Senior Psychologist (Health Facility) (Specialist)
California State Personnel Board Specification
Definition
Under general direction 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; 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 which includes advanced knowledge of test construction and validation; ability to advise on and develop rating scales and questionnaires for special clinical studies.
Community Psychology: Advanced skill in the application of public health and psychosociological concepts in resource development, community organization, and planning for the delivery of mental health services, therapeutic intervention, and social change at the community level.
Operant Conditioning: Extensive knowledge and special skill in the application of learning theory principles to the development of adaptive habits, the shaping of self-reliant behavior, and design of token economies for habilitation of developmentally disabled or the rehabilitation of chronic behavior disorders.
Typical Tasks
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; and may write articles for presentation or publication.
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.) and Experience: Either
1. One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Psychologist (Health Facility) (any specialty), 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; 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
Scientific and professional integrity, emotional stability, patience, alertness, and tact.
