Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist 2 - SCI Somerset

Are you looking for a positive and motivating environment where your expertise truly makes a difference? The Department of Corrections (DOC) is seeking a committed Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist 2 to support rehabilitation efforts at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Somerset. This role gives you the opportunity to lead treatment groups, offer guidance, and help inmates develop healthier patterns. Step into a career that supports recovery and promotes long-term success!

This role provides structured treatment, counseling, and assessment services for inmates working to overcome substance use challenges. It involves guiding participants through group and individual treatment while ensuring accurate documentation and compliance with all policies. As a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist 2, you will perform the following duties:

• Group Facilitation: Lead treatment groups across assigned program areas and promote positive behavioral change
• Individual Counseling: Conduct one-on-one counseling sessions and update individualized treatment plans
• Chart Management: Maintain accurate charts and document required information in accordance with directives
• Assessment Work: Complete assessments and make recommendations based on history and policy requirements
• Program Support: Assist with planning and facilitating treatment activities and addressing behavioral issues
• Staff Guidance: Provide direction and support to new specialists, students, and volunteers as assigned

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 40 hours per week
• Work hours are 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• This position is eligible for full retirement benefits at age 50 or 55.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $64,574.00 (before taxes).
• 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:

• One year of para-professional and one year of professional experience providing drug and alcohol counseling services directly to clients in a social work setting; and certification by the PA Chemical Abuse Certification Board as a "Certified Addictions Counselor"; or
  
• One year of experience as a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist 1 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Two years of professional experience providing drug and alcohol counseling services directly to clients in a social work setting; and a bachelor's degree that includes 18 credits in the behavioral sciences; or
• One year of professional experience providing drug and alcohol counseling services directly to clients in a social work setting and a master's degree with major coursework in addictions science, psychology or social work; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training which includes 18 college credits in the behavioral sciences.

• 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 Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirement:

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

Commonwealth employees who wish to use their seniority rights must apply to the internal posting for their seniority rights to be considered.

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.
• 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 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.

• 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.