Social Worker 1 - SCI Cambridge Springs

Social Worker 1 - SCI Cambridge Springs

Salary

$53,008.00 - $80,646.00 Annually

Location

Crawford County, PA

Job Type

Civil Service Permanent Full-Time

Job Number

CS-2026-56684-40060

Department

Department of Corrections

Division

CR CBS Trmt Srvs

Opening Date

08/20/2026

Closing Date

9/3/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code

40060

Position Number

50460082

Union

SEIU Local 668

Bargaining Unit

F4

Pay Group

ST06

Bureau / Division Code

00111650

Bureau / Division

State Correctional Institution at Cambridge Springs

Worksite Address

451 Fullerton Avenue

City

Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania

Zip Code

16403

Contact Name

Maria Traficante

Contact Phone

717.705.9033

Contact Email

mtraficant@pa.gov

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

THE POSITION

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 bachelors 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.

01

Do you possess a conferred Bachelors degree or higher, or are you within 3 months of possessing a conferred Bachelors degree or higher, in Social Work or Social Welfare?

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 do not possess a conferred bachelors 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.

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 educational background to the 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 category carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of education. List the training source(s) from your education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training. The "Level of Performance" you choose for each work behavior must be clearly supported within the description of the education information entered in your application or your score may be lowered.If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.

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

COLLEGE COURSEWORK - GERONTOLOGY

Defined as the study of the aging process, older adults, and the issues important to them. Emphasis is given to understanding client and family strengths; diversity among the aged population; the social, cultural, community, and policy contexts of aging in order to understand the aging process and gain skills to practice with and/or on behalf of the elderly and their family members. To qualify under this category, gerontology must have been an integral part of the course. Coursework includes but is not limited to: Aging Populations; Bereavement and Grieving; Social Work and Aging; Introduction to Gerontology; Social Dynamics of Aging; and Psychology of Adulthood and Aging.

• A. I have completed 9 or more college credits related to gerontology.
• B. I have completed 6 to 8 college credits related to gerontology.
• C. I have completed 3 to 5 college credits related to gerontology.
• D. I have NOT completed college credits related to gerontology.

05

Please list details regarding the coursework you are claiming in the table below. Please note you must have received a passing grade in the course to earn credit for it on this supplement. You may NOT claim the same course under more than one area of study. If you claimed you have no education related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

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 your education was 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

COLLEGE COURSEWORK - MENTAL HEALTH/MENTAL ILLNESS

Defined as the study of the human mind and its functions, especially those affecting individual behavior. To qualify under this category, mental health/mental illness must have been an integral part of the course. Coursework includes, but is not limited to Abnormal Psychology; Psychopharmacology; Psychology of Human Cognition; Behavior Modification; Addiction and Society; Brain and Behavior; Psychopathy; and Drug/Alcohol Addiction.

• A. I have completed 9 or more college credits related to mental health/mental illness.
• B. I have completed 6 to 8 college credits related to mental health/mental illness.
• C. I have a completed 3 to 5 college credits related to mental health/mental illness.
• D. I have NOT completed college credits related to mental health/mental illness.

07

Please list details regarding the coursework you are claiming in the table below. Please note you must have received a passing grade in the course to earn credit for it on this supplement. You may NOT claim the same course under more than one area of study. If you claimed you have no education related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

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 your education was 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.

08

COLLEGE COURSEWORK - CRIMINOLOGY

Defined as the study of the nature, extent, management, causes, control, consequences, and prevention of criminal behavior. To qualify under this category, criminology must have been an integral part of the course. Coursework includes, but is not limited to: Deviance and Social control; Gender and Crime; Substance Abuse and the Criminal Justice System; Ethnic and Minority Relations; Family Violence; and Psychology of Criminal Behavior.

• A. I have completed 9 or more college credits related to criminology.
• B. I have completed 6 to 8 college credits related to criminology.
• C. I have completed 3 to 5 college credits related to criminology.
• D. I have NOT completed college credits related to criminology.

09

Please list details regarding the coursework you are claiming in the table below. Please note you must have received a passing grade in the course to earn credit for it on this supplement. You may NOT claim the same course under more than one area of study. If you claimed you have no education related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

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 your education was 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.

10

COLLEGE COURSEWORK - YOUTH AND ADOLESCENCE

Defined as studies that focus on the mental, emotional, and behavioral needs of children and adolescents. To qualify under this category, youth and adolescent populations must have been an integral part of the course. Coursework includes, but is not limited to: Child Psychology; Juvenile Delinquency; Child and Adolescent Development; Child Welfare Services; Family Counseling; Dynamics of the Family Unit; and Early/Elementary/Secondary Education.

• A. I have completed 9 or more college credits related to youth and adolescent populations
• B. I have completed 6 to 8 college credits related to youth and adolescent populations
• C. I have completed 3 to 5 college credits related to youth and adolescent populations.
• D. I have NOT completed college credits related to youth and adolescent populations.

11

Please list details regarding the coursework you are claiming in the table below. Please note you must have received a passing grade in the course to earn credit for it on this supplement. You may NOT claim the same course under more than one area of study. If you claimed you have no education related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

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 your education was 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.

12

COLLEGE COURSEWORK - DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Defined as chronic mental or physical impairments that arise before adulthood and can cause difficulties in certain areas of life, most notably language, mobility and learning, and independent living. Some examples of common developmental disabilities include Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. To qualify under this category, developmental disabilities must have been an integral part of the course. Coursework includes, but is not limited to: Treatment and Education in Developmental Disabilities; Special Education; Social Work and Developmental Disabilities; and Cognitive Psychology.

• A. I have completed 9 or more college credits related to developmental disabilities.
• B. I have completed 6 to 8 college credits related to developmental disabilities.
• C. I have completed 3 to 5 college credits related to developmental disabilities.
• D. I have NOT completed college credits related to developmental disabilities.

13

Please list details regarding the coursework you are claiming in the table below. Please note you must have received a passing grade in the course to earn credit for it on this supplement. You may NOT claim the same course under more than one area of study. If you claimed you have no education related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

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 your education was 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.

Required Question

Employer Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Address 613 North Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120

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