Just moved to the Burgh, job hunting! (Pittsburgh: how much, employment)

[mmmmkris]

I just moved to Pittsburgh recently and I have also graduated with a Master's degree in Criminal Justice. I'm looking for a job to get my foot in the door and am interested in corrections (community corrections, prison/jail, or probation/parole, etc). I mainly want to focus on rehabilitation and re-entry of offenders back in to the community. I've been searching for a job, but so far have come up short. I was wondering if anyone had any information on agencies within Pittsburgh (or outlying areas) that would be a good starting place.

[Hopes]

Get the applications (probably online these days) for state government jobs. That's how you apply for the penitentiary positions.

[PittsburghLlama]

Try going here:
PA Commonwealth Job Bank

Create an account, see what tests are available and set an appointment to take one (or more). Once you test, you'll be sent notices for interviews in the mail as they become available. Good luck!

[jwalker59]

Check out the nonprofit Renewal, Inc.

[Clint.]

Criminal Justice is a huge field. We collectively spend a lot of money on it. If you are intersted you could also work in mental health. There are dozens of mental health agencies around the County that would hire someone with a masters degree in CJ. It depends on how much money you want to make; if you are willing to accept entry level jobs, they are a dime a dozen but would be a good way to make contacts and learn your way around.

If you've put in some applications then you've probably hit the obvious targets: State Civil Service, County Human Services websites. Here is a list of mental health agencies if you haven't seen it: Service Coordination - Employment Details, Allegheny County Department of Human Services. Each agency will have many different jobs for which someone with a masters in CJ could do, if you wanted to do it that is.

JRS would be a great way to meet probation officers and other others in the system, learn your way around the courthouse, etc. I can't remember where their funding is from, though or where job postings might be listed...if they are DHS or OBH. I can find out if you'd like.

Check out The Mon Valley Initiative if you haven't already. There is a link at the left of the page for SPARC...check out the directory, it will list dozens of re-entry type agencies in the area. There will be many smallish agencies so obviously they all won't have opening you are looking for immediately, but some will.