degree with 18 credits in related field

Three years and six months corrections officer experience + 18 college credits

Equivalent combination of experience and coursework (within 3 months of graduation)

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

Job description

Begin a rewarding career as a Corrections Counselor 1 with the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Forest. This position allows you to guide individuals as they work toward positive change and successful reintegration. You will help support their emotional growth, encourage progress, and build trust through meaningful conversations. Take pride in making a difference every day while developing valuable skills in counseling and casework.

This position provides counseling and casework services to inmates and supports their adjustment, personal development, and preparation for community re-entry. The role requires communication, assessment, and collaboration with institutional staff and community partners. As a Corrections Counselor 1, you will perform the following duties:

• Inmate Interviews: Conduct interviews to support adjustment, address concerns, and encourage positive development
• Case Management: Maintain records, prepare reports, and communicate with staff, families, and outside agencies
• Assessment Review: Analyze tests, compile histories, and document evaluations for programming and planning
• Program Coordination: Work with treatment teams to align counseling, activities, and educational services
• Reentry Planning: Assist with parole preparation, gather identification documents, and recommend community resources

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 7:30 AM to 4:00 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 posting. 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.