Psychological Services Specialist, DOC - SCI Somerset

Posting number: CS-2026-54841-42990

Department: Department of Corrections

Division: CR SMR Trmt Svcs

Job classification: Psychological Services Specialist, DOC

Posting type: SCSC E&T Vacancy

Categories: Corrections, Social Services, Rehabilitation Services

Summary

Are you ready to support meaningful change through dedicated psychological services? As a Psychological Services Specialist, DOC at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Somerset, you will play an important role in guiding inmates toward better emotional stability. This position gives you the chance to provide counseling, conduct assessments, and support therapeutic programs. Your efforts will help promote growth, resilience, and positive change. Step into a position where your skills support individual progress and institutional safety—apply today!

Examples of duties

This position provides psychological services that support the emotional health and behavioral adjustment of inmates at SCI Somerset. The role requires strong clinical skills to deliver counseling, conduct assessments, coordinate services, and contribute to treatment planning. As a Psychological Services Specialist, DOC, you will perform the following duties:

• Counseling Services: Provide individual and group therapy using techniques that support behavior change
• Assessment Work: Conduct interviews, administer tests, and prepare psychological reports and recommendations
• Service Coordination: Collaborate with departments and agencies to support inmate treatment needs
• Research Support: Assist with studies designed to strengthen psychological service programs
• Intern Guidance: Offer direction to student interns in testing, scoring, and interpretation tasks
• Crisis Response: Deliver crisis intervention services to inmates in assessment housing units

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, Sunday - Thursday, 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 with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $69,086.00 (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 master’s degree in psychology or a closely related field that includes fifteen graduate level credits in psychology or counseling.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.

• 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 Requirement:

• You must pass a back