Corrections Counselor 2 - SCI Chester

About the role

Advance your public service career at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Chester and make a meaningful impact every day! This Corrections Counselor 2 role allows you to guide inmates through challenges and support their progress toward positive change. You will help individuals build skills, address personal concerns, and prepare for life in the community. It is an inspiring opportunity to support growth and strengthen the path toward successful re-entry.

Description of work

This position provides counseling and casework services that support inmate adjustment, development, and successful re-entry planning. It ensures that inmates receive guidance, resources, and structured assistance throughout their incarceration.

Responsibilities

• Inmate Interviews: Discuss behavioral or adjustment concerns and provide support with personal and family issues
• Case Management: Prepare records and reports, maintain caseload documentation, and coordinate information with staff and agencies
• Assessment Review: Analyze testing data, compile histories, and maintain documentation for evaluations and planning
• Program Coordination: Work with staff to align programming, activities, and counseling services with treatment goals
• Re-entry Planning: Participate in parole preparation, secure necessary identification, and assist with reintegration needs

Qualifications

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements

• Successful completion of the Corrections Counselor 1 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• One year of professional counseling or casework experience in a correctional facility, and 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 one year of professional counseling or casework experience in a correctional facility and 18 college credits in any combination of sociology, counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field.

Special Requirement

You must 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.

Other Requirements

• Successful completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA is required
• You must meet the PA residency requirement
• 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.

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

Pay

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).

Benefits

This position is eligible for full retirement benefits at age 50 or 55.