Psychological Services Specialist, DOC - SCI Cambridge Springs

THE POSITION

Become a Psychological Services Specialist with the Department of Corrections (DOC) and play a key role in inmate well-being. At the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Cambridge Springs, you will help individuals build coping skills and prepare for successful reentry into their communities. Your work will support personal growth, emotional stability, and long-term progress. Choose a career that brings purpose and positive change every day-apply today!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position focuses on providing psychological services that support the mental health and emotional adjustment of inmates at SCI Cambridge Springs. As a Psychological Services Specialist, DOC, you will perform the following duties:

• Counseling Services: Provide group and individual counseling that helps inmates build coping skills and manage emotions
• Assessment Work: Conduct interviews, administer tests, and interpret results to guide treatment plans
• Care Coordination: Collaborate with institutional departments and outside agencies to support inmate needs
• Crisis Response: Offer crisis intervention and assist staff with urgent mental health concerns
• Program Support: Participate in committees and support team processes related to inmate progress
• Release Planning: Serve as a mental health liaison and share community resource information for reentry preparation

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

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week
• Work hours are 7:30 AM to 3:30 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 $69,086.00 (before taxes).
  • Additional pay will be considered for those who currently possess or obtain licensure as a Social Worker, Clinical Social Worker, or Professional Counselor issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapist and Professional Counselors. Documentation will need to be provided at interview to receive additional pay consideration.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• 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/credits.

Other Requirements:

• 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.

Legal Requirement:

• You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.

How to Apply:

• 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 with the above app