Psychological Services Specialist, Corrections - SCI Laurel Highlands

Are you ready to elevate your career in psychology? The Department of Corrections at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Laurel Highlands is seeking a highly motivated Psychological Services Specialist to become part of our dedicated psychology team. Our commitment is to provide critical mental health services that aim to reduce recidivism, honor the rights of victims, and promote successful reintegration into society. Join us and be a force for positive change, helping to transform the lives of individuals within our system. Apply now and make an impactful difference!

In this position, you will provide specialized psychological services to address the mental health and emotional adjustment requirements of inmates at SCI Laurel Highlands. The aim of this service is to effectively and efficiently meet the mental health and emotional needs of individuals during their incarceration with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. Your responsibilities will include conducting individual assessments and selecting suitable tests to evaluate intellectual abilities, personality traits, special skills, and achievement levels. You will also coordinate with professional staff to ensure that cases requiring special mental health services are referred for counseling, psychological, psychiatric, and medical assistance. Additionally, you will prepare psychological reports for classification, clinical interview outcomes, parole summaries, psychological updates, and other necessary documentation. Collaboration with the Licensed Psychologist Manager will be essential in developing new educational therapeutic programs, as well as providing initial crisis intervention for 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 hour work week
• Work hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch
• This position is eligible for full retirement benefits at age 50 or 55.
• 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

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Two years as a Psychological Services Associate Corrections; 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.

• You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.

Commonwealth employees who wish to use their seniority rights must apply to the internal posting for their seniority rights to be considered.

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:

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.

• 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.