Corrections Counselor - SCI Somerset

The Corrections Counselor 1 role with the Department of Corrections (DOC) gives you the chance to guide inmates as they work toward positive change. This position allows you to support personal growth by helping individuals develop skills for life inside the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Somerset and beyond. You will build meaningful connections through counseling, casework, and daily guidance. This role is a great fit for someone who wants to make a steady and lasting difference.

This position provides assistance with counseling and casework services that support inmates throughout their time at SCI Somerset. It plays an important role in helping individuals adjust, build needed skills, and prepare for successful community reentry. As a Corrections Counselor 1, you will perform the following duties:

• Inmate Counseling: Assist with supporting inmates who have adjustment concerns, personal issues, and basic goal setting
• Case Management: Help maintain caseload files, prepare routine reports, and share information with staff and families
• Assessment Oversight: Review assessments and help compile case histories under guidance
• Program Coordination: Assist with coordinating treatment activities and monitoring inmate progress
• Parole Preparation: Help with reentry preparation by gathering documents and assisting with parole reports

• 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 $55,436.00 (before taxes).

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• 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.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

• You 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, follow the link and click on 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, go to (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). and click on Veterans.

• 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.