What are the responsibilities and job description for the Corrections Counselor 1 - SCI Laurel Highlands position at Commonwealth of Pennsylvania?
THE POSITION
As a Corrections Counselor 1 with the Department of Corrections (DOC), you take on a role that strengthens accountability and steady progress. You guide individuals through the structured routines of the institution, reinforce sound decision making, and support consistent positive behavior. You help inmates build the practical skills needed for stability and responsible conduct after release. Your commitment directly supports positive outcomes and meaningful improvement within the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Laurel Highlands and in the community.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This position focuses on guiding inmates as they adjust to the institution and prepare for life after incarceration. The role supports personal growth, problem solving, and re-entry planning. As a Corrections Counselor 1, you will perform the following duties:
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
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
As a Corrections Counselor 1 with the Department of Corrections (DOC), you take on a role that strengthens accountability and steady progress. You guide individuals through the structured routines of the institution, reinforce sound decision making, and support consistent positive behavior. You help inmates build the practical skills needed for stability and responsible conduct after release. Your commitment directly supports positive outcomes and meaningful improvement within the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Laurel Highlands and in the community.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This position focuses on guiding inmates as they adjust to the institution and prepare for life after incarceration. The role supports personal growth, problem solving, and re-entry planning. As a Corrections Counselor 1, you will perform the following duties:
- Inmate Interviews: Conduct interviews to support adjustment and provide encouragement
- Personal Guidance: Offer help with personal issues, family concerns, and conflict resolution
- Skill Development: Provide referrals and direction that support social, educational, and vocational growth
- Employment Support: Assist in locating job opportunities and understanding application procedures and community resources
- Case Management: Maintain records, prepare reports, and communicate with staff, families, and agencies
- Program Coordination: Use assessments to guide programming and coordinate treatment and re-entry plans
- Full-time employment, 40 hours per week
- Work hours are 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday.
- 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 with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $56,541.00 (before taxes).
- You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
- Three years and six months as a corrections officer, and 18 college credits in any combination of sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field; or
- A bachelor’s degree including 18 college credits in any combination of sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field; or
- An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes 18 college credits in any combination of sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field.
- All employees must obtain Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network (CLEAN) and Pennsylvania Justice Network (JNET) certification within two months of employment and maintain certification for the duration of employment in this job.
- 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.
- You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.
- 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.
- 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.
- 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).
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.
- 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.
Salary : $56,541