Forensic Social Worker 1 - Torrance State Hospital
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Forensic Social Worker 1 - Torrance State Hospital
Salary
$54,240.00 - $79,062.00 Annually
Location
Westmoreland County, PA
Job Type
Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number
CS-2026-40486-40061
Department
Department of Human Services
Division
HS Torrance St Hosp
Opening Date
01/15/2026
Closing Date
1/29/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code
40061
Position Number
00005582
Union
SEIU Local 668
Bargaining Unit
F4
Pay Group
ST06
Bureau / Division Code
00210973
Bureau / Division
Torrance State Hospital
Worksite Address
121 Longview Drive
City
Torrance, Pennsylvania
Zip Code
15779
Contact Name
Sandra Schleicher
Contact Email
saschleich@pa.gov
Description
Benefits
Questions
THE POSITION
Embark on a rewarding opportunity to use your knowledge to help a vulnerable population! The Department of Human Services is seeking an energetic and dedicated Forensic Social Worker 1 to work within the forensic unit at Torrance State Hospital. Your work on this role will help us continue to care for individuals involved in the legal system who face serious and persistent mental illness. If you are excited to make a difference while starting a new career, apply today!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
In this position, you will work with individuals involved in the legal system who need assessment and treatment, competency evaluations, aid in sentencing evaluations, group programming, and support with their legal system endeavors. Your work will involve conducting groups and working with community providers, court systems, and patients' families and support systems. This includes conducting virtual visits, arranging in-person visitation for patients, arranging discharges, and scheduling follow-up appointments in accordance with treatment team recommendations. You will also serve as a member of the multi-disciplinary team and provide input into patient progress, needs, and the development of patient treatment goals. Some of your duties will be conducting biopsychosocial and risk assessments with individuals, then presenting results to the multi-disciplinary team for the treatment planning and goal planning process. This role will require using crisis management to assist with patient escalation and to also provide support to other patients in the event of a crisis scenario. As a Forensic Social Worker, you will be working in a secure treatment unit where patients are not able to be off the grounds without permission and supervision. Additionally, you will participate in committees as needed, as well as maintain a knowledge of licensing bodies and requirements for licensing and inpatient psychiatric treatment.
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=00005582) .
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
Full-time employment
Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
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:
A bachelor's or master's degree in social work or social welfare.;or
Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within three months of graduating with a qualifying degree.
Other Requirements:
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:
A conditional offer of employment will require a medical examination and drug screening.
This position falls under the provisions of the Older Adult Protective Services Act.
Under the Act, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports, including but not limited to, PA State Police and FBI clearance.
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 in Social Work or Social Welfare, or are you within 3 months of completing a Bachelor's degree or higher?
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.
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 or higher, on what date do you expect to receive your degree? Type N/A in the text box if this does not apply.
03
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 educational background to the 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 category carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of education. List the training source(s) from your education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training. Please noteyou must have received a passing grade in the courseto earn credit for it on this supplement. The "Level of Performance" you choose for each work behavior must be clearly supported within the description of the education information entered in your application or your score may be lowered.You may NOT claim the same course under more than one area of study.You also may be asked to provide a syllabus for any course in question.
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
04
WORK BEHAVIOR 1: COLLEGE COURSEWORK - GERONTOLOGY
Defined as the study of the aging process, older adults, and the issues important to them. Emphasis is given to understanding client and family strengths; diversity among the aged population; the social, cultural, community, and policy @contexts of aging in order to understand the aging process and gain skills to practice with and/or on behalf of the elderly and their family members. To qualify under this category, gerontology must have been an integral part of the course. Coursework includes but is not limited to: Aging Populations; Bereavement and Grieving; Social Work and Aging; Introduction to Gerontology; Social Dynamics of Aging; and Psychology of Adulthood and Aging.
A. I have successfully completed 9 or more college credits related to gerontology.
B. I have successfully completed 6 to 8 college credits related to gerontology.
C. I have successfully completed 3 to 5 college credits related to gerontology.
D. I have NOT completed college credits related to gerontology.
05
EDUCATION DETAILS
Please list details regarding the coursework you are claiming in the table below. Please note youmusthave received a passing grade in the course to earn credit for it on this supplement. You maynotclaim the same course under more than one area of study. 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 your education was 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.
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.
06
WORK BEHAVIOR 2: COLLEGE COURSEWORK - MENTAL HEALTH/MENTAL ILLNESS
Defined as the study of the human mind and its functions, especially those affecting individual behavior. To qualify under this category, mental health/mental illness must have been an integral part of the course. Coursework includes, but is not limited to Abnormal Psychology; Psychopharmacology; Psychology of Human Cognition; Behavior Modification; Addiction and Society; Brain and Behavior; Psychopathy; and Drug/Alcohol Addiction.
A. I have successfully completed 9 or more college credits related to mental health/mental illness.
B. I have successfully completed 6 to 8 college credits related to mental health/mental illness.
C. I have successfully completed 3 to 5 college credits related to mental health/mental illness.
D. I have NOT completed college credits related to mental health/mental illness.
07
EDUCATION DETAILS
Please list details regarding the coursework you are claiming in the table below. Please note youmusthave received a passing grade in the course to earn credit for it on this supplement. You mayNOTclaim the same course under more than one area of study. 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 your education was 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.
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.
08
WORK BEHAVIOR 3: COLLEGE COURSEWORK - CRIMINOLOGY
Defined as the study of the nature, extent, management, causes, control, consequences, and prevention of criminal behavior. To qualify under this category, criminology must have been an integral part of the course. Coursework includes, but is not limited to: Deviance and Social control; Gender and Crime; Substance Abuse and the Criminal Justice System; Ethnic and Minority Relations; Family Violence; and Psychology of Criminal Behavior.
A. I have successfully completed 9 or more college credits related to criminology.
B. I have successfully completed 6 to 8 college credits related to criminology.
C. I have successfully completed 3 to 5 college credits related to criminology.
D. I have NOT completed college credits related to criminology.
09
EDUCATION DETAILS
Please list details regarding the coursework you are claiming in the table below. Please note youmusthave received a passing grade in the course to earn credit for it on this supplement. You mayNOTclaim the same course under more than one area of study. 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 your education was 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.
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.
10
WORK BEHAVIOR 4: COLLEGE COURSEWORK - DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
Defined as chronic mental or physical impairments that arise before adulthood and can cause difficulties in certain areas of life, most notably language, mobility and learning, and independent living. Some examples of common developmental disabilities include Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. To qualify under this category, developmental disabilities must have been an integral part of the course. Coursework includes, but is not limited to: Treatment and Education in Developmental Disabilities; Special Education; Social Work and Developmental Disabilities; and Cognitive Psychology.
A. I have successfully completed 9 or more college credits related to developmental disabilities.
B. I have successfully completed 6 to 8 college credits related to developmental disabilities.
C. I have successfully completed 3 to 5 college credits related to developmental disabilities.
D. I have NOT completed college credits related to developmental disabilities.
11
EDUCATION DETAILS
Please list details regarding the coursework you are claiming in the table below. Please note youmusthave received a passing grade in the course to earn credit for it on this supplement. You mayNOTclaim the same course under more than one area of study. 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 your education was 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.
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.
Required Question
Employer
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Address
613 North Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120
Website
http://www.employment.pa.gov
