Psychologist -Clinical, Correctional Facility
California State Personnel Board Specification
Schematic Code: XL54
Class Code: 9283
Established: 06/15/1993
Revised: 06/19/2007
Title Changed: --
Definition
Under general direction, in a State correctional facility or outpatient clinic in the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, to carry out difficult assignments in clinical psychology which involve the assessment and treatment of adults, program development and evaluation, clinical research, professional training, and consultation; to maintain order and supervise the conduct of inmates; to protect and maintain the safety of persons and property; and to do other related work.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This class is concerned with the clinical range of psychological services and concentrates on the psychological aspects of mental disability, its alleviation, change and study. Incumbents in this class independently carry journeyperson assignments of clinical psychological work with a minimum of supervision. Incumbents may review the work of Clinical Psychology Interns and Psychology Associates and give general advice and assistance to them, but their primary responsibility is the completion of their staff assignments.
Typical Tasks
Applies psychological knowledge and techniques to the problems of mental and developmental disabilities in adult offenders in a correctional facility or clinic; conducts various forms of group and individual therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and other forms of behavior modifications; selects, administrators, scores and interprets personality, intelligence, and other psychological tests; based on psychological tests and observations, case history, treatment progress and social factors, assesses patients needs and makes recommendations on admission, transfer, parole, discharge, and therapeutic activities; consults with medical personnel regarding the finding of medical examinations and evidence of organic disturbances related to behavior disorders, and with nursing, social work, rehabilitation, and other staff regarding precipitating events, complications, and potential for adjustment; initiates and develops new programs for the treatment, training, or rehabilitation of patients or inmates; evaluates and reports on current and new programs; participates in treatment team, staff, and professional meetings; on request, acts as a consultant within the facility or area or to other agencies and groups; on request, testifies as an expert witness in court proceedings; may work with community groups to develop supportive resources and conduct mental health education; may participate in training programs for psychology interns, nurses, other staff, and volunteers; may participate in interviews for the selection of personnel; initiates, designs, and reports on clinical psychological research and collaborates in other research projects and programs; consults with professional personnel on the technical aspects of research design and analysis of data; maintains familiarity with professional developments and research; may write articles for publication; complies and analyzes statistics; maintains order and supervises the conduct of persons committed to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; prevents escapes and injury by these persons to themselves, others, or to property; maintains security of working areas and work materials; and inspects premises and searches inmates for contraband, such as weapons or illegal drugs.
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.
Individuals who do not qualify for licensure by the California Board of Psychology or who are in the process of securing this license will be admitted into the examination and may be appointed, but must secure a valid license within three years of an appointment or the employment shall be terminated. For persons employed less than full time, an extension of a waiver of licensure may be granted for additional years proportional to the extent of part-time employment, as long as the person is employed without interruption in service, but in no case shall the waiver exceed five years.
(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. Additionally, they must take the licensure examination at the earliest possible date after the date of employment.)
Applicants who are within six months of receiving their degree will be admitted into the examination, but will not be eligible for appointment until receipt of the degree and completion of the internship.
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: Psychological theories and research; principles, techniques, and problems in developing and coordinating a clinical psychological treatment program; principles, techniques, and trends in psychology with particular reference to normal and disordered behavior, human development motivation, personality learning, individual differences, adaptation, and social interaction; methods for the assessment and modification of human behavior; characteristics and social aspects of mental disorders and retardation; research methodology and program evaluation, institutional and social process, group dynamics; functions of psychologists in various mental health services; current trends in the field of mental health; professional training; and community organization and allied professional services.
Ability to: Plan, organize, and work in a specialized clinical psychological treatment program involving members of other treatment discipline; provide professional consultation and program leadership; teach and participate in professional training; recognize situations requiring the creative application of technical skills; develop and evaluate creative approaches to the assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of mental disorders, to the conduct of research, and to the development and direction of a psychological program; plan, organize, and conduct research, data analysis, and program evaluation; conduct assessment and psychological treatment procedures; secure the cooperation of professional and lay groups; analyze situations accurately and take effective action; and communicate effectively.
Special Personal Characteristics
Empathetic understanding of patients of a State correctional facility; willingness to work in a State correctional facility; scientific and professional integrity; emotional stability; patience; alertness; tact; and keenness of observation.
Special Physical Characteristics
Persons appointed to this position must be reasonably expected to have and maintain sufficient strength, agility, and endurance to perform during stressful (physical, mental, and emotional) situations encountered on the job without compromising their health and well- being or that of their fellow employees or that of inmates.
Assignments may include sole responsibility for the supervision of inmates and/or the protection of personal and real property.
