Psychological Services Specialist, DHS - South Mountain Secure Treatment Unit

The Position

Note:

This is a reposting of CS-. If you applied under the previous posting which was open from June 30, 2026 to July 13, 2026, you cannot submit a new application. Join the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Psychological Services Specialist, DHS, and help guide young people toward healthier futures. This role with the Bureau of Juvenile Justice Services lets you make a lasting impact as residents work toward positive change.

Every day offers a chance to support growth and build trust. Your work will help shape brighter paths for youth.

This position supports the psychological and treatment needs of youth in the youth development center and youth forestry camp system by providing assessments, counseling, and clinical guidance. It plays a key part in the delivery of mental health and rehabilitative services. As a Psychological Services Specialist, DHS, you will perform the following duties:

• Clinical Evaluation: Prepare clinical evaluations by reviewing files, interviewing residents, consulting with staff, and using specialized assessment tools
• Service Coordination: Coordinate mental health services by offering guidance to staff, recommending programming, and supporting treatment planning
• Therapeutic Support: Deliver care and counseling for residents with sex offense and substance use treatment needs
• Educational Outreach: Provide educational programs on mental health, substance use, and community support resources for residents, families, and employees
• Direct Counseling: Offer individual and group counseling, attend hearings, and complete psychological assessments and reports
• Team Participation: Participate in interdisciplinary meetings to review progress and enhance treatment planning

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment (7.5 hours per day / 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.
• 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 $69,086.00 (before taxes).
• FREE parking!
• 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.

Other Requirements:

• 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:

• A conditional offer of employment will require a medical examination and 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 Fingerprint clearance.

• 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.

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.