Psychological Services Specialist, DHS - North Central Secure Treatment Unit

The Psychological Services Specialist, DHS role with the Bureau of Juvenile Justice Services offers a chance to support the growth and development of young residents at the North Central Treatment Unit. You will help guide their progress through meaningful therapeutic work and teamwork. This position allows you to use your clinical skills while making a positive difference every day. Join a mission-focused team that values compassion, professionalism, and steady leadership.

Watch this video to see how you can make a difference!

This position supports the rehabilitation of adjudicated youth by providing assessments, counseling, and guidance for residents and staff. The work includes clinical evaluation, treatment planning, direct services, and participation in multidisciplinary meetings. As a Psychological Services Specialist, you will perform the following duties:

• Clinical Evaluation: Prepare written assessments and conduct interviews to support treatment planning
• Mental Health Coordination: Collaborate with staff to recommend services and help develop individualized plans
• Direct Counseling: Provide individual and group therapy and participate in hearings and assessments
• Staff Consultation: Offer guidance to direct care staff and attend clinical meetings to support case needs
• Professional Development: Participate in training, review materials, and maintain required credentials
• Safety Oversight: Support order and discipline through active supervision and appropriate intervention

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment (7.5 hours per day/37.5 hours per week)
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (4 shifts) and 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM (1 shift), Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch. This may change based on operational needs.
• Overtime and travel as operationally necessary
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• FREE parking!
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• A master's degree in a behavioral science, counseling education, rehabilitation, human development or a closely related field.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

• 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:

• A conditional offer of employment will require a medical examination and drug screening.
• This position falls under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law.
  • Under the Law, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports including, but not limited to, PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance.

• 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.

• 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.