Corrections Counselor 1 - SCI Mercer

Are you interested in starting a new chapter in your career with the Department of Corrections? The State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Mercer is looking for a Corrections Counselor 1 interested in utilizing their counseling experience to make a positive impact in the lives of incarcerated individuals. Our dynamic treatment team is dedicated to providing counseling and casework services to those committed to our care to ensure every reentrant has the opportunity to successfully reintegrate back into the community. Apply today to begin your public service career with us at SCI Mercer!

As a Corrections Counselor 1, you will provide counseling and casework services through interviewing and encouraging inmates as they adjust to the correctional setting; helping resolve personal and family problems; and providing guidance as they develop social, educational, and vocational skills. You will be responsible for utilizing aptitude and interest tests as well as assessment scores to determine risk levels and coordinate treatment objectives by collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams. This role requires effective communication to facilitate positive behavioral changes and a genuine desire to provide therapeutic care that will greatly impact the success of inmate reintegration into society. You will also be responsible for participating in parole planning and making recommendations regarding re-entry services.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 40 hours per week
• Work hours are 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• This position is eligible for full retirement benefits at age 50 or 55.
• 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:

• Three years and six months as a corrections officer, and 18 college credits in sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field; or
• A bachelor's degree in sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training which includes 18 college credits in sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field.
• 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 must obtain Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network (CLEAN) and Pennsylvania Justice Network (JNET) certification within two months of employment and maintain certification for the duration of employment in this job.

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.
• 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.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

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.