Corrections Counselor 2 - SCI Benner Township
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Corrections Counselor 2 - SCI Benner Township
Salary
$61,903.00 - $94,118.00 Annually
Location
Centre County, PA
Job Type
Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number
CS-2025-23091-47540
Department
Department of Corrections
Division
CR BEN Trmt Svcs
Opening Date
04/11/2025
Closing Date
4/25/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code
47540
Position Number
Multiple positions may be filled from this posting.
Union
SEIU Local 668
Bargaining Unit
F4
Pay Group
ST07
Bureau / Division Code
00111450
Bureau / Division
State Correctional Institution at Benner Township
Worksite Address
301 Institution Drive
City
Bellefonte, Pennsylvania
Zip Code
16823
Contact Name
Corleen Schmucker
Contact Phone
717.562.5736
Contact Email
cschmucker@pa.gov
Description
Benefits
Questions
THE POSITION
Utilize your experience in counseling in a new and rewarding way! We are seeking enthusiastic and motivated people to join our team at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Benner Township! By becoming a Corrections Counselor 2, you will have a positive impact on the lives of inmates by providing them with complex counseling to help them change their behaviors. Apply today to begin an exciting opportunity and make a difference in the lives of others!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
As a Corrections Counselor 2, you will be responsible for providing a variety of complex counseling and casework duties to inmates at SCI Benner Township. Your work will involve providing counseling to inmates who demonstrate significantly disruptive, violent, or insubordinate behavior. This will require considerable independence in selecting an appropriate course of action. You will utilize casework, group, or individual counseling methods and techniques to help inmates who display behaviors resulting from difficultly adjusting to institutionalized living. You can expect to assist inmates in solving social, economic, and emotional problems and enable inmates to develop a sense of dignity and responsibility. Additionally, you will participate in parole planning meetings and make recommendations regarding reentry services.
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description (https://careers.employment.pa.gov/pd/PD_NEOGOV.asp?p=00112481) .
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
Full-time employment, 40 hours per week
Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday, 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 $ 61,903 .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
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
One year as a Corrections Counselor 1 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
One year of professional counseling or casework experience in a correctional facility, and a bachelor's degree in sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field; or
An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes one year of professional counseling or casework experience in a correctional facility and 18 college credits in sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field.
Special Requirements:
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.
Other Requirements:
Successful completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA is required.
You must meet the PA residency requirement (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) . For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) 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 willnotbe 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.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov .
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.
You must provide complete and accurate information or:
your score may be lower than deserved.
you may be disqualified.
You may only apply/testoncefor this posting.
Your results will be provided via email.
Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this shortvideo (https://www.youtube.com/embed/HtcSRnndflc?rel=0) !
See the total value of your benefits package by exploring ourbenefits calculator.
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 visitwww.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.
*Eligibility rules apply.
01
Have you been employed with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Corrections Counselor 1 for one or more years full-time?
Yes
No
02
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experiencemustalso be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, @type N/A in the text box below.
03
Do you possess one or more years of full-time professional counseling or casework experience in a correctional facility?
Yes
No
04
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experiencemustalso be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, @type N/A in the text box below.
05
Have you completed 18 semester college credits in sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field?
If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visitingwww.naces.organd clicking the Evaluation Services Link.
For additional information on foreign education credentials, please visithttps://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3and click on Other Information. You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.
Yes
No
06
You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. Youmustcomplete the applicationandanswer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.
All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.
Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training.The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered.In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.
If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.
If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to ourFAQ page (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) .
Yes
07
WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - PROVIDE COUNSELING
Interview individuals to obtain relevant facts regarding their institutional adjustment and issues they have encountered. Provide counseling to individuals in resolving social, economic, and emotional problems or issues, and utilizing their time appropriately. Provide advice on procedures for improving their situations and making the necessary changes.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
A. I have experience providing counseling to individuals in resolving social, economic, and emotional problems or issues, and improving their situations. I have interviewed individuals to obtain relevant facts regarding their institutional adjustment or issues they have encountered.
B. I have experience interviewing individuals to obtain relevant facts regarding their institutional adjustment or issues they have encountered. I have referred individuals to counseling services to resolve issues or improve their situation.
C. I have experience interviewing individuals to obtain relevant facts regarding their institutional adjustment or issues they have encountered. I did NOT refer the individual to counseling services.
D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to psychology, counseling, criminal justice, or sociology.
E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.
08
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, @type N/A in the box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
Your experience providing counseling to individuals in resolving social, economic, and emotional problems or issues, and improving their situations.
Your experience interviewing individuals to obtain relevant facts regarding their institutional adjustment or issues they have encountered.
Your experience referring individuals to counseling services to resolve issues or improve their situation.
The actual duties you performed and level of responsibility.
09
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, @type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours
10
WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - DEVELOP CASE RECORDS
Compile socio-demographic histories; medical, psychological, and psychiatric evaluations; tests and measurements; assessment scores; and sentencing information obtained from other staff, inmate families, and community agencies to develop case records of individuals. Ensure records are complete, accurate, and filed according to established policies and procedures.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
A. I have experience compiling socio-demographic histories, evaluations, assessment scores, or sentencing information to develop case records of individuals. I ensured the records were compliant with policies and procedures.
B. I have experience compiling socio-demographic histories, evaluations, assessment scores, or sentencing information to develop case records of individuals. I ensured the records were complete and accurate.
C. I have experience compiling various other documents or information to update a record. I ensured the records were complete and accurate.
D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to records management, case management, compliance, or document management.
E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.
11
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, @type N/A in the box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
Your experience compiling socio-demographic histories, evaluations, assessment scores, or sentencing information to develop case records of individuals.
Your experience compiling various other documents or information to update a record.
Your experience ensuring records were compliant with policies and procedures or complete and accurate.
The actual duties you performed and level of responsibility.
12
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, @type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours
13
WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
Write parole and other official reports and create correspondence such as recommendations regarding re-entry services and Community Corrections Center (CCC) placement, inmate summaries, and parole approval or denial rationales.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
A. I have experience writing parole and other reports and creating correspondence including recommendations for re-entry services or CCC placement, inmate summaries, or parole approval/denial rationales. I had full responsibility for the completed reports or correspondence.
B. I have experience writing parole or other reports and creating correspondence including recommendations for re-entry services or CCC placement, inmate summaries, or parole approval/denial rationales. Someone else had the final responsibility for the completed reports or correspondence.
C. I have experience writing reports or documents NOT related to parole or re-entry services. I had the final responsibility for the completed report or document.
D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to report writing, business writing, or English composition.
E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.
14
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, @type N/A in the box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
Your experience writing parole or other reports or documents.
Your experience creating correspondence including recommendations for re-entry services or CCC placement, inmate summaries, or parole approval/denial rationales.
The actual duties you performed and level of responsibility.
15
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, @type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours
16
WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT PLANS
Develop and implement program and individualized treatment plans based on assessment scores regarding programming, activities, and risk level of inmate to facilitate compliance and behavioral changes. Review commitment, sentencing, and other criminal history information to determine impact and appropriateness for programming such as Boot Camp, State Drug Treatment Program (SDTP), and Short Sentence Parole (SSP). Recommend changes to program or individualized treatment plans as needed.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
A. I have experience developing and implementing program or treatment plans, determining appropriate programming, and determining changes to program or treatment plans as needed.
B. I have experience developing program or treatment plans, determining appropriate programming, and determining changes to program or treatment plans as needed. Someone else was responsible for implementing the plans.
C. I have experience implementing program or treatment plans and recommending changes to program or treatment plans as needed. Someone else was responsible for developing the plans and determining programming.
D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to program planning or social work.
E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.
17
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, @type N/A in the box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
Your experience developing or implementing program or treatment plans.
Your experience determining appropriate programming.
Your experience determining/recommending changes to program or treatment plans as needed.
The actual duties you performed and level of responsibility.
18
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, @type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours
Required Question
Employer
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Address
613 North Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120
Website
http://www.employment.pa.gov
