Psychological Services Specialist, DHS - South Mountain Secure Treatment Unit (Franklin County)

Are you looking for a rewarding career that is focused on providing services that directly impact the lives of court-adjudicated youth? Do you exhibit a high degree of skill and knowledge in the field of counseling and psychotherapy? The Department of Human Services (DHS), Bureau of Juvenile Justice Services (BJJS), South Mountain Secure Treatment Unit is seeking a Psychological Services Specialist to join their dynamic team of professionals. If you demonstrate a willingness to work with a diverse population and possess a driving desire to make a difference in the lives of youth, then this is your chance to make a lasting impact. Apply now and take the first step towards professional fulfillment!

Watch this video to see how you can make a difference!

As a Psychological Services Specialist, you will be responsible for providing a variety of direct psychological services, consultative services, and treatment team services to court-adjudicated youth with increased behavioral and mental health diagnoses. You will provide consultation to supervisory and counseling staff and serve as a key member of the clinical team. You will also prepare written clinical evaluations for assigned residents and administer recommended specialized assessment protocols. This role allows you to play an instrumental role in coordinating mental health services by conducting individual and group therapy. In addition, you will provide training to direct care service staff, meet with probation officers and the multidisciplinary team, and attend court and mental health hearings.

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 will be four days between Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch. You will also choose to work either Saturday or Sunday. Available shifts include:
  • 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM; 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM; or 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
  • Your schedule may change based on operational needs.
• Overtime and travel as needed
• Free parking
• 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 $67,736.00 (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:

• A master's degree in a behavioral science, counseling education, rehabilitation, human development or a closely related field.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

• 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 Requirements:

• You must pass a background investigation.
• A conditional offer of employment will require a medical examination and a drug screening.
• This position falls under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law.
  • Under the Law, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports, including but not limited to, PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerpint clearance.

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.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

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.