Corrections Counselor 1 - SCI Smithfield

About the role

As a Corrections Counselor 1 with the Department of Corrections (DOC), you will play a key role in guiding inmates toward positive change. You will support daily adjustment, encourage responsible choices, and help connect inmates with needed programs. This position provides a meaningful way to develop professional skills and serve the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Smithfield community.

Responsibilities

• Inmate Interviews: Meet with inmates to discuss adjustment issues, concerns, and available support resources.
• Basic Casework: Maintain simple records, prepare routine reports, and document relevant information about inmate progress.
• Program Guidance: Provide information about educational, vocational, and re‑entry programs, and explain how inmates may access them.
• Communication Support: Share important updates with staff, families, and outside agencies in a clear and respectful manner.
• Behavior Encouragement: Support positive conduct by offering feedback, discussing expectations, and reinforcing institutional rules.
• Caseload Assistance: Help manage routine caseload tasks, organize documents, and assist with preparation for meetings and evaluations.

Work 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 available.

Pay

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

Qualifications

• Minimum Experience and Training: 3 years + 6 months as a corrections officer and 18 college credits in sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field; or a bachelor’s degree with the same credit requirement; or an equivalent combination of experience and training. Applicants within three months of graduating with a qualifying degree will be considered to have met the educational requirement.
• 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.
• Other Requirements: Successful completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA; meet Pennsylvania residency requirement; be able to perform essential job functions.
• Legal Requirements: Pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.