Psychological Services Specialist, DOC - SCI Phoenix

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

Benefits offered by this job

Full retirement benefits at age 50 or

On-site position (no telework)

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania seeks a Psychological Services Specialist, DOC, to guide inmates toward stronger emotional well-being. You will provide counseling, assist with testing, and coordinate services with other staff to support behavioral planning.

Requirements include a master’s degree in psychology with eligible credit hours, PA residency, and CJIS clearance. The position offers a stable, full-time schedule and retirement benefits, with annual starting pay around $69,086.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in psychology or closely related field with psychology/counseling credits.
• Ability to provide counseling and testing assistance under supervision.
• Meet PA residency requirements and CJIS/background checks.

Responsibilities

• Provide counseling and limited therapy to inmates using approved techniques.
• Conduct individual interviews and assist with psychological testing under oversight.
• Coordinate direct services with institutional departments and outside agencies.
• Prepare case formulations that recommend counseling or therapy interventions.
• Create behavior modification plans for review and approval.
• Assist in research studies designed to improve psychological services.

Skills

Counseling

Interview assistance

Case formulation

Behavior planning

Research support

Education

Master's degree in psychology

15 graduate credits in psychology or counseling

Job description

THE POSITION

Are you ready to guide individuals toward stronger emotional well-being as a Psychological Services Specialist, DOC with the Department of Corrections (DOC)? This role gives you the chance to make a positive impact on inmates who are working to improve their lives. You will join a dedicated mental health team that values compassion, stability, and growth. Your work will support a safer and more supportive environment within the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Phoenix.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This role focuses on providing limited psychological services to inmates who need support with emotional and behavioral adjustment. You will work closely with licensed psychologists and other staff to offer counseling, testing assistance, and behavioral planning. As a Psychological Services Specialist, DOC, you will perform the following duties:

• Counseling Support: Provide counseling and limited therapy to inmates using approved techniques
• Interview Assistance: Conduct individual interviews and assist with psychological testing under oversight
• Service Coordination: Coordinate direct services with institutional departments and outside agencies
• Case Formulation: Prepare case formulations that recommend counseling or therapy interventions
• Behavior Planning: Create behavior modification plans for review and approval
• Research Contribution: Assist in research studies designed to improve psychological services

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 or 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.

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 three 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 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).

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.