PSYCHOLOGY ASSOCIATE

Arizona Department of Administration • Phoenix, AZ

9d • $67,200 - $70,800 • Onsite

About The Position

The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry (ADCRR) seeks a Psychology Associate to support the Contracted Healthcare Provider (CHP) in meeting healthcare contract and regulatory requirements. The role collaborates with mental health professionals to develop and implement treatment strategies and support research for incarcerated individuals. It is based in the Health Services Department in Phoenix, Arizona, and includes driving on State business.

The position supports quality assurance, continuity of care, clinical documentation, crisis intervention, and policy development. Candidates must possess a master’s degree and an active Arizona behavioral-health license meeting the stated requirements. Employment is contingent on passing a background investigation and drug test, and employees must complete tuberculosis testing and E-Verify.

Requirements

• Master’s degree.
• Current and active independent license from the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners; independent licenses include LPC, LCSW, and LMFT.
• Arizona licensure as a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or Psychologist.
• Pass a background investigation and drug test.
• Complete tuberculosis testing during New Employee Orientation and annually thereafter.
• Complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
• If driving is an essential job function: possess and retain a current, valid, class-appropriate driver’s license; complete required training and pass driver’s-license record checks; maintain an acceptable driving record; and, when using a personally owned vehicle for State business, maintain required liability insurance.
• Knowledge of ADOA Personnel Rules and ADCRR policies and procedures, psychology and related disciplines, and psychological tests, measurements, treatment techniques, and practices.
• Skills in verbal and written communication, research, compiling and analyzing information, interpersonal relationships, time management, organization, decision-making, problem-solving, synthesizing and presenting information, work management and leadership, interviewing, and computer use and applicable software.
• Ability to interpret diagnostic interviews and test data; conduct individual and group psychotherapy; analyze behavioral deficits; develop plans for implementing and monitoring rehabilitation activities in skill acquisition and behavior management; communicate effectively; and provide guidance and establish rapport with diverse populations, including individuals with severe and persistent mental illness.

Nice To Haves

• At least five years of experience providing mental health services to incarcerated populations.
• Independently licensed Clinical Social Worker through the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners.

Responsibilities

• Participate in multidisciplinary treatment team meetings to discuss inmate cases, share insights, and coordinate care across disciplines.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and research projects intended to enhance healthcare delivery in correctional facilities.
• Provide CHP staff education on crisis intervention and support for inmates experiencing acute mental health crises, including suicide risk assessments and safety planning.
• Guide and support correctional facility staff on contractor-related matters.
• Conduct comprehensive chart reviews and provide feedback on quality of care in patient management and treatment.
• Maintain accurate, current clinical assessment, evaluation, treatment-plan, and other relevant records in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with contractors, external healthcare providers, and community resources to coordinate continuity of care for inmates transitioning to community settings.
• Participate in meetings and committees.
• Help draft policies, protocols, processes, reports, and benchmarks to improve quality assurance and timely access to care.
• Participate in developing and implementing effective and efficient standards.
• Recommend updates to clinical practice guidelines, policies, and procedures as assigned by the ADCRR Medical Director, Dental Director, and Mental Health Director.
• Drive on State business.
• Perform other duties related to the position.

Benefits

• Vacation and sick days, plus 10 paid holidays per year.
• Paid parental leave of up to 12 weeks per year for a newborn or newly placed foster or adopted child (pilot program).
• Comprehensive insurance options, including medical, dental, life, short-term disability, and long-term disability.
• Retirement through the Arizona State Retirement System; enrollment eligibility begins after 27 weeks of employment.
• Optional deferred compensation plans.
• Credit union membership.
• Wellness program.
• Incentivized commuter club and public transportation subsidy program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level