Psychological Services Associate, Corrections - SCI Waymart

Psychological Services Associate, Corrections - SCI Waymart

Salary

$63,301.00 - $96,225.00 Annually

Location

Wayne County, PA

Job Type

Civil Service Permanent Full-Time

Job Number

CS-2026-49812-43012

Department

Department of Corrections

Division

CR WAM Trmt Svcs

Opening Date

05/15/2026

Closing Date

5/29/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code

43012

Position Number

50518465

Union

SEIU Local 668

Bargaining Unit

F4

Pay Group

ST07

Bureau / Division Code

00116850

Bureau / Division

State Correctional Institution at Waymart

Worksite Address

11 Fairview Road

City

Waymart, Pennsylvania

Zip Code

18472

Contact Name

Treina Brinkley

Contact Email

tbrinkley@pa.gov

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

THE POSITION

Are you ready to channel your clinical passion into meaningful impact while advancing to the next stage of your psychology career? Join the Department of Corrections as a Psychological Services Associate, Corrections and make a meaningful difference every day. This role gives you the chance to support the emotional well-being of inmates at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Waymart. Your work will help individuals build healthier coping skills and prepare for positive change. Apply today to bring your commitment to growth and service to a team that values your impact.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position supports the psychological needs of inmates at SCI Waymart through counseling, testing assistance, and coordination of services. As a Psychological Services Associate, Corrections, you will perform the following duties:

• Counseling Support: Provide counseling and limited therapy to inmates or groups under the direction of a licensed psychologist
• Testing Assistance: Assist in administering, scoring, and interpreting psychological tests and discuss results for approval
• Service Coordination: Work with institutional departments and outside agencies to support delivery of mental health services
• Case Preparation: Prepare case formulations recommending therapy or counseling interventions for licensed psychologist review
• Behavior Planning: Develop behavior modification plans for approval by a licensed psychologist
• Research Participation: Support research studies designed to improve the institutions psychological services program

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 40-hour work week
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Sunday - Thursday, 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 within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $63,301.00 (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 Masters degree in psychology or a closely related field, which includes fifteen graduate level credits in psychology, counseling, educational counseling, rehabilitation, human development, learning, or motivation.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Other Requirements:

• Successful completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA is required.
• 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.
• 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 applicants 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.

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 theres 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.

01

Do you possess a conferred masters degree, or are you within three months of conferring a masters degree, in psychology or a closely related field which includes fifteen graduate-level credits in psychology, counseling, rehabilitation, human development, learning, or motivation?

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.

• Yes
• No

02

If you are within three months of conferring a masters degree in psychology or a closely related field which includes fifteen graduate-level credits in psychology, counseling, rehabilitation, human development, learning, or motivation, on what date do you expect to complete your degree? Type N/A in the text box if this does not apply.

03

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.

• Yes

04

WORK BEHAVIOR 1 PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTS

Administers, scores, and interprets psychological tests to assess the psychological needs and functioning of incarcerated people.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience ADMINISTERING, SCORING, AND INTERPRETING psychological tests to assess the psychological needs and functioning of INCARCERATED PEOPLE.
• B. I have experience ADMINISTERING, SCORING, AND INTERPRETING psychological tests to assess the psychological needs and functioning of individuals OTHER THAN incarcerated people.
• C. I have successfully completed graduate-level coursework or an internship related to psychological test administration or interpretation.
• D. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.

05

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 duties you performed related to administering, scoring, and interpreting psychological tests
• To whom you administered the tests
• Identify the tests you are trained to administer, score, and interpret

06

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

07

WORK BEHAVIOR 2 TREATMENT

Provides individual and group treatment to incarcerated people regarding diagnosed mental illnesses and recovery goals identified in the patients treatment plan.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience providing individual AND group treatment to incarcerated people regarding diagnosed mental illnesses and recovery goals identified in the patients treatment plan.
• B. I have experience providing individual OR group treatment to incarcerated people regarding diagnosed mental illnesses and recovery goals identified in the patients treatment plan.
• C. I have experience providing individual OR group treatment to individuals OTHER THAN incarcerated people regarding diagnosed mental illnesses and recovery goals.
• D. I have successfully completed graduate-level coursework or an internship related to individual and group treatment.
• E. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.

08

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 duties you performed related to providing individual or group treatment
• To whom you provided treatment
• Identify the specific psychological interventions you are trained and credentialed to provide

09

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

10

WORK BEHAVIOR 3 COLLABORATION

Collaborates with other correctional professionals within a multidisciplinary treatment team to identify treatment plan goals for an incarcerated person.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience collaborating with other health care professionals within a multidisciplinary treatment team to identify treatment plan goals for an INCARCERATED PERSON.
• B. I have experience collaborating with other health care professionals within a multidisciplinary treatment team to identify treatment plan goals for an individual OTHER THAN an incarcerated person.
• C. I have successfully completed graduate-level coursework or an internship related to treatment planning.
• D. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.

11

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 duties you performed related to collaborating with multidisciplinary team members to identify treatment plan goals
• For whom you identified treatment plan goals

12

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

13

WORK BEHAVIOR 4 REFERRALS

Makes appropriate referrals to a higher-level specialist (e.g., or a licensed psychologist or Psychiatric provider) for specialized testing, assessment, clinical supervision, or therapeutic intervention.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience making appropriate referrals to a higher-level specialist for specialized testing, assessment, clinical supervision, or therapeutic intervention. This was in a correctional setting.
• B. I have experience making appropriate referrals to a higher-level specialist for specialized testing, assessment, clinical supervision, or therapeutic intervention. This was in a setting OTHER THAN a correctional setting.
• C. I have successfully completed graduate-level coursework related to psychology or an internship related to making referrals.
• D. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.

14

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 duties you performed related to making referrals
• To whom you made referrals
• The setting in which you made referrals

15

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

16

WORK BEHAVIOR 5 CRISIS INTERVENTION

De-escalates behavior of incarcerated people by using verbal de-escalation skills and crisis intervention skills, and by coordinating interventions. Makes determinations for resources and tactics needed to safely resolve the situation.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience de-escalating behavior of INCARCERATED PEOPLE by using verbal de-escalation skills and crisis intervention skills, AND by coordinating interventions. I made determinations of the resources and tactics needed to safely resolve the situation.
• B. I have experience de-escalating behavior of INCARCERATED PEOPLE by using verbal de-escalation skills and crisis intervention skills.
• C. I have experience de-escalating behavior of individuals OTHER THAN incarcerated people by using verbal de- escalation skills and crisis intervention skills.
• D. I have successfully completed graduate-level coursework or an internship related to conflict resolution.
• E. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.

17

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 duties you performed related to de-escalating behavior
• The duties you performed related to coordinating interventions and making determinations for resources and tactics needed
• The setting in which you de-escalated behavior

18

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

Employer Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Address 613 North Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120

Website http://www.employment.pa.gov