Parole Agent 1 - Altoona District Office

Parole Agent 1 - Altoona District Office

Salary

$55,436.00 - $84,332.00 Annually

Location

Blair County, PA

Job Type

Civil Service Permanent Full-Time

Job Number

CS-2026-49434-46030

Department

Parole Board

Division

PB Altoona Distr Off

Opening Date

05/18/2026

Closing Date

6/1/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code

46030

Position Number

Multiple positions may be filled from this posting.

Union

FOP Lodge 92

Bargaining Unit

G4

Pay Group

ST06

Bureau / Division Code

00257200

Bureau / Division

Altoona District Office

Worksite Address

1304 7th Street

City

Altoona, Pennsylvania

Zip Code

16601

Contact Name

Megan Knable

Contact Email

mknable@pa.gov

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

THE POSITION

Start your career as a Parole Agent 1 with the Department of Corrections and make a meaningful impact every day. This position offers hands-on learning as you help individuals overcome barriers and succeed in the community. Your efforts will help people stay on track and support safer neighborhoods across the Commonwealth-apply today!

NOTE: Senate Bill 411 merged the Department of Corrections and the Board of Probation and Parole. This position is within the Department of Corrections.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This role focuses on learning how to supervise parolees and probationers as they work toward successful adjustment in the community. As a Parole Agent 1, you will perform the following duties:

• Case Support: Help individuals address personal challenges that affect their adjustment to society
• Service Referrals: Connect parolees and probationers with specialized programs for employment, health, and treatment needs
• Investigation Tasks: Gather information through interviews and complete various investigative reports
• Conduct Monitoring: Meet with individuals in homes, workplaces, and the community to review their progress
• Documentation Work: Prepare written reports and maintain accurate records of daily contacts and activities
• Court Participation: Provide information and testimony during hearings and support legal processes

Field Operations: Agents are assigned state vehicles to ensure they can meet with parolees where they live and work. They work within the community to supervise and guide the transition and integration of parolees. Parole supervision is much more than working one-on-one with a parolee. It encompasses coordination and consultation with a parolees employer, counselors, and family members.

Successful completion of the 12-month training and probationary period will result in a promotion to Parole Agent 2 with an increase in salary!

Join the Department of Corrections in their important mission to promote public safety and reduce recidivism!

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

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 40 hours per week

• Work schedule and hours are to be determined. You will work holidays and weekends as required.

• You must be willing to travel.

• This position is eligible for full retirement benefits at age 50 or 55.

• This posting may be used to fill multiple positions within the Altoona District Office at 1304 7th Street, Altoona, PA.

• 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:

• Four years of paraprofessional experience which includes two years of paraprofessional social services, human services, corrections, or law enforcement experience; or
• Two years of paraprofessional social services, human services, corrections, or law enforcement experience, and an associate's degree; or
• A bachelor's degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, legal studies, political science, behavioral science, or a related field; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Special Requirements:

• You must be in possession of an active non-commercial Pennsylvania Class C driver's license or equivalent.
• You must obtain CLEAN certification within two months of employment and maintain this certification for the duration of employment in this job.

Other Requirements:

• Successful completion of the Parole Agent 1 basic training program at the Training Academy 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 Requirements:

• A conditional offer of employment will require a medical examination and drug screening.
• You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.
• A conditional offer of employment requires review of prior law enforcement employment records as required by Pennsylvania Act 57 of 2020.

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.

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 current drivers license which is not under suspension?

• Yes
• No

02

If you answered yes, please provide your drivers license number, issuing state, and expiration date. If you answered no, type N/A in the text box below.

03

What level of college education in criminal justice, law enforcement, legal studies, political science, behavioral science, or a related field have you completed?

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.

• A conferred Bachelors degree or higher
• Within 3 months of completing a Bachelors degree
• 60 but less than 90 credits
• Conferred Associates degree
• 30 but less than 60 credits
• Less than 30 credits
• None

04

If you selected "Within 3 months of completing a Bachelors degree" above, what is your expected graduation date (MM/YYYY)?

05

If you answered "None" to the above question which refers to specific college majors, what level of college education have you completed in a different major other than those listed in the previous question?

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.

• Bachelors degree or higher
• 120 credits or more
• 90 but less than 120 credits
• 60 but less than 90 credits
• 30 but less than 60 credits
• Less than 30 credits
• None

06

How many years of full-time paraprofessional experience do you possess in social services/human services, corrections, or law enforcement?

• 4 years or more
• 3 but less than 4 years
• 2 but less than 3 years
• 1 but less than 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• None

07

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.

08

Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Corrections Officer 2? (The Corrections Officer 2 classification in the Commonwealth is considered to be at the paraprofessional level.)

• Yes
• No

09

If Yes, please indicate for how many years you have been employed in that capacity.

• 4 years or more
• 3 but less than 4 years
• 2 but less than 3 years
• 1 but less than 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• None

10

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.

11

Do you possess professional experience in criminal justice, law enforcement, legal studies, political science, behavioral science, or a related field?

• Yes
• No

12

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.

13

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

14

EDUCATION

Do you have a conferred bachelor's degree or higher in criminal justice, law enforcement, legal studies, political science, behavioral science, or a related field?

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

15

If you answered yes to the question above, what was your major and when did you receive your degree?

If you answered no, please type N/A in the text box below.

16

EXPERIENCE

WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - OBSERVE AND INTERVIEW REENTRANTS/OFFENDERS

Observe and record reentrants' behaviors/actions. Interview reentrants and others (family, potential employers, treatment providers, and enforcement agencies) to obtain relevant facts to determine progress and compliance.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience observing reentrants'/offenders' behaviors/actions or interviewing inmates/offenders and other involved parties to obtain relevant facts regarding progress and compliance. THIS IS RELATED TO INDIVIDUALS IN A COUNTY, STATE, FEDERAL, OR MILITARY CORRECTIONAL FACILITY, AND COMMUNITY SUPERVISION OF RECENTLY RELEASED INDIVIDUALS FROM A CORRECTIONAL FACILITY.
• B. I have experience observing court-adjudicated youths' or convicted adults' behaviors/actions or interviewing youths/adults and others to obtain relevant facts regarding progress and compliance. THIS IS RELATED TO INDIVIDUALS IN A CONFINED OR RESTRICTED/SECURE SETTING (COMMUNITY CORRECTION CENTERS (CCC), HALFWAY HOUSE, MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY, OR STATE HOSPITAL).
• C. I have experience interviewing individuals and other involved parties to obtain relevant facts regarding behaviors/mental health.
• D. I have experience interviewing individuals and other involved parties to obtain relevant facts regarding work or academic performance.
• E. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to social work, psychology, human behavior, or human services.
• F. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

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(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
• Your experience observing behaviors/actions and who you observed.
• Your experience interviewing to obtain relevant facts, including who and for what purpose.
• The actual duties you performed and level of responsibility.

18

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, 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.

• College/University
• Course Title
• Credits/Clock Hours

19

WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF SUPERVISION PLAN

Develop re-entry/supervision plans for inmates/offenders. This includes:

• identifying and coordinating services (such as substance abuse, mental health, sex offender, domestic violence, educational, and vocational) to assist in a successful reintegration into the community.
• completing a home plan investigation to determine if a proposed address is viable for the offenders residence.
• ensuring procedural and legislative requirements pertaining to the nature of the offense and conditions of release are completed.
• conducting routine inspections of reentrants' residences to ensure continued compliance.
• contacting reentrants and members of their support networks (family, friends, employers, school, clergy, and others in the community) to assess reentrants' progress and amenability to supervision.
• contacting treatment providers to ensure compliance and continuity of care.
• determining strategies to prevent behavior which is noncompliant with conditions of supervision and responding immediately to indicators of heightened risk.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience developing AND monitoring supervision plans for INMATES/OFFENDERS CURRENTLY IN OR RECENTLY RELEASED FROM ANY CORRECTIONAL FACILITY, AND ensuring successful re-entry/supervision plan implementation.
• B. I have experience developing AND monitoring supervision plans for COURT-ADJUDICATED YOUTH or CONVICTED ADULTS in a confined or restricted/secure setting other than a correctional facility, AND ensuring successful re-entry/supervision plan implementation.
• C. I have experience developing OR monitoring supervision plans for INDIVIDUALS IN OR RECENTLY RELEASED FROM A CORRECTIONAL FACILITY OR RESTRICTED/SECURE SETTING, OR ensuring successful re-entry/supervision plan implementation.
• D. I have experience developing, monitoring, and ensuring successful implementation of a social service/treatment/special education plan.
• E. I have experience developing, monitoring, and ensuring successful implementation of a business plan or training plan.
• F. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to compliance, risk management, or policy implementation.
• G. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

20

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(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
• Your experience monitoring plan implementation and for whom.
• The type(s) of plans implemented.
• The actual duties you performed and level of responsibility.

21

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, 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.

• College/University
• Course Title
• Credits/Clock Hours

22

WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - COURT PROCEEDINGS AND HEARINGS

Provide testimony and present evidence in court proceedings and board hearings. This includes:

• reviewing court documents to summarize and clarify criminal history.
• making preliminary recommendations regarding the continuation or revocation of a probation or parole sentence.
• processing, coordinating, and issuing witness subpoenas.
• requesting the placement of special conditions on a probationer or parolee.
• coordinating and scheduling hearings with all parties (staff, inmates/offenders, and attorneys).

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience providing testimony or presenting evidence in court criminal proceedings or parole board hearings.
• B. I have experience providing testimony or presenting evidence in court proceedings/hearings NOT related to criminal or parole board.
• C. I have experience reviewing and preparing court documents.
• D. I have experience coordinating or scheduling court proceedings/hearings/meetings with involved parties.
• E. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to criminal justice, administration of justice, political science, or legal studies.
• F. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

23

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(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
• Your experience providing testimony or presenting evidence in court proceedings/hearings and the type(s).
• Your experience reviewing and preparing court documents.
• Your experience coordinating or scheduling court proceedings/hearings/meetings.
• The actual duties you performed and level of responsibility.

24

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, 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.

• College/University
• Course Title
• Credits/Clock Hours

25

WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - TECHNICAL PAROLE AND CRIMINAL VIOLATIONS

Review parole or probation cases for potential technical parole and/or criminal violations. This includes:

• securing factual and/or physical evidence (such as witness/victim statements, urine samples, and contraband).
• determining if violations have occurred, issuing warning/instructions for infractions, and recommending sanctions regarding violations.
• performing or assisting in arrests for violations.
• conducting searches of individuals/property and transporting individuals to detention or correctional facility.
• monitoring cases with open charges to ensure timely release or hearing proceedings.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience reviewing cases for technical parole or criminal violations, performing/assisting in arrests, and transporting individuals to detention/correctional facilities.
• B. I have experience reviewing cases for technical parole or criminal violations and transporting individuals to required activities/services.
• C. I have experience reviewing cases for compliance to treatment plans and transporting individuals to required activities/services.
• D. I have experience reviewing files, documents, or cases for factual data utilized in making decisions or recommendations to others.
• E. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to law enforcement, police science, criminology, or data analysis.
• F. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

26

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(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
• Your experience reviewing files, documents, or cases and for what purpose.
• Your experience performing/assisting in arrests.
• Your experience transporting individuals, including to what locations and for what purposes.
• The actual duties you performed and level of responsibility.

27

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, 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.

• College/University
• Course Title
• Credits/Clock Hours

28

WORK BEHAVIOR 5 - WRITTEN COMMUNICATION

Gather, organize, analyze, and record case information (such as psychological evaluations, observations, offender history and progress, recommendations, and registrations) in either written or recorded format for use in various official reports and formal correspondence (including summarization reports, investigation reports, risk assessments, institutional adjustment). Ensure documentation of all contacts/interactions is completed accurately and timely. Upload documentation into an electronic database for record keeping purposes. Provide reports and supporting documentation to parole board for use in decisions.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience writing PAROLE-RELATED reports and correspondence, including summarization reports, investigation reports, risk assessments, or institutional adjustment reports. I was responsible for the final content of the documents and providing the reports and supporting documentation to the parole board.
• B. I have experience writing HUMAN SERVICES reports and correspondence. I was responsible for the final content of the documents and distribution to various parties.
• C. I have experience drafting parole-related reports or correspondence. Someone else was responsible for the final content of the documents and distribution.
• D. I have experience drafting reports or correspondence. Someone else was responsible for the final content of the documents and distribution.
• E. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to business writing, technical writing, English composition, journalism, document management, or records management.
• F. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

29

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(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
• Your experience writing/drafting reports or correspondence.
• To whom you provided the reports and supporting documentation.
• Your experience proofreading reports or correspondence for others.
• The actual duties you performed and level of responsibility.

30

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, 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.

• College/University
• Course Title
• Credits/Clock Hours

Required Question

Employer Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Address 613 North Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120

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