Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist 1 - SCI Forest

THE POSITION

Become a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist 1 with the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Forest and make a positive difference every day. This position gives you the chance to help people rebuild their lives through focused treatment and guidance. Your work will shape real outcomes for individuals facing substance challenges. Step into a role where your commitment leads to lasting change!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position focuses on providing beginning-level professional casework and counseling for individuals struggling with substance dependence in a correctional setting. The work supports treatment, recovery, and rehabilitation through structured sessions and collaborative planning. Treatment Support: Provide guided individual and group counseling sessions for inmates needing substance-related services. Plan Development: Create and update individualized recovery and treatment plans under supervision. Record Management: Maintain accurate treatment records and complete required summaries in line with regulations. Assessment Work: Conduct assessments and make recommendations with supervisor guidance. Team Participation: Take part in meetings with treatment teams and other staff involved in inmate care. Skill Building: Attend mandatory training to strengthen knowledge in crisis response, counseling, and safety.

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 $56,541.00 (before taxes). You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

One year of para‑professional experience providing drug and alcohol counseling services directly to clients in a social work setting; and certification by the PA Chemical Abuse Certification Board as a "Certified Addictions Counselor"; or One year of experience as a Corrections Counselor or Social Worker (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or One year of professional experience providing drug and alcohol counseling services directly to clients in a social work setting and a bachelor’s degree that includes 18 college credits in the behavioral sciences; or A master’s degree with major coursework in addictions science, psychology or social work; or An equivalent combination of experience and training which includes 18 college credits in the behavioral sciences. Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

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 Guidelines. 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 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. All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

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 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.

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/test once for this posting. Your results will be provided via email. #J-18808-Ljbffr Commonwealth of Pennsylvania