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Posted: March 18, 2026 (0 days ago)

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Social Worker 1 - SCI Cambridge Springs

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Department of Corrections

Fresh

Location

Pennsylvania, 17120

Salary

$51,971 - $79,062

per year

Closes

April 2, 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 social worker in a Pennsylvania state prison, where you'll help inmates prepare for life after release by providing counseling, managing their cases, and coordinating services like treatment programs.

You'll make decisions on what support each person needs and write reports on their progress, often dealing with complex situations involving mental health.

It's a great fit for compassionate individuals with a social work degree who want to make a difference in rehabilitation and community reintegration.

Key Requirements

  • Bachelor's or master's degree in social work or social welfare (or within three months of graduating)
  • Obtain and maintain Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) certification within two months of hire
  • Successful completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA
  • Meet Pennsylvania residency requirements
  • Ability to conduct individual and group counseling for reentry and discharge programming
  • Experience or skills in case management for complex cases, including mental health and correctional settings
  • Prepare formal written reports on inmate progress and recommendations

Full Job Description

Start a rewarding opportunity to utilize your knowledge in social work in a new way!

The Department of Corrections (DOC) is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Social Worker 1 to join our staff at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Cambridge Springs.

By guiding the inmates housed at the institution, you will help them prepare for their eventual return to their families and communities. Apply today and become an integral member of our team!


Requirements

In this position, you will participate in the development, implementation, and coordination of social work and case management services for inmates.

Your work will involve making decisions regarding what type of services, programs, and treatment the inmates on your caseload require.

You will conduct group or individual counseling for reentry and discharge programming, as well as prepare formal written reports concerning an inmate’s progress and the overall recommendations from staff.

You will also be responsible for managing complex inmate cases, who at times are served by the mental health system and the correctional setting.

Additionally, you will make independent decisions to advise, assist, and plan for inmates based on understanding systems and how they affect conflict, and interact with one another for the overall success of the inmates.


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 $51,971.00 (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:

  • A bachelor's or master’s degree in social work or social welfare.
  • Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within three months of graduating with a qualifying degree.


Special Requirement:
  • All employees in the Department of Corrections must obtain Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) certification within two months of hire and maintain it for the duration of employment in the 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 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.

    Check your resume before applying to catch common mistakes

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    Posted on NEOGOV: 3/18/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 3/18/2026

    Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-pabureau-5268452