Psychological Services Specialist, DOC - SCI Somerset

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

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania seeks a Psychological Services Specialist, DOC for the State Correctional Institution Somerset. The role provides counseling, conducts evaluations, coordinates treatment services, and collaborates with staff to support inmate mental health and growth.

The position emphasizes crisis intervention, program coordination, and professional development within a corrections setting. Salary starts at $69,086 with eligibility for licensure-based pay enhancements.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in psychology or closely related field that includes fifteen graduate level credits in psychology or counseling.
• Applicant will be considered to meet educational requirements once within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.
• Successful completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA is required.
• You must meet the PA residency requirement.

Responsibilities

• Counseling services: Provide individual and group counseling focused on behavior management, adjustment, treatment goals, and skill development.
• Psychological assessments: Conduct interviews, administer and interpret testing instruments, and prepare reports and recommendations based on findings.
• Treatment planning: Develop behavior modification plans, recommend therapeutic interventions, and coordinate referrals when specialized services are needed.
• Program coordination: Collaborate with institutional departments, community agencies, and mental health facilities to support service delivery.
• Crisis intervention: Provide crisis intervention as needed and assist assessment housing unit staff.
• Professional support: Participate on institutional committees, assist with research activities, and provide guidance to student interns.

Education

Master’s degree in psychology

Job description

Take your psychology career beyond the traditional setting as a Psychological Services Specialist, DOC with the Department of Corrections at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Somerset. This unique opportunity allows you to provide counseling, conduct evaluations, and support treatment services that help inmates overcome barriers and achieve personal growth. Each day brings meaningful challenges, professional development opportunities, and the chance to influence positive outcomes. If you are passionate about helping others, this is a career where your work truly matters.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

The Psychological Services Specialist, DOC provides mental health services that support the emotional adjustment and psychological needs of inmates. This position delivers counseling, conducts evaluations, coordinates services, and collaborates with staff to promote effective treatment and support. As a Psychological Services Specialist, DOC, you will perform the following duties:

• Counseling Services: Provide individual and group counseling focused on behavior management, adjustment, treatment goals, and skill development
• Psychological Assessments: Conduct interviews, administer and interpret testing instruments, and prepare reports and recommendations based on findings
• Treatment Planning: Develop behavior modification plans, recommend therapeutic interventions, and coordinate referrals when specialized services are needed
• Program Coordination: Collaborate with institutional departments, community agencies, and mental health facilities to support service delivery
• Crisis Intervention: Provide crisis intervention as needed and assist assessment housing unit staff
• Professional Support: Participate on institutional committees, assist with research activities, and provide guidance to student interns

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 , Monday - Friday, 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.

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 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.