Social Worker 1 SCI Cambridge Springs

Commonwealth-of-Pennsylvania; Cambridge Springs (Crawford County); On-site; USD 48,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Corrections is seeking a Social Worker 1 for the State Correctional Institution Cambridge Springs. You will counsel inmates and families, coordinate services with staff and partners, and manage case records to support rehabilitation and reentry planning.

The role requires a degree in social work, CJIS certification within two months, and PA residency. Salary starts at $53,008 with opportunity for licensure-based pay and full retirement benefits after

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master’s degree in social work or social welfare.
• Applicants may meet the educational requirement within 3 months of graduation.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance, crisis assistance and individual counseling to inmates and families.
• Coordinate social services programs with staff and community partners.
• Develop and maintain reports and documentation for each inmate’s caseload.
• Assist with parole preparation, group sessions, discharge and community admission plans.
• Provide follow-up support to community-placed inmates.
• Investigate and clarify information related to allegations of human rights violations.

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s in social work

Tools

CJIS Certification

Job description

Do you want to make a difference by helping individuals navigate challenges as a Social Worker 1 with the Department of Corrections? In this position, you provide guidance, encouragement, and support that help inmates strengthen their lives at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Cambridge Springs. You work closely with staff, families, and community partners to promote successful outcomes. Become part of a mission-driven environment dedicated to stability, progress, and hope.

This position supports social services and case management work that helps inmates build skills, address needs, and prepare for positive change. It brings together counseling, record management, communication, and reentry planning to support safe and effective rehabilitation. As a Social Worker 1, you will perform the following duties:

• Counseling Support: Provide guidance, crisis assistance, and individual counseling to inmates and families
• Case Coordination: Coordinate social services programs with staff and community partners to support inmate needs
• Record Management: Develop and maintain reports and documentation needed to manage each inmate’s caseload
• Reentry Planning: Assist with parole preparation, group sessions, and coordination of discharge and community admission plans
• Follow-Up Services: Provide support to community-placed inmates to confirm continuity of care
• Complaint Review: Investigate and clarify information related to allegations of human rights violations

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, 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 $53,008.00 (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

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements

• A bachelor's or master’s degree in social work or social welfare.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Special Requirements

• All employees in the Department of Corrections must obtain Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) certification within two months of hire and maintain it for the duration of employment in the job.

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.