Psychological Services Specialist, DHS - North Central Secure Treatment Unit

Full Job Description

Are you ready for a rewarding career dedicated to making a difference in the lives of court-adjudicated youth? Do you demonstrate a high degree of skill and knowledge in the field of counseling and psychotherapy? The Department of Human Services (DHS), Bureau of Juvenile Justice Services (BJJS), North Central Secure Treatment Unit (NCSTU) is seeking a Psychological Services Specialist to join our dynamic team of professionals. This role demands a willingness to work collaboratively with a diverse group of individuals and a deep commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of young people. Apply today and embark on the first step towards a fulfilling career!

Watch this video to see how you can make a difference!

Requirements

As a Psychological Services Specialist, DHS, you will be responsible for assessing and facilitating the psychological component of the rehabilitation and social development of court committed adjudicated delinquent residents in the Youth Development Center/Youth Forestry Camp (YDC/YFC) system.

You will also provide consultation to supervisory and counseling staff and serve as a key member of the clinical team in accordance with DHS, Office of Children Youth and Families (OCYF), BJJS, and agency policies.

This role requires a high degree of skill and knowledge in the field of counseling and psychotherapy.

In addition, you will prepare written clinical evaluations, administer specialized assessment protocols, and oversee psychological services in one or more of programs at North Central Secure Treatment Unit.

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 include the following shifts: 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM; 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM; and 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM. You will work 4 days between Monday - Friday and either Saturday or Sunday (selected candidate choice). Your schedule may change based on operational needs.
• Overtime and travel as needed
• Free parking
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• 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:

• A master’s degree in a behavioral science, counseling education, rehabilitation, human development or a closely related field.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Other Requirements:

• 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.
• A conditional offer of employment will require a medical examination and a drug screening.
• This position falls under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law.
  • Under the Law, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports, including but not limited to, PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance.

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:

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

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.