Psychological Services Specialist, DHS - Torrance State Hospital

Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania; Torrance, Derry Township (CA, Dauphin County); On-site; USD 72,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the Department of Human Services seeks a Psychological Services Specialist at Torrance State Hospital. You will apply clinical training to help residents understand behaviors, develop safer choices, and set meaningful treatment goals within a multidisciplinary team.

This permanent, full-time role involves assessments, individual and group therapy, and ongoing treatment planning, with no telework option.

Qualifications

• A master's degree in a behavioral science, counseling education, rehabilitation, human development or a closely related field.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within three months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Responsibilities

• Assessment work: complete specialized evaluations that review risk, treatment progress, and patterns of sexual behavior.
• Group and individual treatment: deliver sessions that follow program standards and support resident growth.
• Therapy support: plan goals, review progress, and update treatment plans for assigned residents.
• Clinical instruction: train staff on treatment methods for working with sexual offender populations.
• Testing duties: administer tests within the scope of licensure, certification, and training.
• Team participation: attend meetings and support clinical staff across the program.

Skills

Assessment & treatment

Education

Master's degree in behavioral science or related field

Job description

Salary: $72,255.00 - $104,959.00 Annually

Location: Westmoreland County, PA

Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time

Job Number: CS-2026-61512-43021

Department: Department of Human Services

Division: HS Torrance St Hosp

Opening Date: 10/28/2026

Closing Date: 11/11/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code: 43021

Position Number: 00048452

Union: SEIU Local 668

Bargaining Unit: F4

Pay Group: ST08

Bureau / Division Code: 00210973

Bureau / Division: Torrance State Hospital

Worksite Address: 121 Longview Drive

City: Torrance, Pennsylvania

Zip Code: 15779

Contact Name: Sandra Schleicher

Contact Email: [e-mail]

THE POSITION

Do you want to use your clinical training to support positive growth as a Psychological Services Specialist, DHS for the Department of Human Services (DHS)? In this important role, you will help residents understand their behaviors, develop safer choices, and build meaningful treatment goals at Torrance State Hospital. You will work closely with individuals and teams to guide progress and support their success. Join a program where your skills can change lives and strengthen community safety.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position provides assessment and treatment services for residents in the Sexual Responsibility and Treatment Program at Torrance State Hospital. It supports safe behavior change through evaluation, therapy, and teamwork. As a Psychological Services Specialist, DHS, you will perform the following duties:

• Assessment Work: Complete specialized evaluations that review risk, treatment progress, and patterns of sexual behavior
• Group and Individual Treatment: Deliver treatment and education sessions that follow program standards and support resident growth
• Therapy Support: Provide ongoing guidance to assigned residents by planning goals, reviewing progress, and updating treatment plans
• Clinical Instruction: Train and advise staff on treatment methods and procedures for working with sexual offender populations
• Testing Duties: Administer tests and assessments within the scope of licensure, certification, and training
• Team Participation: Attend meetings, share information, and support clinical staff across the program

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information

• Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• 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.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• A master's degree in a behavioral science, counseling education, rehabilitation, human development or a closely related field.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within three months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Other Requirements:

• 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 a drug screening.
• This position falls under the provisions of the Older Adult Protective Services Act.
  • Under the Act, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports, including but not limited to, PA State Police and FBI clearance.

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.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

• 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.