Corrections Counselor 1 - SCI Chester

About the role

Take on a meaningful opportunity with the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Chester as a Corrections Counselor 1. This position allows you to help inmates adjust to the institution and focus on building constructive habits. You will connect individuals with programs, guidance, and support that encourage long-term success. It is a chance to make a difference while building a fulfilling and impactful career.

Responsibilities

• Meet with inmates to discuss concerns, offer direction, and encourage constructive behavior
• Document case information, prepare reports, and maintain communication with staff and agencies
• Review assessments, compile histories, and update files used for programming decisions
• Coordinate activities, counseling efforts, and educational services to align with program goals
• Support parole preparation, gather identification materials, and assist with reintegration planning

Requirements

• Three years and six months as a corrections officer, and 18 college credits in any combination of sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field; or
• A bachelor’s degree including 18 college credits in any combination of sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes 18 college credits in any combination of sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field.

Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.

Special Requirements

• Obtain Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network (CLEAN) and Pennsylvania Justice Network (JNET) certification within two months of employment and maintain certification for the duration of employment in this job
• Successful completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA is required
• Meet the PA residency requirement
• Pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements

Schedule

Full-time employment, 40 hours per week. Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch. Telework is not an option in this position.

Pay

Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $56,541.00 (before taxes).