Senior Psychologist, Correctional Facility (Specialist)
California State Personnel Board Specification
Schematic Code: XL43
Class Code: 9287
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 perform difficult and responsible assignments relating to psychological assessment and treatment and serve as a departmentwide expert and psychology consultant in a specific psychology discipline; to maintain order and supervise the conduct of inmates; to protect and maintain the safety of persons and property; and do other related work.
Distinguishing Characteristics
In a staff capacity, the incumbent may function as a highly specialized psychological consultant to other psychologists and other members of treatment staff. Psychology specialists are recognized as experts in a particular aspect of psychology such as:
Assessment: Usually broad and high level skills in the assessment of human behavior such as psychodynamic, personality, forensic, or neuropsychological testing, advanced knowledge of test construction and validation; ability to provide consultation and development of rating scales and questionnaires for special clinical studies.
Cognitive Behaviorism: Extensive knowledge and special skill in the application of cognitive behaviorism principles and other forms of behavior modifications to the development of adaptive habits, the shaping of self-reliant behavior for habilitation of the developmentally disabled, or the rehabilitation of behavior.
Forensic Psychology: Advanced skill in the application of forensic concepts of evaluation, including legislated assessments, mandated Penal Code evaluations, and forensic report writing.
Typical Tasks
In a correctional setting, consults with medical, social work, rehabilitation, education, nursing, custody, and other personnel regarding program planning and evaluation and the development of direct and indirect services; with medical and other clinical consultation as necessary, carries project responsibilities; interprets the objectives and procedures of the program to other health facility personnel, members of the public, and other agencies and organizations; may perform operational and systems research studies of program effectiveness; develops and maintains working relationships with other facility units and with other agencies and organizations and may work with community groups and agencies to develop supportive resources; prepares progress, financial, and other statistical and narrative reports on the project; participates in training programs for Clinical Psychology Interns, Psychiatric Technicians, Psychiatric Residents, other student staff, and volunteers, and may develop seminars in psychology; maintains familiarity with professional development and research; may write articles for presentation or publication; 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; 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 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.) and Experience: Either
1. One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Psychologist Clinical, Correctional Facility, or Staff Psychologist (any specialty); or
2. Two years of postdoctoral, postinternship experience in the practice of psychology involving assessment and treatment and either training, research, consultation, or program planning in mental health services.
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: 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; forensic psychology; characteristics and social aspects of mental and developmental disabilities; 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: Provide professional consultation; 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 disabilities, to the conduct of research, and to the development and direction of a psychology program; plan, organize, and conduct research, data analysis, and program evaluation; conduct the more difficult assessment and psychological treatment procedures; 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.
