Consulting Psychologist
California State Personnel Board Specification
Definition
Under direction in headquarters or in a State hospital, serves as a departmental psychology consultant with specialized skills in the application of public health and psychosociological concepts in resource development, community organization, and planning for the delivery of mental health services; performs assessments and clinical evaluations of forensic commitments to determine adequacy of existing treatment and community management plans; and does other related work.
Factors that affect an allocation to this classification include complexity of assigned work; decision-making responsibilities; impact of decisions on a mental health facility or program; reporting relationship; and type and frequency of contacts with other staff, units, sections, agencies, and the public.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This classification is distinguished from the Psychologist series in that the incumbent does not provide direct treatment to patients.
Typical Tasks
In the mental health program setting, consults with medical, pharmacy, social work, rehabilitation, education, nursing, and other personnel on program planning and evaluation and the development of direct and indirect services; monitors and reviews policies, standards, and guidelines of specialized services programs of the Department; performs operational and systems research studies of program effectiveness; provides clinical and program consultation; reviews special incidents involving patients in mental health programs and specialized services programs of the Department; trains treatment staff in applying psychological treatment methods for patient programs; prepares and presents expert testimony in hearing procedures; prepares and presents screening decision cases for appeal hearings; prepares progress, financial, and other statistical and narrative reports on projects, and periodically plans, organizes, leads, and directs multidisciplinary staff treatment teams.
In a community psychology specialty, assists in therapeutic intervention and social change at the community level; surveys and licenses or certifies mental health facilities or programs in compliance with California Code of Regulations; assists in long-term program development plans for mental health programs; participates and assists in program reviews of mental health programs as scheduled by the Department; interprets the objectives and procedures of the program to other facility personnel, members of the public, and other agencies and organizations; evaluates mental health treatment records to make recommendations on appropriate extended mental health treatment; reviews and interprets the results of psychological evaluations conducted in accordance with applicable laws and regulations; and reviews second-level appeals for payment authorizations by contract hospitals.
In a forensic psychology specialty, performs reviews of forensic mental health programs; provides oversight of conditional release programs dealing with forensic patients; develops statewide policies on forensic issues such as evaluation, risk assessment and program review protocols, and performs assessments, psychological testing, clinical evaluations, diagnosis and risk assessment determinations of correctional facility inmates, and applies findings of psychological examination as required by statute.
Minimum Qualifications
License: Possession of a valid license as a Psychologist issued by the California Board of Psychology and possession of an earned Doctorate Degree in Psychology from an educational institution meeting the criteria of Section 2914 of the Medical Board of California's Business and Professions Code.
Unlicensed individuals who are recruited from outside the State of California and who qualify for licensure may take the examination and may be appointed for a maximum of two years at which time licensure shall have been obtained or the employment shall be terminated.). and Experience: Either
1. Two years of experience in the California state service performing clinical psychology duties equivalent to those of a Psychologist (Various Specialties), Psychologist (Health Facility) (Various Specialties), or Psychologist Clinical, Correctional Facility. or
2. Three years of full-time postdoctoral, postinternship experience in the practice of psychology involving either training, research, consultation, or program planning in mental health services.
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: Clinical psychological theories and research; principles, techniques, and problems in developing and coordinating a specialized psychological treatment program; principles, techniques, and trends in psychology with particular reference to normal and disordered behavior, human development, learning, individual differences, adaptation, and social interaction; methods for the assessment and modification of human behavior; characteristics and social aspects of mental disorders and disabilities; program evaluation; institutional and social process, group dynamics, and professional training; interrelationships of Federal, State, and local professional and voluntary mental health agencies and of programs and services of such agencies; current trends in the field of mental health; functions of psychologists in various mental health services; community organization and allied professional services; and consultative methods in various mental health fields.
Ability to: Plan, organize, evaluate, and work in a clinical psychological treatment program; interpret and apply the mental health policies and standards of the Department's program; promote the organization of community mental health resources and their effective utilization in a mental health program; teach and participate in professional training; plan, organize, and conduct research, data analysis, and program evaluation; evaluate and conduct assessment on psychological treatment procedures; evaluate and assess forensic mental health treatment procedures; evaluate the quality and scope of psychological services provided under mental health programs; communicate effectively; provide professional consultation and leadership; recognize situations requiring the creative application of technical skills; develop and assess creative approaches to the assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of mental disorders; conduct the research, development, and direction of a psychological program; secure the cooperation of professional and lay groups; and train other psychologists and other mental health professionals.
Special Personal Characteristics
Willingness to make frequent field visits away from established headquarters; empathetic and objective understanding of the issues of persons with mental or developmental disabilities; demonstrated leadership ability; tact; patience; keenness of observation; and scientific and professional integrity.
