Join the Department of Corrections as a Psychological Services Specialist and make a positive impact on the lives of inmates at SCI Mercer. This role allows you to support mental health needs through counseling, testing, and collaborative care. You will use your skills to help individuals build healthier coping strategies and work toward personal growth. This position is a rewarding opportunity for someone who values meaningful and supportive work.
This position supports the mental health needs of inmates by providing counseling, conducting evaluations, and assisting with treatment plans under professional supervision. As a Psychological Services Specialist, you will perform the following duties:
- Counseling Support: Provide individual or group counseling under the direction of licensed staff
- Evaluation Assistance: Conduct interviews and help administer and interpret psychological tests
- Treatment Planning: Prepare case formulations and behavior plans for review and approval
- Program Coordination: Work with institutional departments and agencies to support inmate services
- Research Participation: Assist with studies designed to improve psychological service programs
- Documentation Duties: Maintain accurate records and prepare reports related to inmate care
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.
- 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:
- 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.
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 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.
- 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.
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.