Psychological Services Specialist, Corrections - SCI Frackville

Full Job Description

The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections at SCI Frackville is actively looking for a dedicated Psychological Services Specialist (PSS) to enhance our Psychology Department. This role is crucial in providing psychological support and services within the correctional environment, where the complexities of inmate mental health require a skilled and compassionate approach. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in psychological principles and practices, demonstrating the ability to assess, diagnose, and treat a diverse population of individuals facing various mental health challenges. As part of a collaborative team, the PSS will engage in developing treatment plans, conducting individual and group therapy sessions, and contributing to the overall mental well-being of the inmate population. This position not only demands professional expertise but also a commitment to fostering a rehabilitative atmosphere that promotes positive change and personal growth among inmates.

Requirements

As a Psychological Services Specialist (PSS) within the Department of Corrections, your role will involve the independent provision of psychological services and group therapy to inmates at your designated facility.

This critical function aims to effectively address the mental health and emotional well-being of individuals during their incarceration with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections.

You will be responsible for conducting individual assessments, utilizing a variety of tests to evaluate intellectual capabilities, personality traits, special aptitudes, and levels of achievement.

Additionally, you will coordinate with professional staff to ensure that inmates with special mental health needs are appropriately referred for counseling, psychological, psychiatric, and medical services.

Your duties will also include the preparation of comprehensive psychological reports, which encompass classification assessments, clinical interview findings, parole summaries, and psychological evaluations as required.

Collaborating closely with the Licensed Psychologist Manager, you will contribute to the development of innovative therapeutic educational programs while providing initial crisis intervention for inmates until further professional support is arranged.

If you possess the necessary qualifications and are eager to embark on a rewarding career in public service, the Department of Corrections is keen 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, 37.5 hours per week
• Work hours are 8:00 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 $67,736.00 (before taxes).

Additional pay will be considered for those who currently possess or obtain licensure as a Social Worker, Clinical Social Worker, or Professional Counselor issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapist and Professional Counselors.

Documentation will need to be provided at interview to receive additional pay consideration.

• 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:

• Two years as a Psychological Services Associate Corrections (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• A Master's degree in psychology or a closely related field which includes fifteen graduate level credits in psychology; and two years of experience in the field of psychology under the direct supervision of a licensed psychologist.

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.

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.