Psychological Services Specialist, DOC - SCI Somerset

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

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Corrections seeks a Psychological Services Specialist to support inmate mental health needs. The role emphasizes evaluations, therapy, documentation, and teamwork to improve treatment outcomes.

You will conduct testing, develop treatment plans, lead individual and group sessions, respond to crises, coordinate services, and prepare reports. This is a full-time, on-site position based at the Somerset facility with a normal 37.5-hour workweek.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in psychology or closely related field with 15 graduate credits in psychology or counseling.
• Within 3 months of graduating to meet educational requirements.

Responsibilities

• Psychological Testing: Conduct interviews and select appropriate tests to assess intellectual and emotional functioning.
• Treatment Planning: Develop conclusions and assist in creating individualized treatment plans.
• Therapeutic Programs: Lead individual and group psychotherapeutic sessions to support inmate progress.
• Crisis Response: Provide initial intervention during crisis situations until additional services are arranged.
• Coordination Duties: Monitor special needs cases and help schedule mental health commitments and reviews.
• Reporting Requirements: Prepare and submit statistical and other reports related to inmates' special needs.

Education

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

Job description

Job Details

• Salary: $69,086.00 - $104,959.00 Annually
• Location: Somerset County, PA
• Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
• Job Number: CS-2026-58482-42990
• Department: Department of Corrections
• Division: CR SMR Trmt Svcs
• Opening Date: 09/14/2026
• Closing Date: 9/27/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
• Job Code: 42990
• Position Number: 50306946
• Union: SEIU Local 668
• Bargaining Unit: F4
• Pay Group: ST08
• Bureau / Division Code: 00116650
• Bureau / Division: State Correctional Institution at Somerset
• Worksite Address: 1590 Walters Mill Road
• City: Somerset, Pennsylvania
• Zip Code: 15510
• Contact Name: Corleen Schmucker
• Contact Phone: [phone]
• Contact Email: [e-mail]

THE POSITION

As a Psychological Services Specialist, DOC with the Department of Corrections, you will make a real impact on the lives of inmates needing psychological support. This role encourages steady growth, clear communication, and responsible decision making. Your work will help build healthier choices and stronger treatment outcomes.

Become part of a team committed to high-quality mental health services.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position supports the psychological needs of inmates by conducting evaluations, leading therapeutic groups, and coordinating mental health services. The role requires careful assessment, clear documentation, and active teamwork.

As a Psychological Services Specialist, DOC, you will perform the following duties:

• Psychological Testing: Conduct interviews and select appropriate tests to assess intellectual and emotional functioning
• Treatment Planning: Develop conclusions and assist in creating individualized treatment plans
• Therapeutic Programs: Lead individual and group psychotherapeutic sessions to support inmate progress
• Crisis Response: Provide initial intervention during crisis situations until additional services are arranged
• Coordination Duties: Monitor special needs cases and help schedule mental health commitments and reviews
• Reporting Requirements: Prepare and submit statistical and other reports related to inmates' special needs

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 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).
  • 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.

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/credits.

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 Requirement:

• 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.