06/06/1996 42990

PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES SPECIALIST, CORRECTIONS

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

An employee in this class performs professional level work in the application of psychological principles, practices and services to inmates in achieving correctional diagnostic, classification, and treatment goals. Work involves the independent selection, administration and interpretation of a wide range of projective and objective psychological tests; providing individual and group counseling and psychotherapy; developing and implementing inmate psychological treatment plans and strategies; and serving as a member of institutional multi-disciplinary treatment committees. Employees in this class independently prepare
inmate psychological profiles, reports and evaluations for treatment, though they may be subject to co-signature by a licensed psychologist or administrative superior. An employee exercises independent initiative and judgment under the general supervision of a licensed psychologist or administrative superior. Work may involve assisting in the supervision of technical level psychological services personnel. Work is evaluated for effectiveness of methodology, technique, completeness, accuracy, adherence to established psychological practices and standards, and achievement of inmate treatment and rehabilitation program goals.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Independently selects, administers, and interprets a wide range of projective and objective psychological tests designed to measure such factors as personality, intelligence, achievement, aptitude and interest.

Independently selects therapeutic techniques and methods and conducts inmate individual, group and behavioral counseling and therapy.

Independently prepares inmate psychological reports/profiles and evaluations, including results of clinical interviews, testing, diagnostic impressions, and recommendations for the purpose of making correctional program decisions.

Develops and administers individual inmate treatment plans for use by the Board of Pardons, committing courts, and for other professional applications.

Participates in diagnostic and evaluative staff meetings to discuss the diagnosis, etiology, treatment and disposition of inmates.

Serves as a member of multi-disciplinary institutional committees for inmate treatment plan purposes.

May serve as Institutional Mental Health Coordinator by facilitating 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 supervision of technical level personnel by providing consultation, guidance, instruction or direction to Psychological Services Associates engaged in diagnostic, classification and treatment activities.

Provides court testimony on an as-needed basis.

Performs other related work as directed.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles and techniques of administering, scoring, and interpreting standard psychological tests.

Knowledge of clinical interviewing techniques.

Knowledge of a variety of counseling, therapeutic and behavior modification techniques.

Knowledge of current psychological theories and practices.

Knowledge of the principles and methods of statistical research and experimental design as applied in the field of psychology.

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

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

Knowledge of mental diseases, their treatment strategies, and their social implications in relation to the individual and environment.

Knowledge of psychological techniques employee in the modification of human behavior.

Knowledge of correctional principles.

Ability to administer, score, and interpret psychological tests.

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

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

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Two years as a Psychological Services Associate Corrections;

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A Master's degree in psychology or a closely related field which includes fifteen graduate level credits in psychology; and two years of experience in the field of psychology under the direct supervision of a licensed psychologist.