07/27/2010 43100

LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST MANAGER, CORRECTIONS

DEFINITION: This is professional, supervisory, and administrative work in the field of psychology within the Department of Corrections.

An employee in this job manages a psychological services program at a State Correctional Institution, or in a central office setting assists with the overall administration of the Department’s psychological services programs. At a State Correctional Institution, work involves supervising a psychological services staff of technical and licensed personnel; evaluating the effectiveness of inmate psychological services; and developing and integrating psychological services policies and procedures. In a central office organization, employees are responsible for assisting with the review, development, and implementation of the Department’s mental health policies and procedures; conducting operational compliance audits of the psychological services programs at State Correctional Institutions; and providing training and clinical direction to the psychologists, counselors, and other unit staff members at corrections facilities throughout the state. Work is performed under the general direction of a Deputy Corrections Superintendent, Licensed Psychologist Director, or other administrative superior; and is subject to
review through consultation, written reports and evaluations of program effectiveness.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Plans, organizes, develops, directs and implements a psychological services program at a State Correctional Institution.

Reviews, evaluates and reports on psychological services qualitative data.

Integrates new policies and procedures into existing programs.

Consults with psychiatrists, physicians and other professional staff concerning diagnostic evaluation and therapeutic treatment programs.

Establishes and recommends the clinical competencies and privileges of psychologists to executive staff or appropriate accrediting authority.

Conducts and participates in diagnostic and evaluative staff meetings to discuss diagnosis, etiology, treatment and disposition of individuals.

Performs individual or group counseling or therapy or other therapeutic procedures.

Serves as chairperson of a multidisciplinary psychiatric review team.

Formulates short and long-term psychological treatment objectives for individuals.

Directs and instructs professional and nonprofessional personnel in the theories, practices and techniques employed in a psychological services program.

Reviews professional practices of staff to assure compliance with applicable statutes, professional standards and ethical guidelines.

Reviews staff's application of psychological measures to assure validity and reliability of instruments.

Plans, organizes and directs program evaluations or research projects of a psychological services program.

Prepares program progress reports and makes recommendations.

Monitors the emotional and mental status of inmates in protective custody by consulting with inmates and staff, and reviewing appropriate documentation.

Screens or oversees the screening of Corrections Officer Trainee applicants for signs of psychopathology.

Performs clinical services related to the review of inmate appropriateness for participation in various work details and therapy groups.

Conducts peer review, utilization review and quality assurance studies of psychological services.

Develops and directs training and staff development programs for psychologists, counselors, and unit staff.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

Employees in this job may participate in the performance of their subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles and methods of psychology including statistical measurement of individuals and groups, diagnostic evaluation, therapy, and the relationship between diagnostic findings and therapeutic methodologies.

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

Knowledge of mental illnesses and disabilities including symptoms, treatment and social implications.

Knowledge of the principles and methods of psychological research and experimental design.

Knowledge of the standards and ethical principles of the practice of psychology.

Knowledge of the methods used to administer, score and interpret psychological tests.

Ability to interpret and evaluate varied psychological data, prepare reports of findings, and develop and implement recommendations.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year as a Licensed Psychologist MH or Psychologist;

                                                                                                                                                                            or

One year of experience as a licensed professional psychologist in the treatment of inmates or individuals with mental illness, mental retardation or behavioral dysfunction.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Possession of a valid license to practice psychology as issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology or possession of a valid license to practice psychology as issued by another state with licensure requirements acceptable to the Board. Applicants with out-of-state licensure must obtain Pennsylvania licensure within one year of employment.