Psychological Services Specialist, DOC - SCI Coal Township

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 62,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Corrections, State Correctional Institution (SCI) Coal Township, is seeking a Psychological Services Specialist to advance inmate mental health services. You will deliver counseling, administer assessments, coordinate care with internal departments and state facilities, and support research efforts.

This full-time role offers a structured public service career in a secure setting, with opportunities for professional growth and licensure-based pay

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in psychology or closely related field with fifteen graduate credits in psychology or counseling.
• Within 3 months of graduation considered as meeting educational requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide counseling and therapy to inmates or groups addressing behavior, adjustment, and treatment goals.
• Administer, score, and interpret selected psychological instruments and prepare reports.
• Coordinate services with institutional departments, agencies, and state mental health facilities to support inmate needs.
• Assist in research efforts and provide guidance to interns to strengthen psychological services programs.
• Offer crisis intervention and participate in decision-making for inmates requiring mental health evaluations.

Skills

Counseling

Testing & Assessment

Case Coordination

Crisis Intervention

Research Guidance

Education

Master's degree in psychology (15 graduate credits)

Job description

THE POSITION

Are you looking for an opportunity to take the next step in your career in the field of psychology? The Department of Corrections, State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Coal Township is seeking a highly motivated Psychological Services Specialist, DOC to join our dynamic Psychology Department. I n this role, you will inspire positive change and support mental health needs within SCI Coal Township. Your motivation and expertise will help shape a safe and supportive environment.

THE POSITION

Are you looking for an opportunity to take the next step in your career in the field of psychology? The Department of Corrections, State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Coal Township is seeking a highly motivated Psychological Services Specialist, DOC to join our dynamic Psychology Department. I n this role, you will inspire positive change and support mental health needs within SCI Coal Township. Your motivation and expertise will help shape a safe and supportive environment.
If you have the required experience and are looking to start an exciting public service career, the Department of Corrections wants to hear from you!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position centers on delivering psychological services that support the emotional and mental health needs of inmates at SCI Coal Township. As a Psychological Services Specialist, you will perform the following duties:

• Counseling Services: Provide counseling and therapy to inmates or groups that address behavior, adjustment, and treatment goals
• Testing Procedures: Administer, score, and interpret selected psychological instruments and prepare related reports
• Case Coordination: Coordinate services with institutional departments, agencies, and state mental health facilities to support inmate needs
• Program Support: Assist in research efforts and provide guidance to interns to strengthen psychological services programs
• Crisis Response: Offer crisis intervention and participate in decision‑making processes for inmates requiring mental health evaluations
  

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 hour work week.
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Tuesday - Saturday, with 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary:Selected candidates who are new to employment within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $69,086 (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.
• This position is eligible for full retirement benefits at age 50 or 55.
• 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 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:

• 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).
  

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.