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Posted: March 3, 2026 (0 days ago)

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Social Worker 1

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Department of Corrections

Fresh

Location

Pennsylvania, 17120

Salary

$51,971 - $79,062

per year

Closes

March 17, 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 helping people who have been in prison get back into society by offering counseling, creating personal support plans, and connecting them to needed services for issues like mental health, medical problems, or addiction.

It's a full-time role in Pennsylvania's community corrections centers, working regular office hours without remote options.

A good fit would be someone compassionate with a social work degree who enjoys teamwork and making a real difference in others' lives.

Key Requirements

  • Bachelor's or master's degree in social work or social welfare (or within three months of graduating)
  • Experience or ability to provide counseling and case management for mental illness, medical conditions, and substance use disorders
  • Skills in researching records, analyzing files, and developing individualized treatment plans
  • Ability to assess psychosocial needs, strengths, weaknesses, and eligibility for services
  • Obtain and maintain Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) certification within two months of hire
  • Participation in mandatory training for counseling skills and techniques
  • Meet Pennsylvania residency requirements

Full Job Description

Embark on a rewarding career while using your knowledge in social work!

The Department of Corrections (DOC) is seeking a motivated and compassionate Social Worker 1 to join our team in Region 3 of our Community Corrections Centers.

In this role, you will provide social work services to individuals reentering their communities after a period of incarceration. Apply today and make a positive impact on the lives of others!


Begin a rewarding career while using your knowledge in social work! The Department of Corrections (DOC) is seeking a motivated and compassionate Social Worker 1 to join our team in Region 3 of our Community Corrections Centers. In this role, you will provide social work services to individuals reentering their communities after a period of incarceration. Apply today and make a positive impact on the lives of others!

Requirements

In this position, you will implement and provide social work, counseling, and case management to individuals suffering from serious mental illness, medical conditions, and substance use disorders.

Your work will involve thoroughly researching and analyzing records and files on new receptions, working with other staff to develop individualized treatment plans, and obtaining information on programs available at state correctional institutions.

You will serve as a member of treatment team and assist in the formulation of treatment plans for reentrants.

Further duties will include assessing reentrants’ psychosocial strengths, weaknesses, social work service needs, and eligibility for services.

Additionally, you will participate in mandatory DOC and other training designated to improve counseling skills and techniques.


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.
  • Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
  • Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.

    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 Requirements:

  • 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:

  • 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 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.

  • 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: 3/3/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 3/3/2026

    Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-pabureau-5250995