Corrections Counselor 2 - SCI Laurel Highlands

The Department of Corrections is actively looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic individual to fill the position of Corrections Counselor 2 within our Treatment Team at SCI Laurel Highlands. This role is crucial in providing support and guidance to individuals in our care, helping them navigate their rehabilitation journey. The ideal candidate will possess a strong commitment to fostering a positive environment, utilizing evidence-based practices to promote personal growth and development among inmates. Responsibilities will include conducting assessments, developing treatment plans, and facilitating group and individual counseling sessions. The successful applicant will work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to ensure that each individual receives the necessary resources and support to reintegrate successfully into society. If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of others and have the skills to contribute to a transformative environment, we encourage you to apply and become a vital part of our mission at SCI Laurel Highlands.

As a Corrections Counselor 2 with the Department of Corrections, your role will encompass a range of intricate counseling and case management responsibilities aimed at supporting inmates within a state correctional facility. This position requires you to engage with individuals exhibiting severe disruptive, violent, or defiant behaviors, necessitating a high degree of autonomy in determining the most effective interventions. Your work will involve employing various counseling techniques-whether through casework, group sessions, or one-on-one interactions-to assist inmates struggling to adapt to the challenges of institutional life. You will play a crucial role in helping them navigate social, economic, and emotional issues, ultimately fostering positive changes in their attitudes and behaviors. Additionally, your efforts will contribute to empowering inmates to cultivate a sense of dignity and accountability as they work towards rehabilitation. If you possess the necessary qualifications and are interested in pursuing a fulfilling career that allows you to utilize your expertise while enjoying competitive compensation and benefits, the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections at SCI Laurel Highlands is eager to connect with you.

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

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 within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $63,301.00 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• One year as a Corrections Counselor 1 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• One year of professional counseling or casework experience in a correctional facility, and 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 that includes one year of professional counseling or casework experience in a correctional facility and 18 college credits in sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field.

Special Requirements:

• All employees 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. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

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

Commonwealth employees who wish to use their seniority rights must apply to the internal posting for their seniority rights to be considered.

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 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.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

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.

• 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/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.