Summary
This job involves working as a counselor in a Pennsylvania prison to help inmates recover from drug and alcohol addiction through one-on-one sessions, group therapy, and creating personalized recovery plans.
You'll also handle assessments for rule violations and keep detailed records to support their rehabilitation and eventual return to society.
It's a great fit for someone passionate about counseling, with experience in substance abuse treatment and a commitment to positive change in a structured, full-time environment.
Full Job Description
Are you looking to take your professional counselling career to the next level by
empowering inmates on the road to recovery? Do you want to utilize your skills to help individuals overcome the challenges of substance abuse? The Department of Corrections (DOC), State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Dallas is seeking a motivated and driven Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist 1. Our dedicated team provides inmates with care, treatment, and education. If you are ready to experience rewarding challenges, gain opportunities for professional growth, and make a significant difference every day, then we encourage you to apply now!
Requirements
As a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist 1, you will perform professional casework and counseling services involving the care, treatment, and rehabilitation of substance dependent inmates.
You will work closely with inmates to prepare individual treatment and recovery plans, as well as provide one-on-one and group therapy sessions.
You will also learn to utilize progressive disciplinary measures to address behavioral deficiencies and conduct inmate assessments when parole violations or drug misconducts occur.
This role requires a demonstrated understanding rehabilitation techniques as well as a genuine desire to promote positive behavioral change that will enhance successful reentry into the community.
In addition, you will maintain treatment records and complete discharge summaries, classification summaries, and parole summaries for assigned inmates.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
- Full-time employment, 40 hours per week
- Work hours are 7:30 AM to 4:00 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:
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:
- One year of para-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
- One year of experience as a Corrections Counselor or Social Worker (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
- One year 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 college credits in the behavioral sciences; or
- A master's degree with major course work in addictions science, psychology or social work; or
- An equivalent combination of experience and training which includes 18 college credits in the behavioral sciences.
- Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.
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 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.