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Posted: January 27, 2026 (0 days ago)

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Corrections Counselor 2 - SCI Coal Township

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Department of Corrections

Fresh

Location

Pennsylvania, 17120

Salary

$63,301 - $96,225

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 state prison, where you'll help inmates with behavioral issues through one-on-one sessions, group activities, and personalized plans to support their rehabilitation and prepare them for life outside.

It's a full-time role with regular office hours, no remote work, and focuses on guiding people facing social, emotional, or economic challenges to build better attitudes and responsibility.

A good fit would be someone passionate about helping others, with experience in counseling and a background in fields like psychology or criminal justice, who thrives in a team-oriented, high-stakes environment.

Key Requirements

  • One year as a Corrections Counselor 1 or equivalent federal role
  • One year of professional counseling or casework experience in a correctional facility
  • Bachelor’s degree in sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field
  • Strong interpersonal skills for working with inmates exhibiting disruptive, violent, or defiant behaviors
  • Ability to assess needs, develop tailored treatment plans, and facilitate group or individual sessions
  • Commitment to rehabilitation, reintegration, and fostering personal growth in a correctional setting
  • Full-time availability for 40-hour workweek, Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with 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 2 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. The ideal candidate will possess strong interpersonal skills, a deep understanding of correctional practices, and a commitment to fostering a positive environment for personal growth. As part of the Treatment Team, the Corrections Counselor 2 will engage with inmates, assess their needs, and develop tailored treatment plans that promote successful reintegration into society. This position not only requires a passion for helping others but also the ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team of professionals dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.20250523060734_1748005653918.png

Requirements

As a Corrections Counselor 2 within the Department of Corrections, your role will encompass a range of intricate counseling and case management responsibilities directed towards inmates in a state correctional facility.

This position requires you to provide guidance to individuals exhibiting severe disruptive, violent, or defiant behaviors, necessitating a high degree of autonomy in determining the most effective interventions.

Your work will involve employing various counseling techniques—whether through casework, group sessions, or one-on-one interactions—to assist inmates struggling to adapt to the challenges of institutional life.

You will play a crucial role in helping these individuals navigate their social, economic, and emotional difficulties, ultimately fostering positive changes in their attitudes and behaviors.

Additionally, your efforts will contribute to empowering inmates to cultivate a sense of dignity and personal responsibility, which is essential for their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

If you possess the necessary qualifications outlined below and are interested in pursuing a fulfilling career that allows you to utilize your expertise while enjoying competitive salary and benefits, the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections at SCI Laurel Highlands is eager to connect with you!

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 $63,301.00 (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:

  • One year as a Corrections Counselor 1 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
  • One year of professional counseling or casework experience in a correctional facility, and 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 that includes one year of professional counseling or casework experience in a correctional facility and 18 college credits in sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field.


Special Requirements:

  • 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.

Commonwealth employees who wish to use their seniority rights must apply to the internal posting for their seniority rights to be considered.


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-5210378