Psychological Services Specialist, DOC - SCI Coal Township

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania • Northumberland County, PA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Psychological Services Specialist at the State Correctional Institution at Coal Township provides mental health support to inmates through counseling, psychological testing, care coordination, and crisis services intended to strengthen emotional adjustment. The position also assists with research to improve institutional psychological services and guides student interns in testing, scoring, and interpretation tasks.

This is a full-time, 37.5-hour-per-week position. Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM with a 30-minute lunch. The schedule will be determined and will consist of either a Tuesday–Saturday or Sunday–Thursday workweek. Telework is not available. The position is eligible for full retirement benefits at age 50 or 55. New Commonwealth of Pennsylvania employees begin at an annual salary of $69,086 before taxes. Additional pay may be considered for candidates who hold or obtain Pennsylvania licensure as a Social Worker, Clinical Social Worker, or Professional Counselor.

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 this requirement if they are within three months of graduating with the qualifying degree or credits.
• 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.
• Provide a copy of college transcripts if claiming education toward the minimum requirements; unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group therapy to support inmates’ emotional adjustment and behavior change.
• Conduct interviews and administer psychological tests to guide treatment planning.
• Coordinate with institutional departments and outside agencies to support inmate care.
• Assist with research efforts aimed at improving psychological services within the institution.
• Guide student interns in testing, scoring, and interpretation tasks.
• Provide immediate assistance to inmates experiencing urgent mental health needs.

Benefits

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