Psychological Services Associate, Corrections - SCI Somerset

The State Correctional Institution at Somerset, under the Department of Corrections, is on the lookout for an enthusiastic and driven individual to fill the role of Psychological Services Associate within our esteemed Psychology Department. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the mental health and well-being of our correctional population, working alongside a dedicated team of professionals committed to providing essential psychological support and services.

As a Psychological Services Associate (PSA) within the Corrections sector, your role will involve delivering psychological services under the close clinical oversight of a Licensed Psychologist Manager, specifically to individuals who are incarcerated in your designated State Correctional Institution. This service aims to effectively and efficiently address the mental health and emotional needs of these individuals during their time in custody with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections.

In this capacity, you will collaborate with the Licensed Psychologist Manager to plan and coordinate outpatient mental health and psychological services for the State Correctional Institution, which includes the creation and implementation of Individual Recovery Plans (treatment plans) for patients. You may also be responsible for administering psychological and intelligence assessments, as appropriate, under the guidance of the Licensed Psychologist Manager. Additionally, you will perform mental status examinations and frequently prepare psychological evaluations. Your responsibilities will encompass conducting both individual and group therapy sessions for individuals with mental health diagnoses, those convicted of sex offenses, individuals with dual diagnoses, and general population inmates, particularly in response to crisis situations.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 40-hour work week
• Work hours are 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $61,903.00 (before taxes).
  • 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.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• This position is eligible for full retirement benefits at age 50 or 55.
• 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.

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 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.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.