Corrections Counselor - SCI Laurel Highlands

As a Corrections Counselor 1 with the Department of Corrections (DOC), you take on a role that strengthens accountability and steady progress. You guide individuals through the structured routines of the institution, reinforce sound decision making, and support consistent positive behavior. You help inmates build the practical skills needed for stability and responsible conduct after release. Your commitment directly supports positive outcomes and meaningful improvement within the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Laurel Highlands and in the community.

• Inmate Interviews: Conduct interviews to support adjustment and provide encouragement
• Personal Guidance: Offer help with personal issues, family concerns, and conflict resolution
• Skill Development: Provide referrals and direction that support social, educational, and vocational growth
• Employment Support: Assist in locating job opportunities and understanding application procedures and community resources
• Case Management: Maintain records, prepare reports, and communicate with staff, families, and agencies
• Program Coordination: Use assessments to guide programming and coordinate treatment and re‑entry plans

• Full‑time employment, 40 hours per week
• Work hours are 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday – Friday.
• 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 $56,541.00 (before taxes).

• Three years and six months as a corrections officer, and 18 college credits in any combination of sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field; or
• A bachelor’s degree including 18 college credits in any combination of sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes 18 college credits in any combination of sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field.

• 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.

• 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, refer to the Residency Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

• You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.

• 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, refer to the Veterans page on the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry website.

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

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.