Corrections Officer Trainee - SCI Somerset and SCI Laurel Highlands

Join the Department of Corrections as a Corrections Officer Trainee and begin a career that makes a real difference. This role offers hands‑on training and steady support as you learn how to maintain safety and order within a state correctional facility. You will build strong skills, gain confidence, and help support the well‑being of inmates and staff.

If you have a strong dedication to public service and want to help keep the public safe, we encourage you to submit an application for the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Somerset and Laurel Highlands.

This position provides training and guided experience in the custody, supervision, and support of inmates in a state correctional facility. The role involves direct interaction with inmates and structured learning in essential security and counseling practices.

• Inmate Contact: Interact with inmates and visitors in both direct and indirect situations
• Maintain Security: Monitor inmate movement and activities in cell blocks, housing units, work areas, dining spaces, and recreation areas to maintain security
• Observation: Make periodic and unannounced rounds, conduct head counts, complete security checks, and report unusual situations to a Corrections Officer
• Work Schedule: Full‑time employment where you will work a 40‑hour work week with shifts to be determined, work any shift and work in all areas of the institution as assigned, work overtime as required by operation necessities and emergencies, work on weekends and holidays which occur during your normal work schedule, and report to work under adverse weather conditions
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position
• Training Participation: Participate in formalized instruction in the areas of sociology, psychology, court procedures, self‑defense, leadership, custodial responsibilities, and the facility’s organizational structure
• Provide Guidance: Offer advice and guidance to inmates adjusting and participating in correctional processes and agency rules/regulations
• Prepare Reports: Write and complete detailed reports
• Respond to Emergencies: Act quickly and safely during emergency situations
• Uniforms: Wear employer‑provided uniforms
• Union Membership: Follow promotion provisions of a collective bargaining agreement or memorandum
• Salary: Starting hourly rate is $22.97;
  Shift differential is up to $1.25 per hour
• Retirement: Eligible for full retirement benefits at age 50 or 55
• Benefits Package: Comprehensive benefits package, including health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs
  • Benefits Information

Interviews for these vacancies are scheduled for July 15, 2026 and July 16, 2026. Please check your inbox and spam mail regularly as additional information regarding the interview process will be sent to the email address you utilized when applying for this vacancy. You must follow all instructions provided in notices to be considered for a vacancy.

Other Requirements:

• PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
• Successful completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA is required.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

• You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.
• Candidates must successfully complete a medical examination, psychological evaluation, and urinalysis screening for drugs.

• 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…