Job Description

Salary: $67,766.00 - $88,860.00 Annually
Location : Somerset County, PA
Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: CS-2026-45844-42800
Department: Department of Corrections
Division: CR SMR Inmte Svcs
Opening Date: 03/25/2026
Closing Date: 4/7/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 42800
Position Number: 00204352
Union: CIVEA/PSEA/NEA
Bargaining Unit: E4
Pay Group: ED0A
Bureau / Division Code: 00116600
Bureau / Division: SCI-Somerset
Worksite Address: 1590 Walters Mill Road
City: Somerset, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 15510
Contact Name: Corleen Schmucker
Contact Phone: 717.562.5736
Contact Email: cschmucker@pa.gov


THE POSITION


Are you a passionate and creative individual ready to embark on a new career journey that allows you to make a difference in the lives of others? The Department of Corrections is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Corrections Activities Specialist. In this essential position, you will create and manage recreational and leisure programs for inmates at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) in Somerset. By facilitating these activities, you will play a vital role in helping inmates adapt to their time in incarceration. Apply now to positively influence a diverse group of individuals!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK


In this position, you will create and manage a structured program of leisure and recreational activities for inmates at a state correctional facility. Your responsibilities will include planning, scheduling, and leading various activities that cater to inmates of different interests and abilities, focusing on sports, fitness, games, arts, and social recreation. You may also provide training on the rules of these activities, share information on wellness and life skills, and support inmate organizations and volunteer initiatives.
The programs aim to inspire inmates and allow them to express their talents through both individual and group participation, which can be entertaining, therapeutic, or help with personal development. You will oversee inmate workers and volunteers, and your work will take place during afternoons, evenings, and weekends, under the guidance of a supervisor, with your performance assessed through meetings, reports, and program evaluations to ensure compliance with security standards.
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 hour work week
• Work hours are 12:00 PM to 8:30 PM, Tuesday - Saturday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $67,766 (before taxes).
• 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:

• A bachelor's degree with major course work in recreation and physical education; 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.

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 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).
• 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 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 !
See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our


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 and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.
01


Do you possess a conferred Bachelor's degree or higher with major coursework in recreation and physical education, or are you within 3 months of completing the degree?

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 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

02


If you are within three months of completing a bachelor's degree with major coursework in recreation and physical education , on what date do you expect to graduate? Type N/A in the text box below if this does not apply.
03


How many years of full-time experience do you possess planning, organizing, coordinating, scheduling, and implementing structured games, sports, exercises, arts/crafts, and other social recreation activities for groups of children or adults?

• 4 years or more
• 3 to less than 4 years
• 2 to less than 3 years
• 1 to less than 2 years
• 6 months to less than 1 year
• Less than 6 months

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


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

• Yes

06



WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - RECREATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
Plans, coordinates and organizes a recreational program for individuals confined to correctional facilities. This includes surveying interests; scheduling and planning a variety of activities such as games (i.e. board games, video games, shuffleboard, Bingo), arts and crafts, music, team sports and special events; reviewing inmate records to determine eligibility for recreational activities; recruiting/coordinating volunteers or paid instructors to play with, compete with, or instruct inmates; maintaining an inventory of recreational tools and equipment; evaluating the effectiveness of the program, and making improvements.

Levels of Performance

• A. I have work experience INDEPENDENTLY PLANNING, COORDINATING, AND ORGANIZING a recreational program that included a variety of leisure time activities such as games (i.e. board games, video games, shuffleboard, Bingo) arts and crafts, music, team sports, and special events for a group of individuals OR I have completed a Bachelor's Degree with major coursework in recreation and physical education.
• B. I have work experience COORDINATING AND ORGANIZING a recreational program that included a variety of leisure time activities such as games (i.e. board games, video games, shuffleboard, Bingo), arts and crafts, music, team sports, and special events for a group of individuals. I was NOT responsible for the planning of the program.
• C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to recreation and parks management, community recreation, recreation and leisure studies, or therapeutic recreation.
• D. I have no education or experience related to this work behavior.

07


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.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
2. Your experience planning, coordinating, or organizing a recreational program that included a variety of leisure time activities for a group of people, including type(s) of activities you planned, coordinated, and organized
3. Your level of responsibility

08


If you have selected a level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title
3. Credits/Clock Hours

09



WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - FITNESS INSTRUCTION/COACHING
Provides individual and group instruction in a variety of fitness-related recreational activities such as weight-lifting, aerobics, yoga, and team sports.

Levels of Performance

• A. I have work experience providing individual and group instruction in a VARIETY of fitness-related recreational activities such as weight-lifting, aerobics, yoga, AND team sports (i.e. Physical Education teacher, Summer Sports Camp Instructor, Special Olympics Coach) OR I have completed a Bachelor's Degree with major coursework in recreation and physical education.
• B. I have work experience providing individual and group instruction in ONE fitness-related recreational activity such as weight-lifting, aerobics, yoga, OR a team sport (i.e. Baseball Coach, Aerobics Instructor, etc.)
• C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to physical education, athletic training, coaching of team sports, adapted physical education, health or physical education.
• D. I have no education or experience related to this work behavior.

10


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.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
2. The fitness-related recreational activities for which you provided instruction
3. The actual duties you performed
4. Your level of responsibility

11


If you have selected a level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title
3. Credits/Clock Hours

12



WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - SUPERVISES WORKERS
Supervises inmate workers employed within the recreation program. This includes providing training in the maintenance of equipment and facilities, training and testing inmates to officiate intramural sporting events, maintaining attendance records, preparing reports on inmate work performance and recommending changes in inmate pay.

Levels of Performance

• A. I have work experience supervising staff which included conducting training, maintaining attendance records, preparing performance evaluations, and recommending changes in pay.
• B. I have work experience serving as a LEAD WORKER or team leader which included ASSISTING with training, maintaining attendance records, and PROVIDING INPUT into performance ratings.
• C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to human resource management, business management, effective supervision, or employee training.
• D. I have no education or experience related to this work behavior.

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.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
2. The specific supervisory duties you performed
3. Your level of responsibility

14


If you have selected a level of performance pertaining to training or coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. Training Source
2. Course Title
3. Credits/Clock Hours

15



WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
Composes narrative incident and misconduct reports, memorandums, and bulletins describing and justifying activities/events, scheduled or planned security needs, time and place of activity/events and program effectiveness.

Levels of Performance

• A. I have completed a Bachelor's Degree that included coursework related to this work behavior (i.e. Professional Writing, Report Writing, Technical Writing, or Non-fiction Writing).
• B. I have work experience composing detailed narrative reports, professional letters, memos, e-mails, and responses to inquiries.
• C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to professional writing, report writing, technical writing, or non-fiction writing. I have NOT completed a Bachelor's Degree.
• D. I have no experience or training related to this work behavior.

16


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.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
2. The types of narrative communication you composed
3. The actual duties you performed
4. Your level of responsibility

17


If you have selected a level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title
3. Credits/Clock Hours

Required Question

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Work experience placement, Summer work, Work at office, Local area, Remote work, Work from home, Flexible hours, Weekend work, Afternoon shift

Similar Jobs