Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist 1 - SCI Forest
Salary
$56,541.00 - $86,022.00 Annually
Location
Forest County, PA
Job Type
Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number
CS-2026-53734-38420
Department
Department of Corrections
Division
CR FRS Trmt Svcs
Opening Date
07/10/2026
Closing Date
7/24/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code
38420
Position Number
00024880
Union
SEIU Local 668
Bargaining Unit
F4
Pay Group
ST06
Bureau / Division Code
00113250
Bureau / Division
State Correctional Institution at Forest
Worksite Address
286 Woodland Drive
City
Marienville, Pennsylvania
Zip Code
16239
Contact Name
Wendy Mangan
Contact Phone
717.307.3225
Contact Email
wemangan@pa.gov
THE POSITION
Become a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist 1 with the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Forest and make a positive difference every day. This position gives you the chance to help people rebuild their lives through focused treatment and guidance. Your work will shape real outcomes for individuals facing substance challenges. Step into a role where your commitment leads to lasting change!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This position focuses on providing beginning-level professional casework and counseling for individuals struggling with substance dependence in a correctional setting. The work supports treatment, recovery, and rehabilitation through structured sessions and collaborative planning. As a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist 1, you will perform the following duties:
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
Full-time employment, 40 hours per week
Work hours are 7:30 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 $56,541.00 (before taxes).
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:
One year of para-professional experience providing drug and alcohol counseling services directly to clients in a social work setting; and certification by the PA Chemical Abuse Certification Board as a "Certified Addictions Counselor"; or
One year of experience as a Corrections Counselor or Social Worker (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
One year of professional experience providing drug and alcohol counseling services directly to clients in a social work setting and a bachelors degree that includes 18 college credits in the behavioral sciences; or
A masters degree with major course work in addictions science, psychology or social work; or
An equivalent combination of experience and training which includes 18 college credits in the behavioral sciences.
Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.
Other Requirements:
Legal Requirement:
How to Apply:
Veterans:
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
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/test once for this posting.
Your results will be provided via email.
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.
01
Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Corrections Counselor or Social Worker for one or more years full-time?
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 at least one year of full-time experience providing drug and alcohol counseling services directly to clients in a social work setting?
04
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.
05
Have you completed college coursework that includes 18 college credits in the behavioral sciences?
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 a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting www.naces.org and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.
You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.
06
Do you possess certification by the PA Chemical Abuse Certification Board as a Certified Associate Addiction Counselor (CAAC), Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC), Associate Addiction Counselor (AAC), a Certified Co-Occurring Disorders Professional certification, or Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professional Certification?
07
If you answered "Yes" to the above question, please provide your certification number and expiration date in the text box below. If you answered "No" to the above question, please type n/a in the text box below.
08
Have you completed a masters degree with major coursework in addictions science, psychology, or social work?
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 a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting www.naces.org and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.
You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.
09
If you are within three months of completing a masters degree with major coursework in addictions science, psychology, or social work, on what date do you expect to graduate? If this does not apply to you, please type N/A in the text box.
10
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. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be 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 our FAQ page.
11
WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - SCREEN, ASSESS, AND INTERVIEW PATIENTS
Screens, assesses, and interviews patients who have documented histories of substance use/dependence and have been referred for Substance Abuse Disorder (SUD) services. Obtains information from patients concerning their substance use and potential mental health histories for the purpose of developing and implementing treatment plans.
Levels of Performance
Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
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.
13
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
14
WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - TREATMENT PLANS
Develops, plans and conducts treatment activities and counseling services for patients on a group and individual basis. Attends treatment team meetings; writes and updates Substance Abuse Disorder (SUD) treatment plan goals and interventions in collaboration with the patient; maintains records.
Levels of Performance
Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
15
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.
16
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
17
WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - COUNSEL PATIENTS
Counsels patients in order to obtain their participation in planned rehabilitation programs; facilitates change in thinking and behavior by using motivational interviewing principles, cognitive behavioral therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy or motivational enhancement therapy as well as other methods; encourages their participation in other facility provided programs and activities; conducts individual and group therapy sessions; explains available services; assists patients in adjusting to their current living environment; and may recommend community supports and programs to maintain recovery.
Levels of Performance
Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
18
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.
19
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
20
WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
Writes treatment plans, discharge summaries, case histories, assessments, correspondence and records related to patients being treated for substance use/dependence.
Levels of Performance
Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
21
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.
22
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
Required Question
Employer Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Address 613 North Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120
Website http://www.employment.pa.gov