Psychological Services Specialist, DOC - SCI Mercer

Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania; Mercer (PA); On-site; USD 69,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Corrections invites applications for a Psychological Services Specialist at SCI Mercer. You will support inmates' mental health through counseling, testing, and collaborative care, under licensed supervision, helping individuals develop healthier coping strategies and personal growth.

This full-time Civil Service position requires a master's degree in psychology with 15 graduate credits in psychology or counseling, located in Mercer, PA, with 37.5

Qualifications

• Master's degree in psychology or a closely related field with fifteen graduate level credits in psychology or counseling.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements within 3 months of graduation.

Responsibilities

• Provide counseling support under the direction of licensed staff.
• Conduct interviews and help administer and interpret psychological tests.
• Prepare case formulations and behavior plans for review and approval.
• Coordinate with institutional departments and agencies to support inmate services.
• Assist with studies designed to improve psychological service programs.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare reports related to inmate care.

Education

Master's degree in psychology or related field with 15 graduate credits in psychology or counseling

Job description

Salary

$69,086.00 - $104,959.00 Annually

Location

Mercer County, PA

Job Type

Civil Service Permanent Full-Time

Job Number

CS-2026-57090-42990

Department

Department of Corrections

Division

CR MER Trmt Svcs

Opening Date

08/26/2026

Closing Date

9/9/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code

42990

Position Number

00092621

Union

SEIU Local 668

Bargaining Unit

F4

Pay Group

ST08

Bureau / Division Code

00114850

Bureau / Division

CR Mercer Treatment Services

Worksite Address

801 Butler Pike

City

Mercer, Pennsylvania

Zip Code

16137

Contact Name

Maria Traficante

Contact Phone

Contact Email

THE POSITION

Join the Department of Corrections as a Psychological Services Specialist and make a positive impact on the lives of inmates at SCI Mercer. This role allows you to support mental health needs through counseling, testing, and collaborative care. You will use your skills to help individuals build healthier coping strategies and work toward personal growth. This position is a rewarding opportunity for someone who values meaningful and supportive work.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position supports the mental health needs of inmates by providing counseling, conducting evaluations, and assisting with treatment plans under professional supervision. As a Psychological Services Specialist, you will perform the following duties:

• Counseling Support: Provide individual or group counseling under the direction of licensed staff
• Evaluation Assistance: Conduct interviews and help administer and interpret psychological tests
• Treatment Planning: Prepare case formulations and behavior plans for review and approval
• Program Coordination: Work with institutional departments and agencies to support inmate services
• Research Participation: Assist with studies designed to improve psychological service programs
• Documentation Duties: Maintain accurate records and prepare reports related to inmate care

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, 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.
• 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.

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.

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.