ABOLISHED 02/02/2017 PER PAY LETTER 17-11 - Psychology Associate, Correctional Facility
California State Personnel Board Specification
Schematic Code: XM15
Class Code: 9284
Established: 06/15/1993
Revised: --
Title Changed: --
Definition
Under the supervision of a licensed psychologist, to do the less difficult technical work in psychology in a State correctional facility in the Department of Corrections involving the assessment and treatment of adults, research and program evaluation; 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 is a subjourneyperson level for the psychology series. Appointments to this class are strictly limited to the specialties recognized at the Staff Psychologist level and normally are made for a limited term of one year, subject to reappointment for a second year. As the employee completes his/her professional training and academic requirements for the doctoral degree, he/she will gradually assume increasing responsibility for journeyperson assignments and become eligible to compete for Staff Psychologist. Unless the appointee has already completed the 1800 hours of internship or equivalent supervised experience required of one of the Staff Psychologist specialties, appointments must be limited to positions for which work and supervision in the academic specialty of the appointee can be provided.
Typical Tasks
Applies psychological knowledge and techniques to the problems of mental disorder and retardation in adults at an institution; under supervision, conducts group and individual psychotherapy, remedial training, remotivation, conditioning and other forms of behavior modification; selects, administers, scores and interprets psychological tests; based on psychological tests and behavioral observations, case history, treatment progress and social factors, assesses inmates or their social, occupational or environmental situation at the time of admission, prior to transfer or discharge, and during therapeutic activities; participates in treatment team, staff and professional meetings; may assist in work with community groups and conduct mental health education; assists in in-service training programs and in the orientation of volunteers; may initiate and design original psychological research and assist in other research projects and programs; surveys the literature relevant to current work and research assignments; may prepare research proposals or reports or write articles for publication; compiles and analyzes statistics and other data; maintains order and supervises the conduct of persons committed to the California Department of Corrections; 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
Either I
Education: Completion of at least three years of graduate education in clinical, counseling, educational, social, experimental, or medical psychology or other specialty recognized at the Staff Psychologist level and completion of the doctoral qualifying or comprehensive examinations. and
Completion of a university approved internship or field training experience relevant to mental health, mental retardation, or correctional services and in the same psychological specialty as that of the academic training, equivalent to one full-time quarter (450 hours). This must be in addition to practicum work associated with specific academic courses or dissertation research. (Three months of experience under the close supervision of a Ph.D. level psychologist may be substituted for the required internship or field training provided it follows at least two years of graduate study in psychology.)
Or II
Completion of all the requirements for a doctoral degree with specialization in one of the fields of psychology listed above from a recognized U.S. college or university.
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: Theories and research on personality and intellectual growth and development, individual differences, human motivation and disordered behavior; techniques of behavior modification including psychotherapy, remotivation and conditioning; uses, administration and interpretation of psychological tests and measurements; characteristics and social aspects of mental disorders and retardation; statistics as applied to tests and measurements; psychological research methodology, design and data analysis; group dynamics, professional training in psychology and allied disciplines, and current trends in the field of mental health.
Ability to: Assess behavior, identify normal and abnormal behavior tendencies; modify problems, attitudes and behavior; establish rapport with clients; conduct research; evaluate statistical data; participate in professional training; establish and maintain effective relationships with other personnel; analyze situations accurately and take effective action; prepare reports; 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.
