Psychological Services Specialist, DOC - SCI Mercer

Are you ready to channel your clinical passion into meaningful impact while advancing to the next stage of your psychology career? The Psychological Services Specialist, DOC position with the Department of Corrections (DOC) offers a meaningful way to support the well‑being of inmates at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Mercer. This role allows you to build strong communication and counseling skills while making a positive difference each day. You will help guide individuals through challenges and encourage healthier choices. Your work helps create a safer and more supportive environment for everyone in the facility. Responsibilities Counseling Services: Provide individual and group counseling that addresses behavior, adjustment, and emotional needs. Testing And Evaluation: Conduct interviews and administer tests to understand inmate abilities and treatment needs. Service Coordination: Work with other departments and agencies to support consistent delivery of psychological services. Report Preparation: Prepare written reports that summarize test findings, behavior patterns, and treatment recommendations. Crisis Response: Respond to urgent mental health needs and support inmates in assessment housing areas. Program Participation: Serve on institutional committees and support team activities related to inmate progress. Work Schedule and Additional Information Full‑time employment, 37.5‑hour work week. Work hours are 10:00 AM to 6:00 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: In some cases, the starting salary may be non‑negotiable. You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices. Minimum Experience and Training Requirements 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 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree or credits. 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 Requirements 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). Accommodations 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. EEO 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. Assessment 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