Psychological Services Specialist, DOC - SCI Somerset

Overview The Department of Corrections (DOC) is seeking a motivated Psychological Services Specialist who is ready for a new career opportunity. Utilizing your expertise in counseling and psychology, you will help create a more stable environment for inmates housed at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Somerset. This role provides meaningful opportunities to guide individuals toward healthier choices and improved coping skills. Join us in bringing structure, insight, and support to those who need it most. Responsibilities Counseling Support: Provide individual and group counseling to help inmates manage emotions, develop new skills, and address treatment goals. Assessment Work: Conduct interviews and tests, interpret results, and document initial psychological reports. Care Coordination: Collaborate with institutional staff and outside agencies to facilitate needed mental health services. Crisis Response: Deliver immediate support to inmates experiencing urgent psychological concerns. Intern Guidance: Offer direction to student interns completing activities related to testing and interpretation. Committee Participation: Take part in institutional committees that review inmate progress, reentry planning, and mental health needs. Work Schedule and Additional Information Full‑time employment, 37.5 hours per week. Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Tuesday – Saturday, 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 $67,736 (before taxes). Qualifications A master’s degree in psychology or a closely related field that includes fifteen graduate‑level credits in psychology or counseling. Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within three months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits. Successful completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA is required. You must meet the Pennsylvania residency requirement. You must be able to perform essential job functions. You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 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. Veterans and Disability Accommodations Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. Veterans eligibility information is available on the Commonwealth website. Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) available for 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania