Corrections Officer Trainee - SCI Mercer
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Corrections Officer Trainee - SCI Mercer
Salary
$49,010.00 Annually
Location
Mercer County, PA
Job Type
Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number
CS-2026-51731-47200
Department
Department of Corrections
Division
CR SCI Mercer
Opening Date
07/10/2026
Closing Date
7/24/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code
47200
Position Number
Multiple positions may be filled through this posting.
Union
PSCOA
Bargaining Unit
H1
Pay Group
CO34
Bureau / Division Code
00114810
Bureau / Division
Corrections/Mercer
Worksite Address
801 Butler Pike
City
Mercer, Pennsylvania
Zip Code
16137
Contact Name
Beth Rumberger
Contact Phone
717.307.3221
Contact Email
brumberger@pa.gov
Description
Benefits
Questions
THE POSITION
Join the Department of Corrections as a Corrections Officer Trainee and begin a career that makes a real difference. This role offers hands-on training and steady support as you learn how to maintain safety and order within a state correctional facility. You will build strong skills, gain confidence, and help support the well-being of inmates and staff.
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 Mercer.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This position provides training and guided experience in the custody, supervision, and support of inmates in a state correctional facility. The role involves direct interaction with inmates and structured learning in essential security and counseling practices.
As a Corrections Officer Trainee, you will perform the following duties:
Inmate Contact:Interact with inmates and visitors in both direct and indirect situations
Maintain Security:Monitor inmate movement and activities in cellblocks, housing units, work areas, dining spaces, and recreation areas to maintain security
Observation:Make periodic and unannounced rounds, conduct head counts, complete security checks, and report unusual situations to a Corrections Officer
Work Schedule:Full-time employment where you will 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 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
Training Participation:Participate in formalized instruction in the areas of sociology, psychology, court procedures, self-defense, leadership, custodial responsibilities, and the facility's organizational structure
Provide Guidance:Offer advice and guidance to inmates adjusting and participating in correctional processes and agency rules/regulations
Prepare Reports:Write and complete detailed reports
Respond to Emergencies:Act quickly and safely during emergency situations
Uniforms:Wear employer-provided uniforms
Union Membership:Follow promotion provisions of a collective bargaining agreement or memorandum
Salary: Starting hourly rate is $23.49; Shift differential is up to $1.25 per hour
Retirement: Eligible for full retirement benefits at age 50 or 55
Benefits Package: Comprehensive benefits package, including health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs
Benefits Information (https://www.employment.pa.gov/benefits/Pages/default.aspx)
INTERVIEW PROCESS:
Interviews for these vacancies are scheduled for August 11, 2026 and if needed August 12, 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 (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) 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 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.
All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers (https://www.pa.gov/agencies/hrmoa/resources/generative-ai-hiring-guidance) for additional information.
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
The question below will be used to ensure applicants are at least 18 years of age at the time of application. Your response to this optional question may also be used for data analytics purposes.What is your current age?
Under 18
18 - 20
21 or older
02
CS-INSTRUCTIONS - SINGLE/DOUBLE FER, CERTIFICATION, ETC. You must complete the supplemental question(s) below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. 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 question(s). 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 question(s) is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. Read the question(s) carefully. List the employer(s) from your Work sections of the application where you gained this experience. The option you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience 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
03
Do you possess six months or more of full-time experience in the care, custody, and control of inmates inside the perimeter of a county, state, federal, or military correctional facility?
Yes
No
04
If you indicated YES to the question above, please describe the details of the experience you possess. Please be sure to address the items listed below in your response. The claimed experience must also be provided within the experience section of your application. If you indicated NO to the question above, @type N/A in the box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The specific duties you performed related to your experience with care, custody, and control of inmates inside the perimeter of a county, state, federal, or military correctional facility.
Your level of responsibility.
05
Do you possess six months or more of full-time experience in the care, custody, and control of court-adjudicated youth or convicted adults in a confined setting [Community Correction Center (CCC), halfway house]?
Yes
No
06
If you indicated YES to the question above, please describe the details of the experience you possess. Please be sure to address the items listed below in your response. The claimed experience must also be provided within the experience section of your application. If you indicated NO to the question above, @type N/A in the box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The specific duties you performed related to your experience with care, custody, and control of court-adjudicated youth or convicted adults in a confined setting [Community Corrections Center (CCC), halfway house].
Your level of responsibility.
07
Do you possess six months or more of full-time experience working directly with/providing care for youths or adults in a mental health or state hospital facility?
Yes
No
08
If you indicated YES to the question above, please describe the details of the experience you possess. Please be sure to address the items listed below in your response. The claimed experience must also be provided within the experience section of your application. If you indicated NO to the question above, @type N/A in the box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The specific duties you performed related to your experience working directly with/providing care for youths or adults in a mental health or state hospital facility.
Your level of responsibility.
09
Do you possess six months or more of full-time professional law enforcement experience with the power of arrest?
Yes
No
10
If you indicated YES to the question above, please describe the details of the experience you possess. Please be sure to address the items listed below in your response. The claimed experience must also be provided within the experience section of your application. If you indicated NO to the question above, @type N/A in the box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The specific duties you performed related to your experience of full-time professional law enforcement experience with the power of arrest.
Your level of responsibility.
Required Question
Employer
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Address
613 North Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120
Website
http://www.employment.pa.gov
