JOB TITLE: FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES ASSOCIATE

JOB CODE: 43022

DEFINITION: This is professional work in the psychological services programs at a forensic psychiatric unit on the grounds of a commonwealth facility.

An employee in this job applies psychological principles, practices, and techniques to provide care and treatment to forensic mental health patients who have been placed through criminal justice or corrections systems for diagnosis, evaluation, and intensive treatment. Work involves developing psychological treatment programs, conducting psychological interviews and evaluations, administering psychological tests, implementing individual psychological treatment plans, and providing individual and group therapy and counseling. An employee in this job is responsible for the care, custody, and control of forensic patients with a mental health disorder while participating in psychological services programs. Work is performed independently in accordance with prescribed procedures. Supervision is provided by a higher level professional or administrative manager who evaluates the work performed for effectiveness, adherence to established standards, and achievement of treatment and rehabilitation program goals.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Interviews forensic patients and administers a variety of psychological tests to measure intellectual capacities, aptitudes, competency, achievement levels, social development levels, neuropsychological functioning, and personality traits.

• Participates in the treatment team process to aid multi-disciplinary staff in determining individualized treatment program goals for the rehabilitation of forensic patients with a mental health disorder.

• Meets with licensed psychologist to discuss clinical privileges, case assignments, interview findings, and recommendations.

• Selects, administers, and interprets psychological tests and discusses results with the multi-disciplinary treatment team.

• Plans and implements individual and group psychological interventions.

• Collaborates with multi-disciplinary treatment teams, clinical program service providers, and support services staff in implementing treatment programs; and monitoring and evaluating forensic patient responses and progress in meeting individual treatment program goals.

• Develops and implements individual and group counseling and therapy techniques to help individuals in their adjustment to daily stresses.

• Assists and instructs forensic patients in developing psychological adaptive skills to help them achieve the goals of their individualized treatment plan.

• Participates in staff meetings to discuss and evaluate the adjustment of forensic patients, or to recommend modification to their individual treatment program plans; and assists facility and Forensic Psychiatric unit staff in carrying out the psychological services program plan.

• Participates as a team member in facility psychological services research projects.

• Provides for or actively assists in providing care, custody, and control of forensic patients assigned during psychological services programs within the facility.

• Prepares and maintains records and reports.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles of psychology and related behavioral sciences.

• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of administering and scoring psychological tests.

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

• Knowledge of mental health disorders and their symptoms.

• Knowledge of clinical interviewing techniques.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to develop recommendations based on the interpretation of psychological data.

• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• A Master's Degree in psychology or a closely related field which includes fifteen credits in Psychology.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

• All employees in the Department of Corrections must obtain Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) certification within two months of hire and maintain it for the duration of employment in the job.