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Posted: January 27, 2026 (0 days ago)

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Corrections Counselor 1 - SCI Coal Township

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Department of Corrections

Fresh

Location

Pennsylvania, 17120

Salary

$55,436 - $84,332

per year

Closes

February 11, 2026

SES Pay Grade

Base salary range: $147,649 - $221,900

Typical requirements: Executive-level leadership experience. Senior executive qualifications required.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This job involves working as a counselor in a Pennsylvania prison to help inmates with their rehabilitation by assessing their needs, creating treatment plans, and leading counseling sessions.

You'll also manage case files, connect inmates to job and community resources, and assist with parole planning to support their return to society.

It's a great fit for someone passionate about helping others change their lives, with strong people skills and a background in counseling or related fields.

Key Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field
  • Or, three years and six months as a corrections officer plus 18 college credits in a relevant field like sociology or psychology
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work with diverse populations
  • Ability to conduct individual and group counseling sessions
  • Experience in developing and maintaining records, reports, and treatment plans
  • Knowledge of employment opportunities and community resources for re-entry support
  • Full-time availability for 40-hour workweek, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, no telework

Full Job Description

The Department of Corrections is actively looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic individual to fill the position of Corrections Counselor 1 within our Treatment Team at SCI Coal Township. This role is crucial in providing support and guidance to individuals in our care, helping them navigate their rehabilitation journey. As a Corrections Counselor, you will be responsible for assessing the needs of inmates, developing personalized treatment plans, and facilitating group and individual counseling sessions. Your efforts will play a significant role in promoting positive behavioral changes and preparing individuals for successful reintegration into society. We are seeking someone who is not only passionate about making a difference but also possesses strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with a diverse population. If you are ready to take on this rewarding challenge and contribute to the mission of rehabilitation and support, we encourage you to apply and become a vital part of our team.20250523060734_1748005653918.png

Requirements

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

This position entails conducting individual counseling sessions and providing casework support, which includes assisting inmates in accessing information about employment opportunities and community resources.

You will also be responsible for developing, maintaining, and presenting comprehensive records and reports to effectively manage an inmate caseload.

Additionally, your participation in parole planning will be crucial, as you will be tasked with making informed recommendations regarding re-entry services to facilitate a smoother transition for inmates back into society.

If you possess the necessary experience outlined below and are interested in pursuing a fulfilling career that allows you to utilize your skills while enjoying competitive salary and benefits, the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections at SCI Somerset is eager to hear from 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 8:00 AM to 4:30 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 $55,436.00 (before taxes).
  • 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 three months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.


Special Requirement:

  • 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.

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.

    Additional 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.

    Check your resume before applying to catch common mistakes

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    Posted on NEOGOV: 1/27/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 1/27/2026

    Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-pabureau-5210065