Parole Agent 1 - SCI Cambridge Springs

About the Role

As a Parole Agent 1 you will advise inmates in a state correctional institution and prepare them for parole hearings. This hands‑on trainee position teaches you how to guide and encourage inmates as they become ready to re‑enter their communities. Successful completion of the 12‑month training period leads to promotion to Parole Agent 2 with an increase in salary. The position is within the Department of Corrections following the merger created by Senate Bill 411.

Responsibilities

• Interview Preparation: Conduct interviews and provide guidance to inmates to help them create parole plans.
• Case Review: Examine inmate records and conduct pre‑parole investigations to ensure parole plans are acceptable.
• Report Writing: Prepare summaries and investigation reports that support decision‑making.
• Hearing Coordination: Arrange, support, and participate in hearings while ensuring all required documents and security procedures are in place.
• Inmate Education: Conduct orientation and parole classes to inform offenders about parole processes and policies.
• Public Interaction: Respond to inquiries from inmates, families, officials, and the public.

Schedule

• Full‑time employment, 40 hours per week.
• Work schedule and hours are to be determined.
• Required to work holidays and weekends as needed.
• Must be willing to travel.
• No telework option.

Benefits

• Eligibility for full retirement benefits at age 50 or 55.

Qualifications

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements (any one of the following):

• Four years of paraprofessional experience, including two years in paraprofessional social services, human services, corrections, or law enforcement.
• Two years of paraprofessional social services, human services, corrections, or law enforcement experience plus an associate’s degree.
• A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, legal studies, political science, behavioral science, or a related field.
• 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

• Active non‑commercial Pennsylvania Class C driver’s license (or equivalent).
• Obtain CLEAN certification within two months of employment and maintain it.

Other Requirements

• Successful completion of the Parole Agent 1 basic training program at the Training Academy in Elizabethtown, PA.
• Compliance with Pennsylvania residency requirements.
• Ability to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements

• Medical examination and drug screening.
• Background investigation and compliance with Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) requirements.
• Review of prior law‑enforcement employment records as required by Pennsylvania Act 57 of 2020.