Corrections Counselor 2 SCI Somerset

Commonwealth-of-Pennsylvania; Somerset Township (PA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Corrections at the State Correctional Institution Somerset is seeking a Corrections Counselor 2 to support inmate adjustment, programming, and re-entry preparation. You will develop records, coordinate treatment plans, and collaborate with staff and external agencies to promote successful reintegration.

The role emphasizes counseling, casework, and treatment coordination to facilitate behavioral progress and parole readiness within a structured

Qualifications

• Experience providing counseling or casework in a corrections setting is preferred.
• Completion of Corrections Counselor 1 training or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Must meet education and experience requirements as outlined in the vacancy posting.

Responsibilities

• Interview inmates and provide counseling for personal, social, and vocational development.
• Prepare and maintain casework records and communicate with staff and families.
• Review assessments to guide programming and treatment planning.
• Coordinate treatment plans with programming, activities, and expectations.
• Assist with re-entry planning and parole reporting.

Skills

Inmate counseling

Case management

Assessment

Treatment coordination

Parole preparation

Education

Bachelor's degree with 18 college credits in related field

Job description

Advance your counseling career with the Department of Corrections (DOC)! As a Corrections Counselor 2 with the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Somerset, you will help inmates build the skills they need for positive change. This role allows you to guide individuals through challenges and support their progress. Each day brings opportunities to encourage growth and strengthen re-entry readiness. Be part of a team where your commitment can influence meaningful outcomes—apply today!

This position provides counseling and casework services that support inmate adjustment, programming, and re-entry preparation. The role focuses on developing records, coordinating treatment plans, and working with staff and outside agencies to promote effective reintegration. As a Corrections Counselor 2, you will perform the following duties:

• Inmate Counseling: Interview inmates, assist with adjustment concerns, and provide guidance for personal, social, and vocational development
• Casework Records: Prepare and maintain reports, communicate with staff and families, and support effective case management
• Assessment Review: Analyze tests, compile histories, and document evaluations to guide appropriate programming
• Treatment Coordination: Align treatment plans with programming, activities, and expectations to support behavioral progress
• Parole Preparation: Assist with re-entry planning, secure documentation, and prepare parole reports and recommendations

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: In some cases, the starting salary may be non‑negotiable.
• 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 title) 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 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 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.

This position is subject to the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement or memorandum of understanding. If no applicable union‑covered bidders apply, other applicants may be considered.

• Seniority rights apply for Corrections Counselor 1s
• Seniority/Promotion Unit: 234

You must be eligible for selection in accordance with merit system employment regulations.

Recruitment Methods:

• Applicants must meet the following method to be considered for this vacancy:
  • Seniority Promotion
• When the collective bargaining obligation(s) have been met; then the following recruitment methods may be used:
  • Promotion Without Exam
  • Reassignment(Only current civil service employees in the same agency who hold the same or similar job title, with the same maximum salary, within the same occupational group or where there is a logical career movement, will qualify for reassignment.)
  • Voluntary Demotion

Promotion Without Examination (PWOE):

• Class Restrictions for Promotion Without Examination Only - You must have or have held regular civil service status in one of the following classifications:
  • Corrections Counselor 1
  • Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist 1
  • Social Worker 1
• Employees who previously held regular civil service status in the job title of the position being filled are also eligible for promotion without examination.
• The promotion without examination requirements are issued in accordance with merit system employment regulations.
• Meritorious service is defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting, and (b) the last regular or probationary performance evaluation showing an overall rating of satisfactory or higher.
• Applicants must have a minimum of one year in the next lower classes by the posting closing date with no break in service.

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.