Clinical Psychologist (PsyD)

The GEO Group•City of McFarland, CA

115d•Onsite

About The Position

The Psychologist evaluates inmates/detainees/residents (I/D/R) for mental, emotional and behavioral disorders. Diagnoses disorders and determines the appropriate course of treatment. Responsible for directing and coordinating mental health functions as well as supervising and training staff members. The primary role is to evaluate and diagnose inmates/detainees/residents (I/D/R) for mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. This includes performing psychological evaluations, providing diagnoses, and making treatment recommendations. The role also involves assessing mental status and symptom severity to determine the need for higher levels of care or observation due to suicide risk or inability to adjust. Psychotherapy and counseling are provided for psychological disorders or mental illness. Referrals to psychiatrists or other licensed professionals for psychotropic medication are made as necessary. The psychologist demonstrates awareness of psychotropic medications, monitors compliance, and addresses potential side effects. Staff and officers are instructed on recognizing suicide risk factors and prevention techniques. In-service education for medical and correctional staff is provided, including training on crisis intervention techniques. Administrative duties include maintaining accurate records of I/D/R encounters, documenting services, and completing required reports. Consultation with physicians or psychiatrists is performed as needed for patient care. Participation in the review of the quality of care provided is also a responsibility. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.
Ph.D., Psy.D., or Ed.D. in Psychology from an accredited university.
Current license in Psychology in the state in which the facility is located. (Current copy of license must be on file at the facility at all times.)
Acute awareness, critical thinking ability, and strong communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Two (2) years of correctional work experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform psychological evaluation on I/D/R population for mental, emotional and behavioral disorders.
Provide appropriate diagnosis based on history and presenting symptoms and makes appropriate treatment recommendations.
Evaluate I/D/R’s mental status and severity of symptoms in determining the need for transfer to a higher level of care or placement under observation due to suicide risk or inability to adjust within regular population due to severity of symptoms.
Provide psychotherapy or counseling for the treatment of psychological disorders or mental illness.
Make appropriate referrals as necessary to a psychiatrist or other licensed professional who specializes in prescribing psychotropic medication.
Demonstrate an awareness of the psychotropic medications, monitors medication compliance, and makes referrals to the appropriate licensed medical professional should the I/D/R exhibit possible medication side effects.
Instruct staff and officers in recognizing suicide risk factors and subsequent prevention techniques.
Provide in-service education for medical and correctional staff as required.
Performs and trains staff on crisis intervention techniques as required.
Perform administrative duties in keeping accurate records of I/D/R encounters, documenting all services provided, filling out required reports and analyses as required.
Consult with the Physician or Psychiatrist as needed for the proper health care needs of the I/D/R.
Participate in review of the quality of care provided.
Perform other duties as assigned.