Corrections Counselor 1 - SCI Chester
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Corrections Counselor 1 - SCI Chester
Salary
$51,971.00 - $79,062.00 Annually
Location
Delaware County, PA
Job Type
Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number
CS-2025-29253-47530
Department
Department of Corrections
Division
CR CHS Trmt Svcs
Opening Date
07/10/2025
Closing Date
7/25/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code
47530
Position Number
Multiple positions may be filled from this posting.
Union
SEIU Local 668
Bargaining Unit
F4
Pay Group
ST06
Bureau / Division Code
00112250
Bureau / Division
SCI Chester
Worksite Address
500 East 4th Street
City
Chester, Pennsylvania
Zip Code
19013
Contact Name
James Torres
Contact Phone
717.705.4512
Contact Email
jatorres@pa.gov
Description
Benefits
Questions
THE POSITION
The Department of Corrections is seeking a highly motivated Corrections Counselor 1 to join our Treatment Team at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Chester. Take your career to the next level and make a lasting, positive impact with this beginning level professional work providing counseling and casework services incarcerated individuals. Achieve your goals and make a difference with us!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
As a Corrections Counselor 1 for the Department of Corrections, you will be responsible for providing professional counseling services and casework management to inmates at your assigned Institution. Your responsibilities will involve conducting individual counseling and casework services and providing inmates with the assistance they need to obtain information regarding employment opportunities and community resources. This includes interviewing inmates to understand and support their needs; developing, maintaining, and presenting records and reports for managing an inmate caseload; utilizing assessments to identify individuals' aptitudes and interests; and utilizing a multi-disciplinary approach to coordinate treatment objectives as part of a treatment team. You will also participate in parole planning and make recommendations on re-entry services.
If you have the required experience as indicated below, and wish to explore a rewarding career that offers the opportunity to share your skills while earning a great salary and benefits, then the PA Department of Corrections, SCI Chester wants to hear from you!
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=00117413) .
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: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
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:
Three years and six months as a corrections officer, and 18 college credits in sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field;or
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 which includes 18 college credits in sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field.
Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within three months of graduating with a qualifying degree.
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 the training academy in Elizabethtown, PA.
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.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.
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
Do you possess a conferred bachelor's degree or higher, or are you within 3 months of possessing a conferred bachelor's degree, 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
02
If you do not have a conferred bachelor's degree in sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field, on what date do you expect to receive your degree? Type N/A in the text box if this does not apply.
03
Do you possess at least 18 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
04
Do you possess at least 3 years and 6 months of experience as a Corrections Officer?
Yes
No
05
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 experience must also 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.
06
How many years of full-time experience in sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field do you possess?
4 years or more
3 but less than 4 years
2 but less than 3 years
1 but less than 2 years
Less than 1 year
None
07
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 experience must also 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.
08
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
09
WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - COUNSELING
Provides counseling to individuals by utilizing casework principles and group or individual counseling methods to help individuals adjust to their situation. Assists individuals in resolving issues such as social, economic, and emotional problems, and utilizing their time appropriately. Provides advice to individuals 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 identifying individual/group issues. I was responsible for providing counseling or services on how to improve their situations.
B. I have experience identifying individual/group issues. I was responsible for referring individuals to services that provide assistance on how to improve their situations.
C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to individual counseling, group counseling, or criminology.
D. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.
10
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.
The @type of counseling you provided, methods used, and to whom the counseling was provided.
Your level of responsibility.
11
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
12
WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - DEVELOPING PROGRAM PLANS
Develops program plans and assists in the implementation of individualized treatment plans. Coordinates objectives with other entities to effectively utilize human and material resources. Participates in program planning and makes recommendations regarding any changes to the program plan or individualized treatment plan.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
A. I have experience developing AND implementing program and treatment plans AND was responsible for providing feedback on the effectiveness of the prescribed plans.
B. I have experience implementing program and treatment plans AND providing feedback on the effectiveness of the prescribed plan. Someone else was responsible for developing the program and treatment plans.
C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to program planning, psychology, social work, or sociology.
D. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.
13
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.
The program plans you developed and recommendations you made on changes to program plans.
Your level of responsibility.
14
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
15
WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - COMPILING/MAINTAINING RECORDS
Compiles required information to develop records. Monitors and maintains records for each individual in accordance with established policies and procedures. Documents any information received and ensures that the information submitted is complete, accurate, and filed according to prescribed procedures.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
A. I have experience compiling the necessary information to develop case records. I was responsible for monitoring and updating the case records when changes occurred.
B. I have experience compiling the necessary information to develop case records. I was responsible for ensuring the information was complete, accurate, and filed accordingly; however, someone else was responsible for monitoring and updating the case records when changes occurred.
C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to records management, research methods, or data analysis.
D. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.
16
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.
The @type of information you compiled to develop records.
Your level of responsibility.
17
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
18
WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - COMMUNICATION
Prepares official reports and correspondence such as recommendations, summaries, and rationales. Promotes community involvement and fosters cooperative relationships with the public regarding the understanding of available programs through personal contact with business and community leaders.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
A. I have experience preparing reports and correspondence. I was responsible for writing the documents and providing recommendations to the appropriate authority.
B. I have experience preparing reports and correspondence. I was responsible for writing the documents but someone else reviewed them and provided recommendations to the proper authority.
C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to report writing, English composition, communication, or public speaking.
D. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.
19
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
The @types of reports and correspondence you prepared.
Your level of responsibility.
20
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
