Corrections Counselor 2 - SCI Mahanoy

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 58,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania seeks a Corrections Counselor 2 at SCI Mahanoy to guide inmates through challenges, strengthen decision-making and build confidence for reintegration.

You will conduct interviews, prepare case documentation using ICSA, review assessments, coordinate with staff, and develop parole recommendations in a structured, security-conscious environment.

Qualifications

• Successful completion of the Corrections Counselor 1 training program or one year of professional counseling or casework in a correctional facility with a relevant bachelor’s degree.
• Bachelor’s degree including 18 college credits in sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field.
• Equivalent combination of experience and training that includes one year of counseling/casework in a correctional setting and 18 credits in related fields.

Responsibilities

• Conduct inmate interviews and provide counseling to support adjustment and positive choices.
• Prepare summaries, assessments, and referrals using ICSA.
• Analyze histories, evaluations, and test scores to determine programming needs and risk levels.
• Collaborate with staff to align treatment plans and behavioral goals.
• Develop parole recommendations and assist with re-entry planning and required reports.

Skills

Counseling

Casework

Interviews

Team coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree with 18 credits in related field

Corrections Counselor 1 training or equivalent

Tools

Integrated Case Summary Application (ICSA)

Job description

The Corrections Counselor 2 position with the Department of Corrections (DOC) gives you the opportunity to create meaningful change each day at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Mahanoy. You guide inmates as they work through challenges, strengthen decision-making skills, and build confidence in their ability to move forward. Your influence helps shape positive attitudes and encourages responsible choices that support future success. This role allows you to make a powerful impact by leading growth and progress within a structured setting.

This position provides counseling and casework services that support inmates as they adjust to institutional living and prepare for reintegration into the community. The role encourages responsible decision-making and helps individuals work through personal challenges. As a Corrections Counselor 2, you will perform the following duties:

• Inmate Counseling: Conduct interviews and provide guidance to support adjustment, resolve concerns and encourage positive choices
• Case Documentation: Prepare summaries, assessments, and referrals using the Integrated Case Summary Application (ICSA)
• Assessment Review: Analyze histories, evaluations, and test scores to determine programming needs and risk levels
• Team Coordination: Collaborate with staff to align treatment plans, program expectations, and behavioral goals
• Parole Preparation: Develop recommendations, assist with re-entry planning, and complete required reports for parole review

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 40 hours per week
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday.
• This position is eligible for full retirement benefits at age 50 or 55.
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $64,574.00 (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:

• Successful completion of the Corrections Counselor 1 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration) training program; or
• One year of professional counseling or casework experience in a correctional facility, and 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 one year of professional counseling or casework experience in a correctional facility and 18 college credits in any combination of sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field.

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.

Commonwealth employees who wish to use their seniority rights must apply to the internal posting for their seniority rights to be considered.

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.