Psychological Services Specialist, Corrections - SCI Mahanoy

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　　Psychological Services Specialist, Corrections - SCI Mahanoy

　　Salary

　　$64,959.00 - $98,661.00 Annually

　　Location

　　Schuylkill County, PA

　　Job Type

　　Civil Service Permanent Full-Time

　　Job Number

　　CS-2024-73736-42990

　　Department

　　Department of Corrections

　　Division

　　CR SCI Mahanoy

　　Opening Date

　　01/17/2024

　　Closing Date

　　1/31/2024 11:59 PM Eastern

　　Job Code

　　42990

　　Position Number

　　00302286

　　Union

　　SEIU

　　Bargaining Unit

　　F4

　　Pay Group

　　ST08

　　Bureau / Division Code

　　00114800

　　Bureau / Division

　　Department of Corrections / State Correctional Institution at Mahanoy

　　Worksite Address

　　301 Grey Line Drive

　　City

　　Frackville, Pennsylvania

　　Zip Code

　　17931

　　Contact Name

　　Yen Le

　　Contact Phone

　　717.705.5614

　　Contact Email

　　hole@pa.gov

　　Description

　　Benefits

　　Questions

　　THE POSITION

　　Would you enjoy a career that allows you to ensure that Pennsylvania inmates receive mental health services to assist their psychological needs to help them with behavioral issues? The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (DOC) - State Correctional Institute (SCI), Mahanoy is seeking a highly motivated Psychological Services Specialist (PSS), Corrections, to join our Psychology Department. This position provides psychological services to address the mental health and general emotional adjustment needs of the inmate population at SCI, Mahanoy. If you are passionate about helping those with mental health issues, apply today and feel good at the end of your workday knowing you did your best to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

　　DESCRIPTION OF WORK

　　As a PSS, Corrections, you will be responsible for independently providing psychological services and group therapy to inmates at SCI, Mahanoy. The purpose of this service delivery is to ensure individuals' mental health and general emotional needs are addressed efficiently and effectively during a period of incarceration with the DOC.

　　Duties include conducting individual interviews and independently selecting appropriate tests to measure intellectual capacity, personality, special aptitudes and achievement levels. You coordinate professional staff services to ensure special needs mental health cases are referred for counseling, psychological, psychiatric, and medical services. In addition, you write and prepare psychological reports for classification, clinical interview results, parole summaries, psychological updates and evaluations, and others as required. Also, you work in association with the Licensed Psychologist Manager to develop new departmental education therapeutic programs and provide initial crisis intervention with inmates until additional professional services are coordinated.

　　Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description (https://careers.employment.pa.gov/pd/PD_NEOGOV.asp?p=00302286) .

　　Work Schedule and Additional Information:

　　Full-time employment, 37.5-hour work week

　　Work hours during probation will be 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM with a 30-minute lunch.

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

　　Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $64,959 (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. Please check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

　　REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

　　QUALIFICATIONS

　　Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

　　Two years as a Psychological Services Associate Corrections; or

　　A Master's degree in psychology or a closely related field which includes fifteen graduate level credits in psychology; and two years of experience in the field of psychology under the direct supervision of a licensed psychologist.

　　Other Requirements:

　　You must meet the PA residency requirement (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) . For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) and click on Residency.

　　You must be able to perform essential job functions.

　　Legal Requirement:

　　You must pass a background investigation.

　　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.

　　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.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans’ Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov . 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.

　　EXAMINATION INFORMATION

　　Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).

　　Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.

　　Your score is valid for this specific posting only.

　　You must provide complete and accurate information or:

　　your score may be lower than deserved.

　　you may be disqualified.

　　You may only apply/testoncefor this posting.

　　Your results will be provided via email.

　　Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this shortvideo (https://www.youtube.com/embed/HtcSRnndflc?rel=0) !

　　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, six 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 visitwww.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

　　*Eligibility rules apply.

　　01

　　Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Psychological Services Associate, Corrections for two or more years full-time?

　　Yes

　　No

　　02

　　If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.

　　03

　　Do you possess a conferred master's degree in psychology or a closely related field which includes 15 graduate credits in psychology? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted. If you answer "yes" to the above question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must also upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visithttps://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3and click on Other Information.

　　Yes

　　No

　　04

　　If you do not have a conferred master's degree or higher, on what date do you expect to receive your degree? Type N/A in the text box if this does not apply.

　　05

　　Do you possess two or more years of full-time experience in the field of psychology under the direct supervision of a licensed psychologist?

　　Yes

　　No

　　06

　　If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.

　　07

　　You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. Youmustcomplete the applicationandanswer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.

　　All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.

　　Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training.The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered.In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.

　　If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.

　　If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to ourFAQ page (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) .

　　Yes

　　08

　　WORK BEHAVIOR 1 – PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT

　　Assesses mental, behavioral, emotional, and developmental disorders of patients/clients/inmates by observing patients/clients/inmates; reviewing data and information, psychological reports, etc., provided by other professionals and staff; interviewing patients/clients/inmates, family, and/or staff to elicit information concerning patients/clients/inmates; administering and interpreting standardized tests of personality, interest, vocational aptitude, intelligence, academic achievement, degree of symptom severity, and/or risk assessment; and makes appropriate referrals in narrative reports based upon the patient's/client's/inmate's need.

　　Levels of Performance

　　Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

　　A. I have professional experience related to the work behavior above which includes assessing mental, behavioral, emotional, and developmental disorders of patients/clients/inmates by observing patients/clients/inmates AND reviewing data and information, psychological reports, etc. AND interviewing patients/clients/inmates, family, and/or staff to elicit information concerning patients/clients/inmates AND administering and interpreting standardized tests of personality, interest, intelligence, achievement, and/or risk assessment.

　　B. I have professional experience related to the work behavior above such as interviewing and assessing individuals OR administering OR interpreting standardized tests OR providing feedback to other professionals/individuals.

　　C. I have successfully completed college or graduate level coursework; OR I have completed an internship related to this work behavior.

　　D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

　　09

　　In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

　　The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

　　The actual duties you performed related to psychological assessment.

　　Your level of responsibility.

　　10

　　If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

　　College/University

　　Course Title

　　Credits/Clock Hours

　　11

　　WORK BEHAVIOR 2 – TREATMENT OF INDIVIDUALS

　　Treats patients/clients/inmates/family and/or staff by utilizing various psychological techniques and ongoing assessment tools to continuously update the degree of symptom(s) severity and progress; selecting the appropriate approach to use in individual and/or group therapy and planning the frequency, intensity, and duration of therapy; collaborating with other professionals/specialists in diagnostic and evaluative multi-disciplinary team meetings to discuss diagnosis, etiology, treatment disposition, and community re-entry issues; prepares progress notes, psychological reports, behavioral safety and support plans, treatment plan statements, etc. related to the mental and emotional/behavioral status of patients/clients/inmates/family and/or staff which include data on diagnosis, risk analysis, level of functioning, prognosis, and remediation.

　　Levels of Performance

　　Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

　　A. I have professional experience related to the work behavior above which includes treating patients/clients/inmates/family, or staff by utilizing various psychological techniques AND selecting the appropriate approach to use in individual and/or group therapy AND planning the frequency, intensity, and duration of therapy AND collaborating with other professionals/specialists in diagnostic and evaluative multi-disciplinary team meetings to discuss diagnosis, etiology, treatment disposition, and community re-entry issues AND preparing progress notes, psychological reports, treatment plan statements, etc. related to the mental and emotional/behavioral status of patients/clients/inmates/family, or staff which include data on diagnosis, risk analysis, level of functioning, prognosis, AND remediation.

　　B. I have professional experience related to the work behavior above which includes treating individuals OR selecting the appropriate approach to use in individual/group therapy OR collaborating with other professionals/specialists or preparing progress reports/treatment plans for individuals in a setting where the treatment options are limited to a particular type of treatment/individual.

　　C. I have successfully completed college or graduate level coursework; OR I have completed an internship related to this work behavior.

　　D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

　　12

　　In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

　　The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

　　The actual duties you performed related to the treatment of individuals.

　　Your level of responsibility.

　　13

　　If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

　　College/University

　　Course Title

　　Credits/Clock Hours

　　Required Question

　　Agency

　　Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

　　Address

　　613 North Street

　　Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120

　　Website

　　http://www.employment.pa.gov