ABOLISHED 02/02/2017 PER PAY LETTER 17-11 - Psychometrist, Correctional Facility
California State Personnel Board Specification
Schematic Code: XM26
Class Code: 9285
Established: 06/15/1993
Revised: --
Title Changed: --
Definition
Under the supervision of a professional psychologist, in a State correctional facility in the Department of Corrections or the Department of the Youth Authority, to administer, score, interpret and report on a variety of group and individual psychological tests; to keep records and prepare reports relative to the testing program; to maintain order and supervise the conduct of inmates or youthful offenders; to protect and maintain the safety of persons and property; and to do other related work.
Typical Tasks
Administers standardized or experimental group and individual tests of interest, personality, intelligence, aptitude, achievement, comprehension, recall, perception, motor skill and coordination, and sensory acuity; records patients' responses in the manner prescribed for each test; scores tests for which objective and noninterpretative scales are available; interprets standardized group and individual tests of psychological functioning; refers to the supervisor the record of patients' responses to tests requiring professional evaluation; prepares reports on patients' behavior during testing, especially behavior which may affect test results; summarizes case records; makes appointments for testing individuals or groups; keeps records of testing supplies and equipment and orders replacements; maintains files of newly developed testing instruments and may research literature for information on the use and application of new techniques; may make recommendations to the supervisor regarding retesting or additional testing; assists in evaluating or refining testing procedures to meet special needs or to improve the value of tests or a test battery; demonstrates tests and testing techniques to trainees and students in psychology or related fields; assists the professional staff in research; maintains order and supervises the conduct of persons committed to the California Department of Corrections or the Department of the Youth Authority; prevents escapes and injury by these persons to themselves, others or to property; maintains security of working areas and work materials; inspects premises and searches inmates or youthful offenders for contraband, such as weapons or illegal drugs.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience: Two years of experience in administering, scoring, and interpreting a wide variety of psychological tests. (Graduate work in psychology may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.) and Education: Equivalent to graduation from college with a major in psychology or other major providing training in tests and measurements. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.)
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: Techniques of administering and scoring a wide variety of group and individual psychological tests; current literature on tests and measurements; principles of abnormal, child and developmental psychology; principles of psychological testing, measurement, evaluation and selection.
Ability to: Demonstrate functional competence in the use of a wide range of objective psychological tests; establish and maintain rapport with patients and relatives; report objectively and accurately on test results and patients' behavior; work cooperatively with professional staff and with the public; keep clear and accurate records; prepare case summaries and reports.
Special Personal Characteristics
Empathetic understanding of patients of a State correctional facility and of the problems of the mentally ill, delinquency and adult criminality; willingness to work in a State correctional facility; alertness; keenness of observation; tact; patience; emotional stability.
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 or youthful offenders.
Additional Desirable Qualifications
In appraising the relative qualifications of candidates, consideration will be given to the extent and type of pertinent training and experience over and above that required under the "Minimum Qualifications". Preferred types of additional training are upper division or graduate courses in abnormal, child, or developmental psychology. Also preferred is experience or training in working with or testing emotionally disturbed or mentally disabled patients.
