Summary
This job involves helping inmates at a Pennsylvania prison overcome drug and alcohol addictions through counseling, education classes, and support programs to rebuild their lives.
You'll work directly with individuals and their families, mentor new staff, and coordinate with community resources.
It's ideal for someone passionate about rehabilitation, with experience in counseling and a background in behavioral sciences, who thrives in a structured team environment.
Full Job Description
Are you a motivated and organized individual with outstanding communication abilities, eager to join a team committed to assisting inmates in overcoming addiction and rebuilding their lives? The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) Coal Township is seeking passionate candidates for the role of Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist 2. This is a remarkable opportunity to elevate your career while making a significant impact within Pennsylvania's correctional system. Embrace the chance to contribute meaningfully and return home each day knowing you have made a difference—do not let this opportunity pass you by!
Requirements
In this position, you will be responsible for delivering therapeutic drug and alcohol services to inmates, patients, or residents interested in educational and treatment programs. Your duties will include facilitating drug and alcohol education classes, conducting both group and individual counseling sessions, and gathering relevant information to assist individuals in changing their attitudes and behaviors. You will act as a liaison with community-based drug and alcohol programs and provide counseling to inmates, patients, or residents and their families. Additionally, you will mentor and train new or less experienced Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialists, students, and volunteers. Your work will involve preparing detailed case histories, participating in parole and discharge planning, and assisting individuals in adapting to institutional life, all while adhering to established regulations and policies, with oversight from a supervisor through discussions.
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.
- 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 (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 of experience as a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist 1 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
- One year of para-professional and one year of 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
- Two years 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 credits in the behavioral sciences; or
- One year of professional experience providing drug and alcohol counseling services directly to clients in a social work setting and 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.
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 Requirement:
- 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 and external postings 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/testoncefor this posting.
- Your results will be provided via email.