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Corrections Counselor 1 - SCI Somerset

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Corrections Counselor 1 - SCI Somerset

Salary

$54,226.00 - $82,475.00 Annually

Location

Somerset County, PA

Job Type

Civil Service Permanent Full-Time

Job Number

CS-2025-26509-47530

Department

Department of Corrections

Division

CR SMR Trmt Svcs

Opening Date

05/30/2025

Closing Date

6/12/2025 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code

47530

Position Number

50307032

Union

SEIU Local 668

Bargaining Unit

F4

Pay Group

ST06

Bureau / Division Code

00116650

Bureau / Division

State Correctional Institution at Somerset

Worksite Address

1590 Walters Mill Road

City

Somerset, Pennsylvania

Zip Code

15510

Contact Name

Corleen Schmucker

Contact Phone

717.562.5736

Contact Email

[email protected]

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

THE POSITION

Are you searching for a great opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those who have been incarcerated and help them successfully re-enter society? The Department of Corrections (DOC), State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Somerset is seeking a Corrections Counselor 1 to join their dynamic team. This position offers the chance to work directly with inmates, providing counseling services to aid in their rehabilitation. With ongoing training and resources, you will have the means to further develop your abilities as a counselor and make a positive impact on the lives of others. If you are passionate about making a difference and possess a strong sense of empathy, we encourage you to apply and become a valuable member of our dedicated team!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

As a Corrections Counselor 1, you will play a crucial role in the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates at SCI Somerset. Your responsibilities will include providing individual counseling and casework services, as well as assisting inmates in accessing employment opportunities and community resources. You will also be responsible for maintaining accurate records and reports to effectively manage your caseload and participate in parole planning. Your recommendations for services will greatly impact the success of an inmate's reintegration into society.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

+ Full-time employment, 40 hours per week

+ Work hours are 7:30 AM to 4:00 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 $54,226.00 (before taxes).

+ 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:

+ Three years and six months as a corrections officer, and 18 college credits in sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field;or

+ A bachelor’s degree in sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field;or

+ An equivalent combination of experience and training which includes 18 college credits in sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field.

+ Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.

Special Requirement:

+ You must obtain Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network (CLEAN) and Pennsylvania Justice Network (JNET) certification within two months of employment and maintain certification for the duration of employment in this job.

Other Requirements:

+ Successful completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA is required.

+ You must meet the PA residency requirement (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) . For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) and click on Residency.

+ 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 willnotbe 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 application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

+ 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, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans’ Preference tab or contact us at [email protected] .

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

+ 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.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

+ Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).

+ Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.

+ Your score is valid for this specific posting only.

+ You must provide complete and accurate information or:

+ your score may be lower than deserved.

+ you may be disqualified.

+ You may only apply/testoncefor this posting.

+ Your results will be provided via email.

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this shortvideo (https://www.youtube.com/embed/HtcSRnndflc?rel=0) !

See the total value of your benefits package by exploring ourbenefits calculator.

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning

We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.

Work/Life Balance

We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*

Values and Culture

We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks

Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visitwww.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.

01

Do you possess a conferred bachelor's degree or higher, or are you within 3 months of possessing a conferred bachelor's degree, in sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field?

If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must also upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visithttps://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3and click on Other Information.

+ Yes

+ No

02

If you do not have a conferred bachelor's degree in sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field, on what date do you expect to receive your degree? Type N/A in the text box if this does not apply.

03

Do you possess at least 18 college credits in sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field?

If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must also upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visithttps://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3and click on Other Information.

+ Yes

+ No

04

Do you possess at least 3 years and 6 months of experience as a Corrections Officer?

+ Yes

+ No

05

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.

06

How many years of full-time experience in sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field do you possess?

+ 4 years or more

+ 3 but less than 4 years

+ 2 but less than 3 years

+ 1 but less than 2 years

+ Less than 1 year

+ None

07

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.

08

You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. Youmustcomplete the applicationandanswer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.

All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.

Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training.The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered.In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.

If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.

If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to ourFAQ page (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) .

+ Yes

09

WORK BEHAVIOR 1 – COUNSELING

Provides counseling to individuals by utilizing casework principles and group or individual counseling methods to help individuals adjust to their situation. Assists individuals in resolving issues such as social, economic, and emotional problems, and utilizing their time appropriately. Provides advice to individuals on procedures for improving their situations and making the necessary changes.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

+ A. I have experience identifying individual/group issues. I was responsible for providing counseling or services on how to improve their situations.

+ B. I have experience identifying individual/group issues. I was responsible for referring individuals to services that provide assistance on how to improve their situations.

+ C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to individual counseling, group counseling, or criminology.

+ D. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.

10

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

+ The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

+ The type of counseling you provided, methods used, and to whom the counseling was provided.

+ Your level of responsibility.

11

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

+ College/University

+ Course Title

+ Credits/Clock Hours

12

WORK BEHAVIOR 2 – DEVELOPING PROGRAM PLANS

Develops program plans and assists in the implementation of individualized treatment plans. Coordinates objectives with other entities to effectively utilize human and material resources. Participates in program planning and makes recommendations regarding any changes to the program plan or individualized treatment plan.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

+ A. I have experience developing AND implementing program and treatment plans AND was responsible for providing feedback on the effectiveness of the prescribed plans.

+ B. I have experience implementing program and treatment plans AND providing feedback on the effectiveness of the prescribed plan. Someone else was responsible for developing the program and treatment plans.

+ C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to program planning, psychology, social work, or sociology.

+ D. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.

13

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

+ The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

+ The program plans you developed and recommendations you made on changes to program plans.

+ Your level of responsibility.

14

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

+ College/University

+ Course Title

+ Credits/Clock Hours

15

WORK BEHAVIOR 3 – COMPILING/MAINTAINING RECORDS

Compiles required information to develop records. Monitors and maintains records for each individual in accordance with established policies and procedures. Documents any information received and ensures that the information submitted is complete, accurate, and filed according to prescribed procedures.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

+ A. I have experience compiling the necessary information to develop case records. I was responsible for monitoring and updating the case records when changes occurred.

+ B. I have experience compiling the necessary information to develop case records. I was responsible for ensuring the information was complete, accurate, and filed accordingly; however, someone else was responsible for monitoring and updating the case records when changes occurred.

+ C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to records management, research methods, or data analysis.

+ D. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.

16

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

+ The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

+ The type of information you compiled to develop records.

+ Your level of responsibility.

17

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

+ College/University

+ Course Title

+ Credits/Clock Hours

18

WORK BEHAVIOR 4 – COMMUNICATION

Prepares official reports and correspondence such as recommendations, summaries, and rationales. Promotes community involvement and fosters cooperative relationships with the public regarding the understanding of available programs through personal contact with business and community leaders.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

+ A. I have experience preparing reports and correspondence. I was responsible for writing the documents and providing recommendations to the appropriate authority.

+ B. I have experience preparing reports and correspondence. I was responsible for writing the documents but someone else reviewed them and provided recommendations to the proper authority.

+ C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to report writing, English composition, communication, or public speaking.

+ D. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.

19

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

+ The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience

+ The types of reports and correspondence you prepared.

+ Your level of responsibility.

20

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

+ College/University

+ Course Title

+ Credits/Clock Hours

Required Question

Employer

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Address

613 North Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120

Website

http://www.employment.pa.gov