Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist - SCI Forest

THE POSITION

Become a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist 1 with the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Forest and make a positive difference every day. This position gives you the chance to help people rebuild their lives through focused treatment and guidance. Your work will shape real outcomes for individuals facing substance challenges. Step into a role where your commitment leads to lasting change!

This position focuses on providing beginning-level professional casework and counseling for individuals struggling with substance dependence in a correctional setting. The work supports treatment, recovery, and rehabilitation through structured sessions and collaborative planning.

• Treatment Support:
  Provide guided individual and group counseling sessions for inmates needing substance-related services.
• Plan Development:
  Create and update individualized recovery and treatment plans under supervision.
• Record Management:
  Maintain accurate treatment records and complete required summaries in line with regulations.
• Assessment Work:
  Conduct assessments and make recommendations with supervisor guidance.
• Team Participation:
  Take part in meetings with treatment teams and other staff involved in inmate care.
• Skill Building:
  Attend mandatory training to strengthen knowledge in crisis response, counseling, and safety.

• Full‑time employment, 40 hours per week.
• Work hours are 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday‑Friday, with a 30‑minute lunch.
• 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).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

• One year of para‑professional experience providing drug and alcohol counseling services directly to clients in a social work setting; and certification by the PA Chemical Abuse Certification Board as a "Certified Addictions Counselor"; or
• One year of experience as a Corrections Counselor or Social Worker (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• One year of professional experience providing drug and alcohol counseling services directly to clients in a social work setting and a bachelor’s degree that includes 18 college credits in the behavioral sciences; or
• A master’s degree with major coursework in addictions science, psychology or social work; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training which includes 18 college credits in the behavioral sciences.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

• 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.

• 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…