Psychological Services Specialist, DOC - SCI Fayette

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania • Fayette County, PA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Psychological Services Specialist (PSS) independently provides psychological services and group therapy to inmates at an assigned institution. At State Correctional Institution (SCI) Fayette, the position supports inmates’ mental health and emotional well-being as part of a professional team. The role delivers services to address mental health and general emotional needs during incarceration with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections.

The position is full-time, with a 37.5-hour work week. The schedule is 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with a 30-minute lunch. Telework is not available. The position may provide additional pay consideration to employees who possess or obtain Pennsylvania licensure as a Social Worker, Clinical Social Worker, or Professional Counselor. Basic training in Elizabethtown, PA is required.

Requirements

• A master’s degree in psychology or a closely related field that includes 15 graduate-level credits in psychology or counseling.
• Applicants may meet the educational requirements if they are within three months of graduating with a qualifying degree.
• Meet the Pennsylvania residency requirement.
• Successfully complete basic training in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania.
• Be able to perform the essential job functions.
• Pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide psychotherapy to inmates experiencing significant symptoms who are open to treatment.
• Conduct group counseling sessions on prison adjustment, treatment plan goals, and specific skills.
• Conduct individual interviews and independently select appropriate tests to assess intellectual capacity, personality, special aptitudes, and achievement levels.
• Coordinate professional staff services to ensure inmates with special mental health needs are referred for counseling, psychological, psychiatric, and medical services.
• Prepare psychological reports, including classification reports, clinical interview results, parole summaries, psychological updates, and evaluations.
• Help develop new departmental educational and therapeutic programs.
• Provide initial crisis intervention with inmates until additional professional services are coordinated.

Benefits

• Eligible for full retirement benefits at age 50 or 55.
• Additional pay may be considered for those who 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time