Psychological Services Associate, Corrections - SCI Laurel Highlands

The Department of Corrections (DOC), State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Laurel Highlands is on the lookout for a dedicated individual with a strong passion for delivering mental health services to those in our care. In the role of Psychologist Services Associate, Corrections, you will be instrumental in assisting individuals in decreasing their chances of reoffending and facilitating their successful return to society. We prioritize teamwork and collaboration, and we are excited to welcome someone who thrives in a vibrant and supportive Psychology Department. If you are aligned with our mission and committed to your professional development, we invite you to apply for this opportunity today!

As a Psychological Services Associate (PSA) within the Corrections sector, your role will involve delivering psychological services under the direct clinical oversight of a Licensed Psychologist Manager to individuals incarcerated in a designated State Correctional Institution. This service aims to effectively address the mental health and emotional needs of inmates during their incarceration with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. You will collaborate with the Licensed Psychologist Manager in the planning and organization of outpatient mental health and psychological services at the State Correctional Institution, which includes the creation and implementation of Individual Recovery Plans for patients. Under the supervision of the Licensed Psychologist Manager, you may administer psychological and intelligence assessments as necessary. Additionally, you will conduct mental status examinations and prepare psychological evaluations regularly. Your responsibilities will also encompass providing both individual and group therapy for inmates diagnosed with mental health disorders, those convicted of sex offenses, individuals with dual diagnoses, and general population inmates requiring crisis intervention services.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 40 hour work week
• Work hours are 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch
• This position is eligible for full retirement benefits at age 50 or 55.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
  • Additional pay will be considered for those who currently possess or obtain licensure as a Social Worker, Clinical Social Worker, or Professional Counselor issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapist and Professional Counselors. Documentation will need to be provided at interview to receive additional pay consideration.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• A Master's degree in psychology or a closely related field, which includes fifteen graduate level credits in psychology, counseling, educational counseling, rehabilitation, human development, learning, or motivation.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.

Other Requirements:

• Successful completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA is required.
• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

• You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.

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).
• This posting requires submission of a copy of your college transcript(s). Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You may upload your document as an attachment during the application process. You must still complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. All documents MUST be uploaded prior to the submission of your application.
• 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.

• 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.