Psychological Services Specialist, DOC - SCI Somerset

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Somerset Township (PA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Corrections seeks a Psychological Services Specialist, DOC, to provide mental health services to inmates at SCI Somerset. The role includes counseling, evaluations, case documentation, collaboration with departments, crisis intervention, and program participation.

Work schedule is 37.5 hours weekly (10:00 AM–6:00 PM, Mon–Fri with a 30-minute lunch). Telework is not available.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in psychology or a closely related field with fifteen graduate-level psychology or counseling credits.
• Educational requirements may be met within three months of graduation.

Responsibilities

• Deliver counseling and therapy to individuals or groups.
• Conduct interviews and administer/score/interpret psychological instruments.
• Prepare reports, develop behavior plans, and refer for specialized assessments.
• Coordinate with departments and agencies to support mental health services.
• Provide crisis intervention when urgent needs arise.
• Support teams and committees focused on psychological stability and inmate progress.

Education

Master's degree in psychology or closely related field

Job description

Do you feel excited to inspire positive change as a Psychological Services Specialist, DOC with the Department of Corrections (DOC)? This role gives you the chance to apply your expertise to help inmates at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Somerset build stronger emotional foundations. You bring guidance that supports real progress and helps individuals move toward their goals. Step forward today and join a mission that appreciates your dedication to growth and well-being.

This position focuses on providing psychological services to support the mental health and emotional adjustment needs of inmates at SCI Somerset. As a Psychological Services Specialist, DOC, you will perform the following duties:

• Counseling Services: Deliver counseling and therapy to individuals or groups, using methods suited to behavioral and emotional needs
• Evaluations and Testing: Conduct interviews and administer, score, and interpret selected psychological instruments
• Case Documentation: Prepare reports, develop behavior plans, and recommend referrals for specialized assessments
• Collaboration Efforts: Coordinate with departments and agencies to support the delivery of mental health services
• Crisis Response: Provide crisis intervention services when urgent emotional or behavioral needs arise
• Program Participation: Serve on committees and support team efforts related to psychological stability and inmate progress

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 10:00 AM to 6:00 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). 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

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).

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.

• 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.