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Posted: January 14, 2026 (1 day ago)

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Corrections Counselor 1 - SCI Mercer

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Department of Corrections

Fresh

Location

Pennsylvania, 17120

Salary

$55,436 - $84,332

per year

Closes

January 29, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This job involves working as a counselor in a Pennsylvania state prison to help inmates through individual sessions, connect them with job and community resources, and plan for their release back into society.

It's a full-time role with a standard daytime schedule, no remote work option, and focuses on rehabilitation to make a real difference in people's lives.

A good fit would be someone with a background in social services or criminal justice who is passionate about supporting others and ready for hands-on work in a correctional setting.

Key Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or related field; or equivalent combination including 18 college credits in these areas
  • Three years and six months as a corrections officer plus 18 relevant college credits (alternative pathway)
  • Obtain and maintain CLEAN and JNET certifications within two months of employment
  • Successful completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA
  • Meet Pennsylvania residency requirements
  • Pass background investigation and CJIS compliance
  • Ability to perform essential job functions, including managing caseloads and records

Full Job Description

Are you prepared to take charge of your career by leveraging your strong commitment to transforming the lives of incarcerated individuals?

The Department of Corrections (DOC) is looking for a passionate Corrections Counselor 1 at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Mercer, where you can play a crucial role in inmate rehabilitation.

Join our dynamic team to provide essential counseling and support for reentry, making a meaningful impact on the lives of those you serve.

If you are motivated to make a difference, we encourage you to apply today!


Requirements

As a Corrections Counselor 1 with the Department of Corrections, your role will involve delivering professional counseling services and managing casework for inmates at your designated facility.

You will engage in individual counseling sessions, assist inmates in accessing employment opportunities and community resources, and maintain comprehensive records and reports to effectively manage your caseload.

Additionally, you will contribute to parole planning and provide recommendations for re-entry services. Work Schedule and Additional Information:

  • Full-time employment, 40-hour work week
  • Work hours are 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
  • Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.

  • Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable
  • This position is eligible for full retirement benefits at age 50 or 55
  • You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Qualifications

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.


Special Requirements:

  • 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. 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.


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.

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    Posted on NEOGOV: 1/14/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 1/14/2026

    Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-pabureau-5195702