Licensed Psychologist Manager, Corrections - SCI Mercer

Licensed Psychologist Manager, Corrections - SCI Mercer

Salary

$88,235.00 - $134,162.00 Annually

Location

Mercer County, PA

Job Type

Civil Service Permanent Full-Time

Job Number

CS-2026-51053-43100

Department

Department of Corrections

Division

CR MER Trmt Svcs

Opening Date

06/08/2026

Closing Date

7/7/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code

43100

Position Number

00066605

Union

Non Union

Bargaining Unit

F3

Pay Group

ST10

Bureau / Division Code

00114850

Bureau / Division

SCI Mercer

Worksite Address

801 Butler Pike

City

Mercer, Pennsylvania

Zip Code

16137

Contact Name

Maria Traficante

Contact Phone

717.705.9033

Contact Email

mtraficant@pa.gov

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

THE POSITION

Step into a leadership role with the Department of Corrections (DOC) as a Licensed Psychologist Manager, Corrections at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Mercer. This position allows you to oversee psychological services that help support treatment and positive adjustment for inmates. You will direct skilled staff, guide clinical decisions, and collaborate with specialized teams that manage high priority mental health needs. Join a mission driven environment where your work has a lasting impact.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position manages psychological services programs at SCI Mercer and provides leadership for clinical operations, evaluations, and treatment planning. As a Licensed Psychologist Manager, Corrections, you will perform the following duties:

• Staff Supervision: Direct subordinate staff performing screenings, evaluations, counseling, crisis intervention, and diagnostic testing
• Program Management: Develop and guide psychological services programs, including policies, procedures, counseling initiatives, and research efforts
• Committee Leadership: Lead key teams such as the Initial Reception Committee, Suicide Clinical Review Team, and Mental Health Services Review Committee
• Clinical Standards: Establish competencies, review psychological tests, and prepare diagnostic and status reports
• Unit Consultation: Provide guidance to both Behavioral Management and Special Needs Unit programs and meet with staff about case management plans
• Accreditation Support: Ensure compliance with American Correctional Association standards and provide expert testimony as needed

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 hours per week
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• 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 as a Licensed Psychologist MH or Psychologist (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• One year of experience as a licensed professional psychologist in the treatment of inmates or individuals with mental illness, intellectual disabilities or behavioral dysfunction.

Special Requirements:

• You must be in possession of a valid license to practice psychology as issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology or possession of a valid license to practice psychology as issued by another state with licensure requirements acceptable to the Board. Applicants with out-of-state licensure must obtain Pennsylvania licensure within one year of employment.

Other Requirements:

• Successful completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA is required.
• PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
• 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).
• 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.

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 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 valid license to practice psychology as issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology or possession of a valid license to practice psychology as issued by another state with licensure requirements acceptable to the Board? Applicants with out-of-state licensure must obtain Pennsylvania licensure within one year of employment.

• Yes
• No

02

If you answered Yes to the previous question, you must list your license number, issue date, and expiration date in the text box below. If you answered No, type N/A in the text box below.

03

Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Licensed Psychologist or Psychologist for one or more years full-time?

• Yes
• No

04

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.

05

Do you possess one or more years of full-time experience as a licensed professional psychologist in the treatment of inmates or individuals with mental illness, intellectual disability, or behavioral dysfunction?

• Yes
• No

06

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.

07

CS-INSTRUCTIONS 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

08

WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT

Assesses mental, behavioral, emotional and developmental disorders of patients/clients/inmates by observing patients/clients/inmates; reviewing data and information, psychological reports, etc., provided by other professionals and staff; interviewing patients/clients/inmates, family and/or staff to elicit information concerning patients/clients/inmates and administering and interpreting standardized tests of personality, interest, intelligence, achievement and/or risk assessment.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have professional experience related to the work behavior above which includes assessing mental, behavioral, emotional and developmental disorders of patients/clients/inmates by observing patients/clients/inmates; and reviewing data and information, psychological reports, etc. and interviewing patients/clients/inmates, family and/or staff to elicit information concerning patients/clients/inmates and administering and interpreting standardized tests of personality, interest, intelligence, achievement and/or risk assessment.
• B. I have professional experience related to the work behavior above such as interviewing and assessing individuals or administering or interpreting standardized tests or providing feedback to other professionals/individuals.
• C. I have NO experience or training related to the work behavior above.

09

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 of the employer where you gained this experience.
• The actual duties you performed related to psychological assessment.
• Your level of responsibility.

10

WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - TREATING INDIVIDUALS

Treats patients/clients/inmates/family or staff by utilizing various psychological techniques; selecting the appropriate approach to use in individual and/or group therapy and planning the frequency, intensity, and duration of therapy; collaborating with other professionals/specialists in diagnostic and evaluative multi-disciplinary team meetings to discuss diagnosis, etiology, treatment disposition and community re-entry issues; prepares progress notes, psychological reports, treatment plan statements, etc. related to the mental and emotional/behavioral status of patients/clients/inmates/family and/or staff which includes data on diagnosis, risk analysis, level of functioning, prognosis and remediation.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have professional experience related to the work behavior above which includes treating patients/clients/inmates/ family or staff by utilizing various psychological techniques and selecting the appropriate approach to use in individual or group therapy and planning the frequency, intensity, and duration of therapy and collaborating with other professionals/specialists in diagnostic and evaluative multi-disciplinary team meetings to discuss diagnosis, etiology, treatment disposition and community re-entry issues and preparing progress notes, psychological reports, treatment plan statements, etc. related to the mental and emotional/behavioral status of patients/clients/inmates/family or staff which includes data on diagnosis, risk analysis, level of functioning, prognosis, and remediation.
• B. I have professional experience related to the work behavior above which includes treating individuals or selecting the appropriate approach to use in individual/group therapy or collaborating with other professionals/specialists or preparing progress reports/treatment plans for individuals in a setting where the treatment options are limited to a particular type of treatment/individual.
• C. I have NO experience or training related to the work behavior above.

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 of the employer where you gained this experience.
• The actual duties you performed related to treating individuals.
• Your level of responsibility.

12

WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

Implements and/or develops a comprehensive, ethical psychological services program by implementing procedures and work flow for clinical and administrative functions that insure the maintenance of high-quality service to patients/clients/inmates/family or staff; developing experimental designs and/or conducting research in fields of personality development and adjustment, diagnosis, risk assessment, treatment and prevention of mental disorders; evaluating and planning treatment programs for patients/clients/inmates; instructing/training employees in psychological techniques and approaches used in individual therapy, group therapy, behavior modification, testing, etc.; teaching in-service training and out-service programs for psychologists and other professional staff; coordinating the psychological services program with other disciplines and integrating new policies and procedures in existing programs.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have professional experience related to the work behavior above implementing and/or developing a comprehensive, ethical psychological services program that insures the maintenance of high-quality service to patients/clients/inmates/family or staff and developing experimental designs or conducting research in fields of personality development and adjustment, diagnosis, risk assessment, treatment and prevention of mental disorders and evaluating and planning treatment programs for patients/clients/inmates; instructing /training employees in psychological techniques and approaches used in individual therapy, group therapy, behavior modification, testing, etc. and teaching in-service training and out-service programs for psychologists and other professional staff and coordinating the psychological services program with other disciplines and integrating new policies and procedures in existing programs.
• B. I have professional experience related to the work behavior above implementing or directing a portion of a psychological services program such as experimental design or conducting research or planning treatment programs or teaching in-service training.
• C. I have NO experience or training related to the work behavior above.

13

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 of the employer where you gained this experience.
• The actual duties you performed related to program development.
• Your level of responsibility.

14

WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION

Prepares various comprehensive reports, records, policies and procedures such as manuals to explain overall functioning of a psychology department as it relates to patient/client/inmate care and relationships with other disciplines; records of scheduled work to be performed and work performed such as psychological testing, treatment interviews, case conferences, consultations, etc.; and budget reports for psychological program services to submit to supervisor/superior for incorporation into agencys annual service plan.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have professional experience related to the work behavior above preparing various comprehensive reports, records, policies and procedures such as manuals to explain overall functioning of psychology department as it relates to patient/client/inmate care and relationships with other disciplines and records of scheduled work to be performed and work performed such as psychological testing, treatment interviews, case conferences, consultations, etc. and budget reports for psychological program services to submit to supervisor/superior for incorporation into agencys annual service plan.
• B. I have professional experience related to the work behavior above such as preparing reports or manuals or policies and procedures related to individual care or schedules of work to be performed/work performed or budget reports for psychological programs.
• C. I have NO experience or training related to the work behavior above.

15

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 of the employer where you gained this experience.
• The actual duties you performed related to program administration.
• Your level of responsibility.

16

WORK BEHAVIOR 5 - PROGRAM EVALUATION

Monitors and evaluates program effectiveness and deficiencies to ensure quality services to patients/clients/inmates or staff by interpreting program policies, guidelines, objectives, etc. to patients/clients/inmates or staff in staff conferences, meetings or individually; reviewing written comprehensive reports, summaries, and records on patients/clients/inmates progress or quality assurance reviews submitted by staff against criteria established in treatment planning and by serving on agency-wide or inter-agency committees such as Research, Human Rights, Medical Records, Management Advisory, etc., to discuss and evaluate patient/client/inmate treatment programs.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have professional experience performing the work behavior above which includes monitoring and evaluating program effectiveness and deficiencies to ensure quality services to patients/clients/inmates or staff by interpreting program policies, guidelines, objectives, etc. to patients/clients/inmates or staff in staff conferences, meetings or individually and reviewing written comprehensive reports, summaries, and records on patients/clients/inmates progress or quality assurance reviews submitted by staff against criteria established in treatment planning and by serving on agency-wide or inter-agency committees such as Research, Human Rights, Medical Records, Management Advisory, etc., to discuss and evaluate patient/client/inmate treatment programs.
• B. I have professional experience related to the work behavior above such as monitoring program effectiveness or reviewing written reports or records or serving on a committee related to individuals treatment programs.
• C. I have NO experience or training related to the work behavior above.

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 of the employer where you gained this experience.
• The actual duties you performed related to program evaluation.
• Your level of responsibility.

18

WORK BEHAVIOR 6 - SUPERVISION

Supervises/directs professional, paraprofessional and clerical staff by assigning employees to individual cases to perform diagnostic and therapeutic work with patients/clients/inmates and by reviewing and evaluating work performance of subordinates (psychological assistants, students, interns, psychologists, etc.) in such areas as psychological testing, therapy, charting, program management and supervision; approving leave requests; reviewing grievances and complaints, conducting initial investigation into causes and conditions, discussing issues/findings with employee; resolving complaints or recommending solutions.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. Supervises/directs professional, paraprofessional and clerical staff by assigning employees to individual cases to perform diagnostic and therapeutic work with patients/clients/inmates and by reviewing and evaluating work performance of subordinates (psychological assistants, students, interns, psychologists, etc.) in such areas as psychological testing, therapy, charting, program management and supervision; approving leave requests; reviewing grievances and complaints, conducting initial investigation into causes and conditions, discussing issues/findings with employee; resolving complaints and/or recommending solutions.
• B. I have professional experience related to the work behavior above such as lead work experience with professional staff or supervisory experience with paraprofessional or clerical staff.
• C. I have NO experience or training related to the work behavior above.

19

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 of the employer where you gained this experience.
• The actual duties you performed related to supervision.
• Your level of responsibility.

Required Question

Employer Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Address 613 North Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120

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