Psychological Services Specialist, DOC - SCI Somerset

The Department of Corrections (DOC) is seeking a motivated Psychological Services Specialist to provide counseling, assessment, crisis response, and coordination services for inmates at the State Correctional Institution (SCI)  role supports the development of healthier choices and coping strategies within the correctional environment.

• Counseling Support: Provide individual and group counseling to help inmates manage emotions, develop new skills, and address treatment goals.
• Assessment Work: Conduct interviews and tests, interpret results, and document initial psychological reports.
• Care Coordination: Collaborate with institutional staff and outside agencies to facilitate needed mental‑health services.
• Crisis Response: Deliver immediate support to inmates experiencing urgent psychological concerns.
• Intern Guidance: Offer direction to student interns completing activities related to testing and interpretation.
• Committee Participation: Take part in institutional committees that review inmate progress, reentry planning, and mental‑health needs.

• Full‑time employment, 37.5 hours per week.
• Work hours:
  
  8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Tuesday – Saturday, with a 30‑minute lunch break.
• This position is eligible for full retirement benefits at age 50 or 55.
• Telework: No telework option is available for this position.
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin at the starting annual salary of $67,736 (before taxes).
• Further communication regarding this position will be sent by email. Check email, including spam/junk folders, for notifications.

• A master’s degree in psychology or a closely related field that includes fifteen graduate level credits in psychology or counseling.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree or credits.

• 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, see 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. 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 with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

• 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, visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). and click on Veterans.

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

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

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.