Corrections Counselor 1 - SCI Smithfield

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 51,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania seeks a Corrections Counselor 1 to guide inmates toward constructive change. You will support daily adjustment, encourage responsible choices, and connect inmates with programs at SCI Smithfield.

This role emphasizes communication, documentation, and program access while handling a moderate caseload. Responsibilities include interviewing inmates, maintaining records, guiding educational and re-entry opportunities, and coordinating with staff and external

Qualifications

• Three years and six months as a corrections officer, and 18 college credits in sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or related field.
• Bachelor’s degree including 18 college credits in related field.
• Equivalent combination of experience and training with 18 credits in related fields.

Responsibilities

• Conduct inmate interviews to discuss adjustment issues and access resources.
• Maintain simple records and prepare routine reports on inmate progress.
• Provide information on educational, vocational, and re-entry programs.
• Communicate updates with staff, families, and outside agencies clearly.
• Support positive conduct through feedback and enforcement of rules.
• Assist with organizing documents and preparing meetings and evaluations.

Skills

Interviewing

Documentation

Program guidance

Communication

Caseload management

Education

Bachelor's degree incl 18 credits in related field

Job description

As a Corrections Counselor 1 with the Department of Corrections (DOC), you will play a key role in guiding inmates toward positive change. You will support daily adjustment, encourage responsible choices, and help connect inmates with needed programs. This position provides a meaningful way to develop professional skills and serve the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Smithfield community. Step into a role where steady guidance and communication make a lasting difference.

Corrections Counselors help inmates adjust to the institution by offering support, guidance, and basic casework services. This role focuses on communication, documentation, and helping inmates access programs that support positive behavior. As a Corrections Counselor 1, you will perform the following duties:

• Inmate Interviews: Meet with inmates to discuss adjustment issues, concerns, and available support resources
• Basic Casework: Maintain simple records, prepare routine reports, and document relevant information about inmate progress
• Program Guidance: Provide information about educational, vocational, and re-entry programs, and explain how inmates may access them
• Communication Support: Share important updates with staff, families, and outside agencies in a clear and respectful manner
• Behavior Encouragement: Support positive conduct by offering feedback, discussing expectations, and reinforcing institutional rules
• Caseload Assistance: Help manage routine caseload tasks, organize documents, and assist with preparation for meetings and evaluations

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.
• 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

• 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.

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:

• 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 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.