Corrections Counselor 1 - SCI Laurel Highlands

The Department of Corrections is actively looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic individual to fill the position of Corrections Counselor 1 within our Treatment Team at SCI Laurel Highlands. This role is crucial in providing support and guidance to individuals in our care, helping them navigate their rehabilitation journey. The ideal candidate will possess strong interpersonal skills, a deep understanding of correctional practices, and a commitment to fostering a positive environment that promotes personal growth and accountability. As part of a collaborative team, the Corrections Counselor 1 will engage with inmates, assess their needs, and develop tailored treatment plans that address their unique challenges. This position not only requires a passion for helping others but also the ability to work effectively under pressure, ensuring that all interactions are conducted with professionalism and respect. Joining our team means becoming part of a mission-driven organization focused on making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.

As a Corrections Counselor 1 with the Department of Corrections, your primary role will involve delivering professional counseling services and managing casework for inmates within your designated institution. This position entails conducting individual counseling sessions and providing casework support, which includes assisting inmates in accessing employment opportunities and community resources. You will also be responsible for developing, maintaining, and presenting comprehensive records and reports to effectively manage your caseload. Additionally, your involvement in parole planning will be crucial, as you will be tasked with making informed recommendations regarding re-entry services to facilitate a smoother transition for inmates back into society.

If you possess the necessary experience outlined below and are interested in pursuing a fulfilling career that allows you to utilize your skills while enjoying competitive salary and benefits, the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections at SCI Laurel Highlands is eager to hear from you!

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.
• 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 within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $55,436.00 (before taxes).
• 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 three months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.

Special Requirement:

• 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.

• 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:

• 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.