Job posting will be active from 2/20/2026 until 3/6/2026 Apply at www.employment.pa.gov
THE POSITION
Are you looking for more than just a job, but the start of a successful career? If you have a strong dedication to public service and want to help keep the public safe, we encourage you to submit an application for the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Somerset and Laurel Highlands.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
The Corrections Officer Trainee participates in formal training sessions and on-the-job assignments to develop skills and techniques in the custody and supervision of inmates in a state correctional facility. Work is performed under the direct supervision of a corrections officer. Work in this position involves the care, custody, control, and non-professional counseling of inmates.
Duties and other information for this position include:
Direct and indirect contact with inmates and visitors.
Directing inmates and maintaining security in cellblocks, housing units, cottages, work areas, dining, and recreation areas, by monitoring the movement and activities of inmates.
Observing inmates and inmate behavior by making periodic and unannounced rounds, head counts, and security checks, and reporting anything unusual to a corrections officer.
Work a 40-hour work week with shifts to be determined, work any shift and work in all areas of the institution as assigned, work overtime as required by operation necessities and emergencies, work on those weekends and holidays which occur during your normal work schedule, and report to work under adverse weather conditions.
Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
Participating in formalized instruction in the areas of sociology, psychology, court procedures, self-defense, leadership, custodial responsibilities, and the facility's organizational structure.
Providing advice and guidance in assisting inmates in their adjustment to and participating in correctional processes and the Department's rules and regulations.
Prepare written reports.
Respond to emergency situations.
Uniforms provided.
Full-Time Employment.
Starting hourly rate $22.97.
Shift differential is up to $1.25 per hour.
Eligible for full retirement benefits at age 50 or 55.
This is a union position and is subject to the promotion provisions of a collective bargaining agreement or memorandum.
Comprehensive benefits package, including health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.
Benefits Information.
Successful candidates will work a 40-hour work week with shifts to be determined, attend and successfully pass a five week training program, work "locked inside" a facility unarmed and exposed to the danger of physical harm, accept the possibility that you may have to use physical force during inmate disturbances, work any shift and work in all areas of the institution as assigned, work overtime as required by operation necessities and emergencies, work on those weekends and holidays which occur during your normal work schedule, and report to work under adverse weather conditions.
INTERVIEW PROCESS:
Interviews for these vacancies are scheduled for March 18 and March 19, 2026. Please check your inbox and spam mail regularly as additional information regarding the interview process will be sent to the email address you utilized when applying for this vacancy. You must follow all instructions provided in notices to be considered for a vacancy.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS
Other Requirements:
PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
Successful completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA is required.
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.
Candidates must successfully complete a medical examination, psychological evaluation, and urinalysis screening for drugs.
How to Apply:
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.
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/test once for this posting.
Your results will be provided via email.
Employer
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Address
613 North Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120
Website
http://www.employmen
