Institutional Parole Assistant SCI Smithfield

THE POSITION

As an Institutional Parole Assistant with the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Smithfield, you will help move cases forward by managing records, communication, and inmate guidance. This position is ideal for a highly motivated person who brings strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality work. Your careful handling of information supports safety and efficiency in the parole process. Step into a role where your dedication and organizational skills make a daily impact!

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

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position focuses on providing clerical support and technical assistance to parole staff while helping inmates navigate the release process. The role emphasizes organization, communication, and careful record handling within a correctional setting. As an Institutional Parole Assistant, you will perform the following duties:

• 
  Release Processing: Control inmate release cases and verify compliance with laws, policies, and required documentation
• 
  Interview Support: Interview inmates to explain release procedures, gather residence information, and relay investigation results
• 
  Record Preparation: Prepare letters, reports, forms, and release documents needed for parole decisions
• 
  Case Management: Maintain dockets, track case updates, and record changes in status or detainer information
• 
  Communication Tasks: Respond to inmate inquiries, answer phone calls, and relay information to staff and outside offices
• 
  Documentation Handling: Upload required materials, manage mail, and maintain office files and supply inventories

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

• Full-time employment, 40 hours per week
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday – Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• This position is eligible for full retirement benefits at age 60 or 65.
• 
  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

• Four years of experience as a Clerical Assistant 2 in the Department of Corrections or Probation and Parole Board (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• One year of complex clerical experience; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

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.

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

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.