What are the responsibilities and job description for the Psychological Services Specialist, DHS Northeast Secure Treatment Unit, Luzerne County position at Commonwealth of PA?
THE POSITION
Are you looking for a fulfilling career that focuses on positively impacting the lives of court-adjudicated youth? If you possess strong skills and expertise in counseling and psychotherapy, the Department of Human Services (DHS), Bureau of Juvenile Justice Services, is eager to welcome you as a Psychological Services Specialist at the Northeast Secure Treatment Unit (NESTU). This position requires a collaborative spirit and a genuine dedication to supporting young individuals in their journey toward betterment. Take the first step toward a meaningful career by applying today!
Watch this video to see how you can make a difference!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
In this role, you will be responsible for assessing and facilitating the psychological components of rehabilitation and social development for adjudicated delinquent youth within the Youth Development Center. Serving as a key clinical team member—providing expert consultation to supervisory and counseling staff and ensuring all practices align with all standards. You will evaluate treatment programs, monitor compliance with best-practice guidelines, and implement corrective measures when necessary. Your role includes guiding program development, training direct-care staff, modeling healthy therapeutic interactions, and conducting clinical supervision to support staff growth and ensure residents receive individualized, high-quality care. Coordinating mental health services by contributing to psychiatric protocols, consulting on treatment needs, and shaping comprehensive treatment plans.
In addition to program oversight, you will provide direct clinical services through individual, family, and group therapy, as well as preparing detailed psychological evaluations informed by interviews, file reviews, and collaboration with program staff. Participating in court and mental-health hearings, maintain ongoing professional development, and uphold all ethical, legal, and regulatory standards. The position requires active involvement in crisis response, resident supervision, and mandatory training, along with the flexibility to work overtime during operational demands. Through these responsibilities, you will help maintain a safe, therapeutic environment that supports meaningful growth for both residents and staff.
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
- Full-time employment
- 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, with a 30-minute lunch.
- Travel and overtime as needed
- Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
- Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $67,736 (before taxes).
- FREE parking
- You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
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:
- A conditional offer of employment will require a medical examination and drug screening.
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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:
- 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.
EXAMINATION 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.
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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.
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Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.
- Eligibility rules apply.
Salary : $67,736