Psychological Services Specialist, DOC - SCI Pine Grove

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania • Indiana County, PA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Psychological Services Specialist, DOC provides psychological services to inmates at State Correctional Institution (SCI) Pine Grove, addressing emotional health, behavioral needs, and therapeutic progress. The position provides individual and group therapy; conducts psychological interviews and testing; interprets results and prepares reports to support treatment planning and referrals; coordinates with institutional departments, external agencies, and mental health facilities; and responds to urgent psychological needs. The specialist also participates in institutional committees and decision processes, supports reentry and classification activities, and provides instruction to interns in psychological testing, scoring, and interpretation.

This is a full-time, 37.5-hour-per-week position. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with a 30-minute lunch. The position is onsite, with no telework option. Selected candidates new to Commonwealth employment start at an annual salary of $69,086 before taxes. Additional pay may be considered for candidates who possess or obtain Pennsylvania licensure as a Social Worker, Clinical Social Worker, or Professional Counselor. The position is eligible for full retirement benefits at age 50 or 55.

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 requirement when 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 individual and group therapy addressing emotional disorders, behavioral concerns, treatment goals, and adjustment challenges.
• Conduct interviews, administer psychological tests, interpret results, and prepare reports to support treatment planning and referrals.
• Coordinate with institutional departments, external agencies, and mental health facilities to support inmate care and service delivery.
• Provide immediate psychological support to inmates experiencing acute distress and assist staff with related concerns.
• Serve on institutional committees, contribute to decision processes, and support reentry and classification activities.
• Provide instruction to interns and relevant experience in psychological testing, scoring, and interpretation.

Benefits

• Eligible for full retirement benefits at age 50 or 55.
• Additional pay may be considered for candidates with Pennsylvania licensure as a Social Worker, Clinical Social Worker, or Professional Counselor.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time