Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist 1 - SCI Somerset

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

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Corrections seeks a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist 1 for the State Correctional Institution Somerset to provide entry-level casework and counseling to inmates focused on recovery and rehabilitation. You will document treatment progress and support stabilization efforts.

Responsibilities include developing individualized plans, leading therapy groups, and coordinating with treatment teams.

Qualifications

• One year of para-professional experience providing drug and alcohol counseling services directly to clients in a social work setting.
• Certification by PA Chemical Abuse Certification Board as a Certified Addictions Counselor; or
• One year of experience as a Corrections Counselor or Social Worker (Commonwealth or Federal title); or
• One year of professional drug and alcohol counseling experience with a bachelor’s degree including 18 credits in behavioral sciences; or
• A master's degree with major coursework in addictions science, psychology or social work; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training including 18 credits in behavioral sciences.

Responsibilities

• Treatment Support: Assist in providing counseling and rehabilitation services for individuals in treatment programs
• Plan Development: Prepare individualized treatment and recovery plans in collaboration with inmates
• Group Facilitation: Lead therapy groups, community meetings, and other structured activities
• Record Maintenance: Complete summaries and maintain treatment documentation per regulations
• Assessment Activities: Conduct assessments and make recommendations with supervisor guidance
• Team Participation: Participate in meetings with supervisors and treatment teams

Skills

Counseling

Documentation

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree with 18 behavioral sciences credits

Master's degree in addictions science/psychology/social work

Equivalent combination with 18 behavioral sciences credits

Job description

Are you passionate about guiding others toward recovery and lasting change? The Department of Corrections (DOC) is seeking a motivated Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist 1 to join the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Somerset. This role supports inmates working through substance use challenges while learning important casework and counseling skills. It offers a supportive setting where you can grow your abilities and make a difference each day. Take on a role that strengthens rehabilitation and supports long-term success!

This role provides beginning-level casework and counseling services to support the treatment and rehabilitation of individuals with substance use needs. It involves working directly with inmates to guide recovery efforts and maintain accurate treatment records. As a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist 1, you will perform the following duties:

• Treatment Support: Assist in providing counseling and rehabilitation services for individuals in treatment programs
• Plan Development: Prepare individualized treatment and recovery plans in collaboration with inmates
• Group Facilitation: Lead assigned therapy groups, community meetings, and other structured activities
• Record Maintenance: Complete summaries and maintain accurate treatment documentation in accordance with regulations
• Assessment Activities: Conduct assessments and make recommendations with supervisor guidance
• Team Participation: Take part in meetings with supervisors, treatment teams, and other involved staff

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:
• One year of para-professional experience providing drug and alcohol counseling services directly to clients in a social work setting; and certification by the PA Chemical Abuse Certification Board as a "Certified Addictions Counselor"; or
• One year of experience as a Corrections Counselor or Social Worker (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• One year of professional experience providing drug and alcohol counseling services directly to clients in a social work setting and a bachelor's degree that includes 18 college credits in the behavioral sciences; or
• A master's degree with major course work in addictions science, psychology or social work; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training which includes 18 college credits in the behavioral sciences.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

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.