About the opportunity
Functions as a Specialty Treatment Program Specialist within a Bureau of Prisons (BOP) federal correctional facility, with primary responsibilities focused on delivering services to inmates to help them overcome psychological problems. The role provides group and individual counseling to high-security inmates targeted by the Challenge Program, addressing antisocial attitudes and behaviors, substance abuse, and/or mental illness. Staff members read inmate files, identify behavioral patterns, devise remediation steps, learn new assessment techniques, and plan aftercare programs for individuals released to halfway houses and community settings. Along with all other correctional institution employees, the incumbent maintains the security of the institution, with correctional responsibilities taking precedence over all others.
Salary and benefits
- Salary range of $74,356 to $95,948 per year (GS pay plan)
- 5% retention incentive paid to selectees who meet criteria for retention incentives
Who can apply?
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Must meet basic education requirements: a degree that included at least 24 semester hours of coursework in behavioral or social sciences, or a combination of education and experience providing equivalent knowledge
- Must have two years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree, or a master's or equivalent graduate degree in corrections, criminal justice, sociology, psychology, counseling, social work, or a related field; OR at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade level; OR a combination of successfully completed graduate-level education and specialized experience
- Must possess a Selective Placement Factor: 12 semester hours of undergraduate coursework specific to antisocial behaviors, substance abuse, and/or mental illness OR 12 months of professional experience in counseling antisocial behaviors, substance abuse, and/or mental illness
- Must meet maximum entry age of 36 for original appointment to a position in a Bureau of Prisons institution, in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 3307 (qualified preference-eligible veterans may be exempt)
Required documents
- Resume (limited to 2 pages, including name, contact information, start and end dates in MM/YYYY format, and number of hours worked per week)
- Legible college transcripts as verification of educational requirements
- DD-214 demonstrating honorable or general discharge, if claiming veterans' preference
- Standard Form (SF) 15 and required documentation, if claiming 10-point veteran preference
- Unredacted copy of latest SF-50, if current or former federal government employee
- Proof of ICTAP/CTAP eligibility, if applicable
When to apply
- Announcement open date: September 8, 2026
- Application close date: September 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM (ET)
How to apply
- Read the entire announcement and instructions on USAJOBS
- Click the Apply Online button and answer the required questions
- Attach all necessary supporting documentation, including transcripts and resume
- Submit the complete application package by 11:59 PM (ET) on September 15, 2026
- Complete any required USA Hire Assessments using the unique access link provided upon submission
Additional information
- Appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of a pre-employment and panel interview, urinalysis, physical, and background investigation
- All applicants are subject to National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and credit checks
- Successful completion of the three-week 'Introduction to Correctional Techniques' training course at Glynco, Georgia is required
- The incumbent is subject to geographic relocation to meet the needs of the agency
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Professionals with a background in counseling, social work, psychology, or criminal justice.
- Candidates who meet the specific educational requirements, including 24 semester hours in behavioral or social sciences.
- Individuals comfortable working in a high-security correctional environment focused on inmate rehabilitation.
What should you think carefully about?
- The position requires a three-week training course in Glynco, Georgia, and is subject to geographic relocation.
- Applicants must meet a maximum entry age of 36 unless they are qualified preference-eligible veterans.
- The role involves maintaining institutional security, which takes precedence over all other duties.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This position is a significant career step for those dedicated to correctional treatment and behavioral health. It offers a competitive salary and a retention incentive, providing a clear path for professionals aiming to make a measurable impact on inmate rehabilitation and aftercare planning.
Our take
Qualified counseling and social work professionals who are comfortable with the demands of a correctional setting should apply; those unable to meet the age or relocation requirements should review the policy details carefully.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
