Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist 2 - SCI Laurel Highlands

THE POSITION

Do you want to inspire growth and strengthen personal progress? The State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Laurel Highlands is seeking a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist 2 who encourages constructive change. This position empowers you to guide individuals as they develop new skills within treatment programs. Your involvement supports steady advancement and renewed direction. Take the next step in your counseling career and make a lasing impact on recovery and rehabilitation at SCI Laurel Highlands!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position provides treatment and support for inmates who need help with alcohol or other drug issues. The role focuses on structured programming, counseling, assessments, and guiding individuals toward healthier decisions. As a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist 2, you will perform the following duties:

• Program Facilitation: Lead daily therapeutic community and outpatient program activities that promote learning and positive behavioral change
• Case Management: Maintain organized case history files and treatment plans to support progress for each inmate
• Counseling Services: Provide individual and group counseling according to established policies and treatment guidelines
• Assessment Duties: Conduct assessments and review historical documentation to make informed recommendations
• Recovery Meetings: Manage and oversee voluntary support meetings and coordinate enrollment for participants
• Staff Support: Offer guidance and training to new specialists, students, and volunteers as assigned

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 may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) full-time. 
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• 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 and one year of 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 Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist 1; or
• Two years of professional experience providing drug and alcohol counseling services directly to clients in a social work setting; and a bachelor's degree that includes 18 credits in the behavioral sciences; or
• One year of professional experience providing drug and alcohol counseling services directly to clients in a social work setting and a master's degree with major coursework in addictions science, psychology or social work; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training which includes 18 college credits in the behavioral sciences.

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 Requirement:

• You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements. 

This position is subject to the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement or memorandum of understanding. If no applicable union-covered bidders apply, other applicants may be considered. 

• Seniority rights apply for Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist 1s
• Seniority/Promotion Unit: 238

You must be eligible for selection in accordance with merit system employment regulations.

Recruitment Methods: 

• Applicants must meet the following method to be considered for this vacancy: 
  • Seniority Promotion
• When the collective bargaining obligation(s) have been met; then the following recruitment methods may be used: 
  • Promotion Without Exam
  • Reassignment (Only current civil service employees in the same agency who hold the same or similar job title, with the same maximum salary, within the same occupational group or where there is a logical career movement, will qualify for reassignment.) 
    • Meritorious service is defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting, and 
    • (b) the last regular or probationary performance evaluation showing an overall rating of satisfactory or higher. 
  • Voluntary Demotion

Promotion Without Examination (PWOE):

• Class Restrictions for Promotion Without Examination Only - You must have or have held regular civil service status in one of the following classifications:
  • Corrections Counselor 1
  • Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist 1 
  • Social Worker 1
  • We will also consider applications from current Commonwealth employees in pay scale group ST06 for which there is a logical occupational, functional, or career developmental relationship to this position. All applicants must meet the minimum experience and training requirements. 
• Employees who previously held regular civil service status in the job title of the position being filled are also eligible for promotion without examination.
• The promotion without examination requirements are issued in accordance with merit system employment regulations.
• Meritorious service is defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting, and (b) the last regular or probationary performance evaluation showing an overall rating of satisfactory or higher. 
• Applicants must have a minimum of one year in the next lower classes by the posting closing date with no break in service. 

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.

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.

Benefits

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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.

Supplemental Questions

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Agency Information

EmployerCommonwealth of PennsylvaniaAddress 613 North Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120 Website http://www.employment.pa.gov