Psychological Services Specialist, Corrections - SCI Coal Township

$64,959 - $98,661/Yr

Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania

Full-time - Entry Level

Administration of Human Resource Programs

About the position

The Psychological Services Specialist (PSS) position at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) Coal Township is a vital role within the Department of Corrections, focusing on the mental health and emotional well-being of inmates. As a PSS, you will independently provide psychological services and group therapy to the incarcerated population, ensuring that their mental health needs are addressed effectively during their time in custody. This position requires a patient, determined, and ethical professional who is eager to apply their knowledge and skills in a challenging environment. In this role, you will conduct individual interviews and select appropriate psychological tests to assess various aspects of inmates' mental health, including intellectual capacity, personality traits, special aptitudes, and achievement levels. You will also coordinate with other professional staff to ensure that inmates with special mental health needs are referred for appropriate counseling, psychological, psychiatric, and medical services. Writing and preparing psychological reports will be a significant part of your responsibilities, including classification reports, clinical interview results, psychological updates, and evaluations. Additionally, you will collaborate with the Licensed Psychologist Manager to develop new therapeutic programs aimed at enhancing the mental health services provided to inmates. You will also be responsible for providing initial crisis intervention to inmates, ensuring that they receive timely support until further professional services can be arranged. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals during a critical period of their recovery and rehabilitation.

Responsibilities

• Provide psychological services and group therapy to inmates.
• Conduct individual interviews and select appropriate psychological tests.
• Coordinate with professional staff for referrals of special needs mental health cases.
• Write and prepare psychological reports for classification and evaluations.
• Collaborate with the Licensed Psychologist Manager to develop therapeutic programs.
• Provide initial crisis intervention to inmates.

Requirements

• Two years as a Psychological Services Associate in Corrections; or
• A Master's degree in psychology or a closely related field with fifteen graduate-level credits in psychology; and two years of experience in psychology under the supervision of a licensed psychologist.
• Successful completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA is required.
• Must meet the PA residency requirement.
• Must pass a background investigation.

Nice-to-haves

• Licensure as a Social Worker, Clinical Social Worker, or Professional Counselor issued by the Pennsylvania State Board.

Benefits

• Full retirement benefits at age 50 or 55.
• Health insurance coverage.
• Paid holidays and vacation time.
• Flexible work hours.