Sexually Violent Predator Evaluator
California State Personnel Board Specification
Schematic Code: XL61
Class Code: 7621
Established: 10/18/2011
Revised: --
Title Changed: --
Definition
In a Headquarters setting, serves as a departmental psychology consultant for the Department of Mental Health, with specialized skills in the practice of psychological evaluation, risk assessment, and diagnosis of high risk sex offenders and/or sexually violent predators; conducts clinical evaluations of specific inmates and parolees prior to their scheduled release from incarceration; utilizes risk assessment measures for assessing high risk sex offenders and/or sexually violent predators such as, but not limited to, actuarial risk assessments, dynamic risk assessments, and polygraphy.
Factors that affect an allocation to this classification include complexity of assigned work; decision-making responsibilities; impact of decisions on a mental health 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 and the incumbent conducts psychological evaluations of sexually violent predators only.
Typical Tasks
Conducts psychological interviews of high risk sex offenders and/or sexually violent predators, including psychological testing, clinical screenings, clinical evaluations, provisional and final diagnoses, and the use or application of risk assessment measures of correctional facility inmates, state hospital patients, and other high risk sex offenders or sexually violent predators located in other facilities. In a mental health, correctional, or outpatient setting, consults with custody, medical, pharmacy, social work, rehabilitation, education, nursing, and other personnel on program evaluation services. Monitors and reviews policies, standards, and guidelines of sexually violent predator treatment programs of the Department; performs operational and systems research studies of program effectiveness; provides clinical and program consultation; trains evaluation staff and administrative staff; prepares and presents expert testimony in hearing procedures; prepares and presents screening decision cases; and develops statewide policies on issues such as evaluation, risk assessment, and program review protocols.
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 or equivalent field from an educational institution meeting the criteria of Section 2914 of the Medical Board of California's Business and Professions Code. (Individuals possessing a valid license as a psychologist outside the State of California and who are eligible for licensure may take the examination; however, evidence of licensure is required prior to appointment in this class.) and
Experience: Five years of full-time postdoctoral, post-internship experience as a licensed psychologist in the practice of psychological evaluation and risk assessment and diagnosis of the sexually violent predators or equivalent class of sex offenders. and
Forty (40) hours of expert witness testimony in high risk sex offender cases or sexually violent predator cases. (Training administered by the Department of Mental Health on expert witness testimony may be used to satisfy up to 10 hours of the required 40 hours as specified).
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: High risk sex offender and/or sexually violent predator clinical psychological evaluation processes and risk assessments, current research; principles, techniques, and trends in psychology with particular reference to sex offender evaluation, risk assessment and treatment, 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 forensic and/or sex offender evaluation 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 to correctional facilities, state hospitals, and other facilities in various locations throughout California; 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.
