Psychological Services Specialist, DOC - SCI Albion

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Town of Albion (NY); On-site; USD 62,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The Psychological Services Specialist at SCI Albion provides counseling and mental health support to inmates, collaborating with staff to promote emotional well-being and healthier coping strategies.

The position requires a master's degree in psychology (or related field), PA residency, and completion of required training. It involves a 37.5-hour workweek, no telework, and an annual starting salary of $69,086 with potential pay adjustments for licensure.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in psychology or closely related field with fifteen graduate level psychology/counseling credits
• Within 3 months of graduating with qualifying degree to meet educational requirements
• Successful completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA
• Must meet PA residency requirement

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group counseling to support positive behavior and emotional adjustment
• Interview inmates, conduct tests, and interpret results to guide treatment steps
• Develop case formulations, behavior plans, and referral recommendations
• Coordinate with institutional departments and outside agencies to ensure timely service delivery
• Provide crisis mental health support to inmates as needed
• Participate in institutional committees and contribute information for program decisions

Skills

Counseling

Behavior Assessment

Treatment Planning

Interdepartmental Coordination

Crisis Response

Program Participation

Education

Master's degree in psychology or closely related field

Job description

The Psychological Services Specialist with the Department of Corrections is a chance to guide meaningful change by supporting the mental health needs of inmates at State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Albion. This role allows you to build trust, encourage positive growth, and strengthen emotional well-being. You will have the opportunity to help individuals learn healthier ways to manage challenges. Step into this rewarding position where you have the ability to make a real difference every day!

This position focuses on providing psychological services that support the emotional and mental health needs of inmates at SCI Albion. Work involves counseling, evaluation, collaboration with staff, and participation in key institutional programs. As a Psychological Services Specialist, you will perform the following duties:

• Counseling Services: Provide individual and group counseling that supports positive behavior and emotional adjustment
• Behavior Assessment: Interview inmates, conduct tests, and interpret results to determine appropriate treatment steps
• Treatment Planning: Develop case formulations, behavior plans, and referral recommendations for further intervention
• Interdepartmental Coordination: Work with institutional departments and outside agencies to support timely delivery of services
• Crisis Response: Offer immediate mental health support to inmates in crisis situations as needed
• Program Participation: Serve on institutional committees and contribute information that supports program decisions

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, Sunday - Thursday, 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 $69,086.00 (before taxes).
  • Additional pay will be considered for those who currently possess or obtain licensure as a Social Worker, Clinical Social Worker, or Professional Counselor issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapist and Professional Counselors. Documentation will need to be provided at interview to receive additional pay consideration.
• 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:

• A master's degree in psychology or a closely related field that includes fifteen graduate level credits in psychology or counseling.
• 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 Requirements:

• 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.

• 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.