Corrections Counselor I: Reentry & Counseling Advocate

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Mercer (PA); On-site; USD 57,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Corrections at SCI Mercer seeks a Corrections Counselor 1 to guide inmates toward better futures. You'll perform basic counseling, casework, and re-entry support while collaborating with staff, families, and external agencies.

This role builds foundational skills, involves documenting records, coordinating programs, and assisting with re-entry planning, with a strong focus on inmate rehabilitation and community reintegration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree including 18 college credits in sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or related field; or
• 3 years 6 months as a corrections officer with 18 credits in related fields; or
• Equivalent combination of experience and training with 18 credits in related fields.

Responsibilities

• Provide basic counseling to inmates, addressing personal, family, and community issues.
• Assist with recordkeeping, updating reports, and sharing information with staff and agencies.
• Review assessments and histories to identify inmate needs and recommended programs.
• Coordinate activities, educational programs, counseling sessions, and other services.
• Provide re-entry guidance for identification and resources for parole.
• Perform additional duties supporting inmate adjustment and reintegration.

Skills

Counseling

Recordkeeping

Communication

Case management

Education

Bachelor's degree with 18 credits in sociology/psychology/social work/corrections

3.5 years as corrections officer or equivalent

Job description

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Corrections at SCI Mercer seeks a Corrections Counselor 1 to guide inmates toward better futures. You'll perform basic counseling, casework, and re-entry support while collaborating with staff, families, and external agencies.

This role builds foundational skills, involves documenting records, coordinating programs, and assisting with re-entry planning, with a strong focus on inmate rehabilitation and community reintegration.