Do you want to make a difference by helping individuals navigate challenges as a Social Worker 1 with the Department of Corrections? In this position, you provide guidance, encouragement, and support that help inmates strengthen their lives at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Cambridge Springs. You work closely with staff, families, and community partners to promote successful outcomes. Become part of a mission-driven environment dedicated to stability, progress, and hope.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This position supports social services and case management work that helps inmates build skills, address needs, and prepare for positive change. It brings together counseling, record management, communication, and reentry planning to support safe and effective rehabilitation. As a Social Worker 1, you will perform the following duties:
Counseling Support:
Provide guidance, crisis assistance, and individual counseling to inmates and families
Case Coordination:
Coordinate social services programs with staff and community partners to support inmate needs
Record Management:
Develop and maintain reports and documentation needed to manage each inmate's caseload
Reentry Planning:
Assist with parole preparation, group sessions, and coordination of discharge and community admission plans
Follow-Up Services:
Provide support to community-placed inmates to confirm continuity of care
Complaint Review:
Investigate and clarify information related to allegations of human rights violations Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
Full-time employment, 37.5-hour work week Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch. This position is eligible for full retirement benefits at age 50 or 55.
Telework:
You will not have the option to telework in this position.
Salary:
Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $53,008.00 (before taxes). Additional pay will be considered for those who currently possess or obtain licensure as a Social Worker, Clinical Social Worker, or Professional Counselor issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapist and Professional Counselors. Documentation will need to be provided at interview to receive additional pay consideration. You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
A bachelor's or master's degree in social work or social welfare. Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.
Special Requirements:
All employees in the Department of Corrections must obtain Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) certification within two months of hire and maintain it for the duration of employment in the job.
Other Requirements:
You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines. Successful completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA is required. You must be able to perform essential job functions.
Legal Requirements:
You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements. How to
Apply:
Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date . Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted. Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position. All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.
Veterans:
Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans. Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS): 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals). If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date. The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video! See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator. Health & Wellness We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.• Compensation & Financial Planning We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options. Work/Life Balance We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.• Values and Culture We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving. Employee Perks Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships. For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box. Eligibility rules apply.
