Psychological Services Specialist, DOC - SCI Coal Township

Commonwealth-of-Pennsylvania; Coal Township (PA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Corrections at SCI Coal Township seeks a Psychological Services Specialist to provide counseling, testing, coordination, and crisis services to inmates. You will guide interns and work with internal teams to enhance mental health care within the facility.

The role requires a Master’s degree in psychology or a related field, with eligibility within 3 months of graduation, and you will begin at a starting annual salary of $69,086.00 with additional pay

Qualifications

• 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/credits.

Responsibilities

• Counseling inmates individually and in groups to support emotional adjustment and behavior change.
• Conduct interviews and administer psychological tests to guide treatment planning.
• Coordinate with institutional departments and outside agencies to support inmate care.
• Support research efforts to improve psychological services within the institution.
• Guide student interns in testing, scoring, and interpretation tasks.
• Deliver crisis intervention for inmates experiencing urgent mental health needs.

Skills

Counseling

Assessment

Crisis intervention

Education

Master’s degree in psychology or related field

Job description

Are you ready to turn your passion for mental health into meaningful, life-changing work? The Department of Corrections (DOC) is looking for a motivated Psychological Services Specialist who wants to make an impact. At the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Coal Township, you will encourage emotional stability and personal progress for individuals who rely on your support. Each day brings a chance to guide someone toward a healthier path. Be a part of a team that values dedication, compassion, and professional growth!

This position provides mental health support to inmates by offering counseling, testing, coordination, and crisis services that strengthen emotional adjustment. As a Psychological Services Specialist, you will perform the following duties:

• Counseling Services:Provide individual and group therapy that supports emotional adjustment and behavior change
• Assessment Work:Conduct interviews and administer psychological tests to guide treatment planning
• Coordination Efforts:Work with institutional departments and outside agencies to support inmate care
• Program Support:Assist in research efforts aimed at improving psychological services within the institution
• Intern Training:Guide student interns in testing, scoring, and interpretation tasks
• Crisis Response:Deliver immediate assistance to inmates experiencing urgent mental health needs

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, with a 30-minute lunch. The work schedule is to be determined and will consist of either a Tuesday - Saturday or Sunday - Thursday workweek.
• 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/credits.

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.
• Successful completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA is required.
• 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.

• 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.