Senior Psychologist, Correctional Facility (Supervisor)
California State Personnel Board Specification
Schematic Code: XL44
Class Code: 9288
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 (1) perform difficult and responsible assignments relating to psychological assessment and treatment and either (a) assist in the direction of the psychology program of a health facility, or (b) plan, organize, develop, and direct a psychology program similar in size and nature at a health facility; or (2) plan, organize, and coordinate a special patient treatment program which utilizes psychological techniques as its main nonmedical emphasis at a health facility, and coordinate the work of treatment staff of various clinical specialties and volunteers in the program. In addition, incumbents, as needed, serve as a departmentwide expert and psychology consultant in a specific psychology discipline; maintain order and supervise the conduct of inmates; protect and maintain the safety of persons and property; and do other related work.
Distinguishing Characteristics
As a working supervisor: Typically directs a staff of psychologists; is responsible for the evaluation of his/her staff; personally performs the more difficult evaluation and treatment of patients; provides leadership for program development and evaluation; coordinates program research or training; provides clinical or program consultation; or be responsible for a psychology program similar in size and nature for a particular health facility.
As special program administrators: Incumbents plan, organize, and provide leadership and functional direction for a multidisciplinary staff engaged in a specialized treatment program.
Typical Tasks
In a correctional setting, plans, organizes, and coordinates a special program of direct or indirect services based primarily on psychological techniques; with medical and other clinical consultation as necessary, carries project responsibilities; coordinates work of a multidisciplinary treatment staff for whom the incumbent has program responsibility at a ward level; trains treatment staff in applying psychological treatment methods to patient programs; may plan, organize, and direct the work of a psychology unit and integrate it with that of other services in a health facility; may supervise other psychologists and provide facility-wide direction for specific areas of a psychology program such as program research, behavior modification, or assessment; may direct ward staffing conferences of patients and have authority over the special patient privileges of this group; 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; conducts and participates in staff meetings; 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; participates in selection or exit interviews for personnel; 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; may submit budget requests for associated personnel, equipment, and supplies; participates in training programs for Clinical Psychology Interns, Psychiatric Technicians, Psychiatric Residents, other student staff and volunteers, and may develop seminars in psychology; may select and train technical and nontechnical assistants and volunteers and assign, supervise, and evaluate their work; 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; and 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; however, applicants must first secure a license to practice as a psychologist in California before they will be eligible for appointment.
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 problems in developing and coordinating a specialized psychological treatment program; 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; principles of personnel management and supervision; community organization and allied professional services; and a manager's/supervisor's responsibility for promoting equal opportunity in hiring and employee development and promotion, and for maintaining a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.
Ability to: Plan, organize, and direct, or coordinate a specialized psychological treatment program involving members of other treatment disciplines; provide professional consultation and program leadership; supervise consultation and program leadership; supervise professional staff; 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; communicate effectively; understand and effectively carry out State and departmental equal employment opportunity policies; and effectively promote equal opportunity in employment and maintain a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.
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; keenness of observation; and demonstrated leadership ability.
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.
