0000006199.Psychologist III (Asst\. Chief).Tjpc - State Aid

Dallas County•Dallas, TX

About The Position

Provides supervision and management to staff to ensure comprehensive psychological services are available to the juvenile justice system, including assessments, evaluations, psychotherapy, crisis intervention, and consultation. The role assists courts and probation officers with disposition plans and decisions and helps youths and families with emotional, social, and legal adjustments. The position may supervise or assist in supervising exempt, non-exempt, and part-time staff, and fulfills the Chief Psychologist's duties in their absence. The Psychologist III oversees psychological assessments and evaluations, coordinates the assessment unit to meet court deadlines, conducts and interprets testing, provides diagnoses and intervention recommendations, and prepares written reports. The position provides clinical care and psychotherapy to clients and families as needed, including services addressing anger management, family functioning, and youth with sexual behavior problems. It also provides evaluations for discretionary transfer motions and Chapter 55 hearings concerning mental competency, mental illness, and intellectual disability. The role supervises psychological services delivered by staff and practicum students, reviews reports for completeness and accuracy, and provides observation and technical assistance. It provides rotating on-call emergency crisis intervention to juvenile justice institutions on a 24-hour, seven-day-per-week basis; testifies in court as an expert witness; and consults with courts, administrators, probation officers, institutions, and community agencies. The position ensures staff follow American Psychological Association ethical standards and performs other duties assigned by the Deputy Director of Clinical Services.

Requirements

Psy.D. or Ph.D. in Clinical or Counseling Psychology from an American Psychological Association-accredited program or an accredited institution of higher education.
Three years of post-licensure clinical experience in psychology services.
Two years of supervisory experience in the field of psychology.
Licensed by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists.
Licensed or license-eligible as a Sex Offender Treatment Provider.
Knowledge of psychological theories and interventions, psychometrics, current DSM diagnostic criteria, psychological assessment instruments, report writing, applicable laws and regulations, professional standards, child and adult development, Texas family and psychology laws, APA ethical standards, relevant mental health, sex offender and substance abuse issues, juvenile treatment issues, and evidence-based principles and practices.
Skills in maintaining accurate records, files, and reports; interacting with management, employees, and outside contacts; strategic planning; developing, monitoring, and evaluating clinical programs and services; preparing administrative and statistical reports; using psychological assessment instruments; interpreting diagnostic evaluations and assessing behaviors; providing crisis intervention and management; supervising and training staff; and providing individual, group, and family therapy.
Valid Texas Driver’s License and good driving record.
Must pass an extensive background investigation.
Must complete mandatory drug testing before employment and be subject to random, unannounced drug and/or alcohol testing during employment.
Must have a high tolerance for working in an emotionally demanding and stressful environment with juveniles who may have committed dangerous or aggressive acts.

Responsibilities

Fulfill the Chief Psychologist's duties in their absence.
Oversee psychological assessments and evaluations and coordinate the assessment unit to meet court deadlines and provide timely services.
Conduct psychological testing and evaluations using clinical interviews, assessment instruments, observation, records review, and other available methods.
Administer and interpret psychological tests; provide diagnoses and intervention recommendations for court disposition and case management.
Prepare written reports within prescribed time frames and provide direct clinical care to clients and families as needed.
Conduct psychological evaluations and diagnostic studies for discretionary transfer motions and Chapter 55 hearings involving mental competency, mental illness, and intellectual disability.
Supervise psychological services provided by practicum students and staff, as needed.
Process therapy and assessment cases and assist in determining diagnostic and clinical recommendations.
Review written reports for completeness and accuracy and provide direct observation and technical assistance as needed.
Provide individual, family, and group psychotherapy to address the emotional needs of the juvenile justice population and improve family functioning.
Provide rotating on-call emergency crisis intervention services to juvenile justice institutions on a 24-hour, seven-day-per-week basis.
Provide courtroom testimony as an expert witness on psychological assessments and therapeutic interventions.
Consult with courts, administrators, probation officers, institutions, and community agencies about case management and effective therapeutic interventions.
Ensure staff comply with American Psychological Association ethical standards and principles.
Perform other duties assigned by the Deputy Director of Clinical Services.