Corrections Activities Manager 2 - SCI Mercer

Salary: $66,250.00 - $100,636.00 Annually
Location : Mercer County, PA
Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: CS-2025-20940-42820
Department: Department of Corrections
Division: CR MER Inmte Svcs
Opening Date: 03/17/2025
Closing Date: 3/31/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 42820
Position Number: 00108324
Union: Non-Union
Bargaining Unit: S3
Pay Group: ST08
Bureau / Division Code: 00114860
Bureau / Division: State Correctional Institution at Mercer
Worksite Address: 801 Butler Pike
City: Mercer, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 16137
Contact Name: Maria Traficante
Contact Phone: 717.705.9033
Contact Email: mtraficant@pa.gov

THE POSITION
Are you passionate about engaging with others and making a meaningful impact? The Department of Corrections is seeking a dynamic and self-driven Corrections Activities Manager to become a key member of our team. In this role, you will oversee and implement a variety of recreational and enrichment programs for inmates at the State Correctional Institution in Mercer. Join our mission to reduce criminal behavior by providing tailored treatment and education, empowering offenders to reintegrate into society. Take the next step in your career and apply today!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
In this position, you will plan, organize, direct, coordinate, and schedule a variety of recreational activities for inmates of all interests and abilities, including sports, music, arts, crafts, and social recreation. Responsibilities include assessing programs, contributing to policy development in line with security regulations, and overseeing DOC-approved inmate organizations. By offering opportunities for both individual and group activities, you will motivate inmates with goals of entertainment, therapy, or personal growth. Additionally, you will supervise lower-level staff, inmate workers, and activity participants with significant autonomy under the guidance of an administrative superior.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• This position is eligible for full retirement benefits at age 50 or 55.
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $66,250.00 (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:

• Two (2) years of experience as a Corrections Activities Specialist (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• One year as a Corrections Activities Manager 1 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Three (3) years of experience in developing and conducting a variety of recreational activities, including one (1) year in Corrections and one year of supervisory or lead work experience, and a bachelor's degree, with major course work in recreation and physical education; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training.

Other Requirements:

• Successful completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA is required.
• You must meet the For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
• 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.

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.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.

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.

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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.*

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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.*

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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.

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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

Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Corrections Activities Manager 1 for one or more years full-time?

• Yes
• No

02

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.
03

Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Corrections Activities Specialist for two or more years full-time?

• Yes
• No

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

How many years of full-time professional experience do you have developing and conducting a variety of recreational activities, including one year in Corrections and one year of supervisory or lead work experience? (The one year of experience in Corrections and one year of supervisory or lead work experience must be in performing qualifying recreational work in correctional facilities and supervising employees performing recreational work in correctional facilities or performing lead recreational work in correctional facilities.)

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

06

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.
07

How much graduate level coursework have you completed in recreation and physical education?
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 and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.

For additional information on foreign education credentials, please visit and click on Other Information. 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.

• 30 credits or more
• 15 but less than 30 credits
• Less than 15 credits
• None

08

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

09

WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - DIRECTS AND IMPLEMENTS A RECREATION PROGRAM
Directs and implements a comprehensive recreation program that includes 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 residing in a correctional facility. This includes establishing program processes and procedures; determining equipment, facility, and staffing needs; developing an activity schedule; recruiting and coordinating volunteers or paid instructors; and evaluating program for effectiveness and compliance with departmental and regulatory standards.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience directing a comprehensive recreation program for a group of individuals residing in a correctional facility. I established policies and procedures; allocated resources; and evaluated program effectiveness and adherence to regulations.
• B. I have experience implementing a comprehensive recreation program for a group of individuals residing in a correctional facility. Someone else was responsible for establishing program policies and procedures, allocating resources, and performing program evaluation.
• 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.

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.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

The actual duties you performed related to developing and implementing a recreation program.

Your level of responsibility.

11

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

12

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

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience providing individual or group instruction in a variety of fitness-related recreational activities including coaching at least one team sport.
• B. I have experience providing individual or group instruction in a variety of fitness-related recreational activities. My experience does not include coaching a team sport.
• C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to physical education, athletic training, coaching of team sports, adapted physical education, or health and physical education.
• 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.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

The actual duties you performed related to fitness instruction or coaching.

Your level of responsibility.

14

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

15

WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - CARE, CUSTODY, AND CONTROL
Maintain care, custody, and control of inmates during leisure time and recreation activities per established departmental policy and procedures. This includes observing them in the maintenance of equipment, supplies and indoor/outdoor facilities, encouraging appropriate behavior and adherence to game/activity rules and regulations, and ensuring compliance with security regulations. Issues negative sanctions, such as write-ups or loss of recreation privileges, when appropriate.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience maintaining care, custody, and control of inmates. I issued negative sanctions, such as write-ups or loss of privileges when appropriate.
• B. I have experience maintaining care, custody, and control of inmates. I reported negative actions to another who was responsible for determining and issuing appropriate negative sanctions.
• C. I have successfully completed training in the care, custody, and control of inmates or in law enforcement.
• D. I have NO training or experience related to this 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.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

The actual duties you performed related to the the care, custody, or control of inmates.

Your level of responsibility.

17

If you are claiming education/formal training related to this work behavior, please provide the requested information below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

The Training Source

The Course Title

The Credits/Clock Hours You Earned

18

WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - GATHERS AND ASSESSES PERSONAL INFORMATION
Gathers information relative to individual inmate's recreational interests, talents, and needs through observation, personal interviews, and review of records and prepares and submits assessments of individual leisure time needs, interests, and degree of participation.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience gathering information regarding individuals through observation, personal interviews or review of personal records. I prepared assessments of individual interests, status, or needs.
• B. I have experience gathering information regarding individuals through observation, personal interviews, or review of personal records. I did not prepare assessments of individual interests, status, or needs.
• C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to interviewing, communication, psychology, sociology, or other behavioral sciences.
• D. I have NO education or experience in this work behavior.

19

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.

The actual duties you performed related to gathering and assessing personal information.

Your level of responsibility.

20

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

21

WORK BEHAVIOR 5 - SUPERVISION
Supervises inmate and non-inmate workers employed within the recreation program. This includes assigning work; establishing priorities and timeframes for completion of work; interviewing prospective staff and recommending selection; approving/denying leave; providing training; submitting payroll; preparing performance evaluations; assigning discipline; and recommending changes in pay.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience supervising subordinate staff which included establishing priorities and timeframes for work; interviewing prospective employees and recommending selection; preparing performance evaluations and assigning discipline.
• B. I have experience as a lead worker which included assigning and monitoring work, providing guidance to staff, approving leave, and assisting with training needs. I did not prepare performance evaluations or assign discipline.
• C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to human resource management or supervisory methods.
• D. I have NO education or experience related to this work behavior.

22

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.

The actual duties you performed related to supervision.

Your level of responsibility.

23

If you are claiming education/formal training related to this work behavior, please provide the requested information below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

The Training Source

The Course Title

The Credits/Clock Hours You Earned

24

WORK BEHAVIOR 6 - WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
Composes narrative incident and misconduct reports, individual assessments, memorandums, annual reports, and bulletins describing and justifying activities/events, scheduled or planned security needs, time and place of activity/events and program effectiveness.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have composed written correspondence such as reports, memorandums, and bulletins. I was responsible for the final content of the documents.
• B. I have composed portions of written correspondence such as reports, memorandums, and bulletins. I was NOT responsible for the final content of the documents.
• C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to professional writing, report writing, technical writing, business writing, journalism, or non-fiction writing.
• D. I have NO education or experience related to this work behavior.

25

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.

The actual duties you performed related to written communication.

The types of documents you prepared.

Your level of responsibility.

26

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