Parole Agent 1 - SCI Huntingdon

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is seeking a Parole Agent 1 to advise inmates in a state correctional institution and prepare them for parole hearings. This 12‑month trainee program leads to Parole Agent 2 with higher pay.

The role supports parole services across the institution, including interviews, case reviews, reports, and hearings, with duties in inmate education and public interactions.

Qualifications

• Four years of paraprofessional experience including two years in paraprofessional social services, human services, corrections, or law enforcement.
• Two years of paraprofessional social services, human services, corrections, or law enforcement experience plus an associate’s degree.
• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, legal studies, political science, behavioral science, or related field.
• Equivalent combination of experience and training.

Responsibilities

• Interview preparation: Conduct interviews and guide inmates to create parole plans.
• Case review: Examine inmate records and conduct pre-parole investigations.
• Report writing: Prepare summaries and reports to support decision-making.
• Hearing coordination: Arrange and participate in hearings with required documents and procedures.
• Inmate education: Conduct orientation and parole classes on parole processes and policies.
• Public interaction: Respond to inquiries from inmates, families, officials, and the public.

Skills

Interviewing inmates

Case review

Report writing

Hearing coordination

Inmate education

Public interaction

Education

Bachelor's degree in criminal justice

Associate’s degree

Equivalent experience

Job description

Would you like to begin a public safety career that makes a difference in the lives of others? As a Parole Agent 1, you will advise inmates in a state correctional institution (SCI) and prepare them for parole hearings. This hands‑on trainee role will teach you how to guide and encourage inmates as they become ready to re-enter their communities. Successful completion of the 12‑month training period will result in a promotion to Parole Agent 2 with an increase in salary. Apply today to join the Department of Corrections in their mission to promote public safety and reduce recidivism!

NOTE: Senate Bill 411 merged the Department of Corrections and the Board of Probation and Parole. This position is within the Department of Corrections.

This position focuses on advising inmates and preparing them for parole. The role contributes to the smooth operation of parole services across the institution. As a Parole Agent 1, you will perform the following duties:

• Interview Preparation:Conduct interviews and provide guidance to inmates to help them create parole plans
• Case Review:Examine inmate records and conduct pre-parole investigations to ensure parole plans are acceptable
• Report Writing:Prepare summaries and investigation reports that support decision‑making
• Hearing Coordination:Arrange, support, and participate in hearings while ensuring all required documents and security procedures are in place
• Inmate Education:Conduct orientation and parole classes to inform offenders about parole processes and policies
• Public Interaction:Respond to inquiries from inmates, families, officials, and the public

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 schedule and hours are to be determined. You will work holidays and weekends as required.
• You must be willing to travel.
• This position is eligible for full retirement benefits at age 50 or 55.
• This posting may be used to fill multiple positions at SCI Huntingdon, 1100 Pike Street, Huntingdon, PA 16652.
• 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

• Four years of paraprofessional experience which includes two years of paraprofessional social services, human services, corrections, or law enforcement experience; or
• Two years of paraprofessional social services, human services, corrections, or law enforcement experience, and an associate’s degree; or
• A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, legal studies, political science, behavioral science, or a related field; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Special Requirements

• You must be in possession of an active non-commercial Pennsylvania Class C driver’s license or equivalent.
• You must obtain CLEAN certification within two months of employment and maintain this certification for the duration of employment in this job.

Other Requirements

• Successful completion of the Parole Agent 1 basic training program at the Training Academy 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

• A conditional offer of employment will require a medical examination and drug screening.
• You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.
• A conditional offer of employment requires review of prior law enforcement employment records as required by Pennsylvania Act 57 of 2020.

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.