Corrections Counselor 1 SCI Somerset

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

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania seeks a Corrections Counselor 1 at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Somerset to guide inmates toward growth and support re-entry readiness. This role offers full-time work with a 40-hour week and a starting salary noted below.

The position involves counseling, casework, assessments, documentation, and coordination with staff and families to promote successful reintegration and safer communities.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Inmate Counseling: Interview inmates, assist with adjustment challenges, and provide guidance for personal, social, and vocational development.
• Casework Documentation: Develop records, maintain reports, and communicate with families, staff, and agencies about inmate progress.
• Assessment Analysis: Review tests, compile histories, and document evaluations to recommend appropriate programming.
• Treatment Coordination: Align treatment objectives with programming, activities, and expectations to support behavioral change.
• Parole Preparation: Support re-entry planning, secure documentation, and prepare parole reports and recommendations.

Education

Bachelor's degree including 18 credits in sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or related field

Three years and six months as a corrections officer

An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes 18 college credits in sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or related field

Job description

Are you ready to support positive change and help individuals move toward productive futures? As a Corrections Counselor 1 at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Somerset, you will guide individuals through challenges and support their progress. Each day offers a chance to encourage growth and strengthen re-entry readiness. Be a part of a team where your efforts contribute to safer communities.

This position provides counseling and casework services that support inmate adjustment, personal growth, and re-entry preparation. The work includes reviewing assessments, coordinating plans, and communicating with staff and families to promote effective reintegration. As a Corrections Counselor 1, you will perform the following duties:

• Inmate Counseling: Interview inmates, assist with adjustment challenges, and provide guidance for personal, social, and vocational development
• Casework Documentation: Develop records, maintain reports, and communicate with families, staff, and agencies about inmate progress
• Assessment Analysis: Review tests, compile histories, and document evaluations to recommend appropriate programming
• Treatment Coordination: Align treatment objectives with programming, activities, and expectations to support behavioral change
• Parole Preparation: Support re-entry planning, secure documentation, and prepare parole reports and recommendations

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 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