03/28/2002 43012

PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES ASSOCIATE, CORRECTIONS

DEFINITION: This is technical work in the field of psychological services at a state correctional institution or facility.

An employee in this class applies psychological principles, practices and services to assist inmates in achieving correctional diagnostic, classification and treatment goals. Work involves the application of principles, methodologies and technical skills within special fields such as vocational counseling and guidance, measurement and evaluation, research or clinical psychology. The work also involves administering, scoring and interpreting objective and projective tests for which the employee has appropriate training; selecting and using instruments of psychological measurement; preparing preliminary inmate psychological
profiles/reports; participating in inmate psychological interviews; performing psychological evaluations of inmates; and preparing preliminary reports of recommendations and findings. Work is performed under the direct and close supervision of a licensed psychologist or administrative superior and is evaluated for effectiveness of methodology, technique, completeness, accuracy, adherence to established psychological practices and standards, and achievement of inmate treatment and rehabilitation goals.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Assists in the administration, scoring and interpretation of standard pre-selected instruments or psychological tests chosen in consultation with a licensed psychologist or Psychological Services Specialist.

Discusses test results and their interpretation with a licensed psychologist, Psychological Services Specialist, or administrative superior for approval/disapproval.

Facilitates the delivery of direct services to individual inmates through coordination and consultation with other institutional departments, other agencies, and state mental health facilities.

Assists in the selection and use of psychological techniques designed to modify and/or manage inmate behavior under the direction and close oversight of a licensed psychologist or administrative superior.

Prepares case formulations recommending therapy or counseling interventions for the approval of a licensed psychologist.

Provides counseling and limited therapy to inmates or inmate groups employing techniques approved by or selected in consultation with a licensed psychologist or Psychological Services Specialist.

Prepares behavior modification plans for the review and approval of a licensed psychologist.

Assists in research studies designed by or in consultation with a licensed psychologist to maximize the effectiveness of a psychological services program at a state correctional institution.

Conducts individual inmate interviews and tests for evaluation and to determine preliminary course of action at the direction and with the close oversight of a licensed psychologist or administrative superior.

Prepares preliminary inmate psychological profiles/reports for review and approval/disapproval by a licensed psychologist or administrative superior.

Discusses test results, findings, interpretations and recommendations with a licensed psychologist, higher-level specialist or administrative superior.

Refers or recommends referral of inmates to a higher-level specialist or licensed psychologist for specialized testing, assessment or therapeutic intervention.

Performs related work as directed.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles of psychology and related behavioral sciences.

Knowledge and training in the principles and techniques of administering, scoring and interpreting routine/limited psychological tests.

Knowledge of the application of psychology to individual and group behavior.

Knowledge of mental disabilities, their care and treatment, and their social implications in relation to the individuals and their environment.

Knowledge of psychological techniques employed in the modification and/or management of human behavior.

Knowledge of current psychological theories and practices.

Knowledge of the principles and methods of statistical research and experimental design as applied to the field of psychology. Ability to elicit and summarize psychological case information from clients, patients, inmates, residents, and their relatives, social agencies and other sources.

Ability to prepare clear and concise reports and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: A Master's degree in psychology or a closely related field, which includes fifteen graduate level credits in psychology, counseling, educational counseling, rehabilitation, human development, learning, or motivation.