About the opportunity
As a Special Population Program Coordinator within a federal correctional facility, you will provide comprehensive clinical psychological services to inmates belonging to specific target populations. Your duties include conducting group and individual counseling, assisting with community and reentry planning—such as residential reentry center placement, hospital coordination, and liaison with the U.S. Probation Office—and maintaining the security of the institution. This position requires a commitment to fostering a humane and secure environment while preparing individuals for successful reentry into society. Correctional responsibilities are a regular and recurring part of the role and take precedence over all other duties.
Salary and benefits
- Salary range: $72,857 – $110,905 per annum
- Retention incentive up to 13% may be offered to eligible selectees
- Professional training provided, including the mandatory three-week 'Introduction to Correctional Techniques' course in Glynco, Georgia
Who can apply?
- U.S. Citizenship is required
- Must meet basic education requirements: Degree with at least 24 semester hours in behavioral or social sciences, or a combination of education and experience equivalent to a 4-year degree
- Must meet specialized experience or graduate education requirements for the specific grade level (GS-09 or GS-11)
- Maximum entry age of 36 for original appointment to a Bureau of Prisons institution
- Subject to background investigation, urinalysis, physical, and credit checks
- Must complete a qualification inquiry regarding convictions of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence
Required documents
- Resume (limited to 2 pages, including contact information, relevant experience, start/end dates in MM/YYYY format, and hours worked per week)
- College transcripts (must include school name, student name, degree, and date awarded)
- SF-50 Form (for current or former federal employees)
- Most recent performance appraisal/evaluation
- Proof of CTAP eligibility (if applicable)
- List of awards received in the last 5 years (if applicable)
When to apply
- Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on September 9, 2026
How to apply
- Read the full announcement and instructions on USAJOBS
- Click the 'Apply Online' button
- Complete all required questionnaires and assessments
- Attach all necessary supporting documentation
- Submit the application package via the USAJOBS portal before the deadline
- Complete any required USA Hire Assessments if notified after submission
Additional information
- The position is located in San Diego, California.
- Applicants may be selected at any grade level for which they applied and are found qualified.
- The selection process typically takes 90 days but may be extended up to 180 days.
- Reasonable accommodation requests for assessments must be made prior to starting the USA Hire process.
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 behavioral or social sciences looking to work in a correctional setting.
- Individuals skilled in clinical counseling, case management, and reentry planning.
- Candidates who are U.S. citizens and meet the specific age and background requirements for federal law enforcement-related roles.
What should you think carefully about?
- The role is on-site in San Diego, CA, and involves regular, recurring correctional duties that take precedence over other tasks.
- There is a maximum entry age of 36 for original appointment to a Bureau of Prisons institution.
- The selection process is rigorous, involving background investigations, urinalysis, and credit checks, and can take up to 180 days.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role is an excellent fit for someone looking to combine clinical psychological services with public safety and reentry advocacy. It provides a unique opportunity to help individuals transition back into society while working within a structured federal environment.
Our take
Those with a background in social services who are comfortable with the security requirements of a correctional facility should apply; those seeking a purely clinical or non-security-focused role may find this environment challenging.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
