<p>THE POSITION</p> <p>Are you ready to apply your academic and vocational counseling expertise in a meaningful and rewarding career? Do you have a passion for making a lasting impact by supporting the rehabilitation and future success of incarcerated adults? The Department of Corrections is seeking a dedicated and highly motivated Educational Guidance Counselor, Corrections Education to join our education team. In this vital advisory role, you will provide guidance and support to students pursuing academic and vocational programs at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Phoenix. If you believe in the transformative power of education and are committed to fostering growth, accountability, and positive change, we encourage you to apply.</p> <p>DESCRIPTION OF WORK</p> <p>In this position, you will provide individual and group counseling to incarcerated adults to support their enrollment in Adult Basic Education (ABE) and General Educational Development (GED) programs. You will guide students in identifying and enrolling in vocational training opportunities that match their academic readiness, personal interests, and the programs available. Key responsibilities include interviewing individuals to assess their educational background, goals, and appropriate placement; conducting daytime school orientations; and evaluating educational needs using various assessment tools. Based on test results, prior education, and personal factors, you will place students into appropriate classes. In addition, you will collaborate with instructional staff by providing preventative support and crisis intervention techniques and offer ongoing educational guidance to help individuals make informed decisions about academic and vocational pathways that match their interests, experience, and abilities.</p> <p>Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.</p> <p>Work Schedule and Additional Information:</p> <ul> <li>Full-time employment, 37.5-hour work week </li><li>Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch. </li><li>This position is eligible for full retirement benefits at age 50 or 55. </li><li>Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position. </li><li>Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $69,156.00 (before taxes). </li><li>You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices. </li></ul> <p>REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY</p> <p>QUALIFICATIONS</p> <p>Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:</p> <ul> <li>Two years of professional experience in educational guidance and educational counseling, and four years of paraprofessional experience in education, social work, or counseling; or </li><li>Two years of professional experience in educational guidance and educational counseling, and a bachelor's degree in the social sciences, behavioral sciences, education, social work, counseling, or a closely related field; or </li><li>An equivalent combination of experience and training, which includes one year of professional experience in educational guidance and educational counseling. </li></ul> <p>Other Requirements:</p> <ul> <li>Successful completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA is required. </li><li>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. </li><li>You must be able to perform essential job functions. </li></ul> <p>Legal Requirements:</p> <ul> <li>You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements. </li></ul> <p>How to Apply:</p> <ul> <li>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). </li><li>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. </li><li>Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted. </li><li>Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position. </li><li>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. </li></ul> <p>Veterans:</p> <ul> <li>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. </li></ul> <p>Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):</p> <ul> <li>711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals). </li></ul> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>EXAMINATION INFORMATION</p> <ul> <li> <p>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).</p> </li><li> <p>Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.</p> </li><li> <p>Your score is valid for this specific posting only.</p> </li><li> <p>You must provide complete and accurate information or:</p> </li><li> <p>your score may be lower than deserved.</p> </li><li> <p>you may be disqualified.</p> </li><li> <p>You may only apply/test once for this posting.</p> </li><li> <p>Your results will be provided via email.</p> </li></ul> <p>Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!</p> <p>See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.</p> <p>Health & Wellness</p> <p>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.*</p> <p>Compensation & Financial Planning</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Work/Life Balance</p> <p>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.*</p> <p>Values and Culture</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Employee Perks</p> <p>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.</p> <p>For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.</p> <ul> <li>Eligibility rules apply. </li></ul> <p>01</p> <p>How many years of full-time professional experience in educational guidance and educational counseling do you possess?</p> <ul> <li>2 years or more </li><li>1 but less than 2 years </li><li>Less than 1 year </li><li>None </li></ul> <p>02</p> <p>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.</p> <p>03</p> <p>How much graduate coursework in the social sciences, behavioral sciences, education, social work, counseling, or a closely related field do you possess?</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <ul> <li>30 credits or more </li><li>Less than 30 credits </li><li>None </li></ul> <p>04</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.</p> <p>If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our FAQ page.</p> <ul> <li>Yes </li></ul> <p>05</p> <p>WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - ADMINISTER AND INTERPRET STANDARDIZED TESTS Administer, proctor, score, and interpret standardized educational aptitude, ability, and interest tests (such as CLEP, GED, Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE), and Career Scope); explain test results to students for use in educational planning; and determine follow-up testing needs for program placement and periodic evaluations.</p> <p>Levels of Performance</p> <p>Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.</p> <ul> <li>A. I have professional experience performing all aspects of this work behavior as it relates to educational and vocational testing and program placement. </li><li>B. I have professional experience performing some aspects of this work behavior as it relates to educational and vocational testing and program placement; and/or I have professional experience performing all or most aspects of this work behavior as it relates to standardized vocational testing and placement only. </li><li>C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to this work behavior. </li><li>D. I have no experience, coursework, or training related to this work behavior. </li></ul> <p>06</p> <p>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.</p> <ul> <li>The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience. </li><li>The educational and/or vocational standardized tests you administered/proctored/scored and/or interpreted and specify which aspects of the process you performed. </li><li>Other related duties you performed. </li></ul> <p>07</p> <p>If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework or training, 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.</p> <ul> <li>Training Source </li><li>Course Title </li><li>Credits/Clock Hours </li></ul> <p>08</p> <p>WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - EVALUATE APTITUDE AND INTERESTS FOR STUDENT PLACEMENT Collect data and information from various sources concerning each student's educational aptitude and interests, including past educational records, employment records, test scores, etc.; interview student to determine educational interests/needs and gather background information such as: work history, academic history, previous training, etc. in order to plan academic and/or vocational training program; and complete a summary report to include the student's interests/needs, goals, and objectives for planning purposes.</p> <p>Levels of Performance</p> <p>Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.</p> <ul> <li>A. I have professional experience performing all aspects of this work behavior as it relates to educational and vocational program placement. </li><li>B. I have professional experience performing some aspects of this work behavior as it relates to educational and vocational program placement. </li><li>C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to this work behavior. </li><li>D. I have no experience, coursework, or training related to this work behavior. </li></ul> <p>09</p> <p>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.</p> <ul> <li>The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience. </li><li>The types of records and historical data you reviewed for educational/vocational placement. </li><li>Other work you may have accomplished regarding educational planning. </li></ul> <p>10</p> <p>If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework or training, 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.</p> <ul> <li>Training Source </li><li>Course Title </li><li>Credits/Clock Hours </li></ul> <p>11</p> <p>WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - DEVELOP EDUCATIONAL PLANNING Collaborate with other professional staff and the involved student to develop an individualized instructional plan for the student's academic/vocational program to include short term and long term goals, utilizing information from academic and vocational reviews, educational and work history, diagnostic scores, test/retest information, portfolios, and student interests.</p> <p>Levels of Performance</p> <p>Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.</p> <ul> <li>A. I have professional experience performing all aspects of this work behavior as it relates to educational and vocational program planning. </li><li>B. I have professional experience performing some aspects of this work behavior as it relates to educational and vocational program planning; and/or I have professional experience performing all or most aspects of this work behavior as it relates to vocational program planning only. </li><li>C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to this work behavior. </li><li>D. I have no experience, coursework, or training relating to this work behavior. </li></ul> <p>12</p> <p>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.</p> <ul> <li>The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience. </li><li>The type of students and the type of programs involved. </li><li>The specific duties you performed to develop instructional plans. </li></ul> <p>13</p> <p>If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework or training, 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.</p> <ul> <li>Training Source </li><li>Course Title </li><li>Credits/Clock Hours </li></ul> <p>14</p> <p>WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - MAINTAIN RECORDS AND REPORTS Collect and maintain accurate data and information concerning enrollment, test scores, and other statistics for use in reports using computer spreadsheet and/or database software; provide ongoing documentation concerning student progress; participate in review and revision of student program plans; participate in end of term progress reports from information received from teachers; prepare summary reports for internal and external agency use; and correspond with students, staff, and others.</p> <p>Levels of Performance</p> <p>Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.</p> <ul> <li>A. I have professional experience performing all aspects of this work behavior as it relates to maintaining educational and vocational records and reports. </li><li>B. I have professional experience performing some aspects of this work behavior as it relates to maintaining educational and vocational records and reports; and/or I have professional experience performing all or most aspects of this work behavior as it relates to maintaining vocational records and reports only. </li><li>C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to this work behavior. </li><li>D. I have no experience, coursework, or training relating to this work behavior. </li></ul> <p>15</p> <p>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.</p> <ul> <li>The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience. </li><li>The types of records and reports that you collected and maintained (educational and/or vocational). </li><li>The specific duties you performed. </li></ul> <p>16</p> <p>If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework or training, 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.</p> <ul> <li>Training Source </li><li>Course Title </li><li>Credits/Clock Hours </li></ul> <p>17</p> <p>WORK BEHAVIOR 5 - COUNSEL STUDENTS Conduct orientation programs to provide program information to potential students; counsel students concerning academic and vocational issues (i.e., program selection and planning for employment upon release); counsel students concerning educational and vocational needs supporting and encouraging them to follow program plans; conduct employability workshops, career/job fairs, or counseling sessions to assist students in job preparation, career planning, interviewing skills, or other workforce entry and life skills; counsel students concerning issues which may interfere with vocational and educational planning.</p> <p>Levels of Performance</p> <p>Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.</p> <ul> <li>A. I have professional experience performing all aspects of this work behavior as it relates to educational and vocational counseling. </li><li>B. I have professional experience performing some aspects of this work behavior as it relates to counseling students on educational and vocational placement; and/or I have professional experience performing all or most aspects of this work behavior as it relates to vocational counseling only. </li><li>C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to this work behavior. </li><li>D. I have no experience, coursework, or training related to this work behavior. </li></ul> <p>18</p> <p>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.</p> <ul> <li>The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience. </li><li>The types of programs/workshops/job fairs and/or counseling sessions conducted and the specific duties you performed. </li><li>Other related duties you performed. </li></ul> <p>19</p> <p>If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework or training, 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.</p> <ul> <li>Training Source </li><li>Course Title </li><li>Credits/Clock Hours </li></ul> <p>Required Question</p> <p>Employer Commonwealth of Pennsylvania</p> <p>Address 613 North Street</p> <p>Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120</p> <p>Website http://www.employment.pa.gov</p>