Psychological Services Specialist, DOC - SCI Somerset

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 69,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, SCI Somerset, seeks a Psychological Services Specialist, DOC, to provide psychological services to inmates, including counseling, assessments, and treatment planning. The role involves collaboration with facility staff and coordination with outside agencies to support inmate care and adjustment.

The position offers a 37.5-hour work week, with 8:00 AM–4:00 PM hours, Sunday through Thursday, no telework, and a starting annual salary of $69,086, with potential

Qualifications

• Master's degree in psychology or closely related field with fifteen graduate credits in psychology or counseling.
• Applicants may meet educational requirements within three months of graduation.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group counseling to address behavior and emotional needs.
• Conduct interviews, administer tests, and prepare reports to guide treatment.
• Collaborate with facility staff and outside agencies to support inmate care.
• Deliver crisis intervention services as needed in assessment housing.
• Participate in treatment planning and inmate reviews; contribute information for decisions.
• Guide and mentor interns by providing experience with testing, scoring, and interpretation.

Skills

Counseling

Assessment

Crisis intervention

Interdisciplinary coordination

Education

Master's degree in psychology

Job description

Are you ready to support meaningful change as a Psychological Services Specialist, DOC with the Department of Corrections (DOC) ? This position allows you to help individuals build healthier coping skills and improve your emotional well-being at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Somerset. You will work closely with inmates to guide treatment and support positive adjustment.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position provides psychological services that support the mental and emotional needs of inmates while promoting safe and constructive adjustment. The role includes counseling, assessments, collaboration with facility staff, and participation in treatment planning. As a Psychological Services Specialist, DOC, you will perform the following duties:

• Therapeutic Services: Provide individual and group counseling to address behavior, emotional disorders, and treatment goals
• Assessment Activities: Conduct interviews, administer tests, and prepare reports to guide treatment recommendations
• Interdisciplinary Coordination: Collaborate with institutional departments and outside agencies to support inmate care
• Crisis Response: Deliver crisis intervention services as needed for individuals in assessment housing
• Program Participation: Serve on committees and contribute information for inmate reviews and treatment decisions
• Guidance and Training: Support interns by providing experience with testing, scoring, and interpretation

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, Sunday - Thursday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• This position is eligible for full retirement benefits at age 50 or 55.
• Telework: Yo u 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). However, a higher salary may be established in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
• 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

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

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.