Psychologist - Corrections - Chowchilla, CA

Job Title: Psychologist
Location: Correctional Facility in Chowchilla, California
Pay Rate: $122.02 to $124.02 per hour
Schedule: Full-time, 13-week contract with potential for extension

Requirements:

• At least twelve months of recent experience (within the past three years) providing direct patient care in a public or private institution
• Current clinical competencies
• Valid photo identification (Drivers License or Passport)
• Valid California Psychologist license (hard copy required)
• Active Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance
• Contract extension bonus
• 40 hours of paid sick leave
• Weekly direct deposit
• All pre-employment screenings covered (physical exam, drug test, mask fit test, background check)
• Potential for conversion to a permanent state position with full state benefits

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver psychological services under the supervision of the Senior Psychologist and/or Chief of Mental Health
• Maintain order, supervise conduct, and ensure the safety of inmates and property
• Serve as clinician-of-the-day for on-call coverage during scheduled shifts
• Work collaboratively with staff across all disciplines to enhance professional relationships
• Conduct comprehensive initial mental health evaluations, including criminal, psychological, and substance abuse history
• Provide crisis intervention, group psychotherapy, and individual counseling, including in-cell evaluations as required
• Administer and interpret psychological assessments and diagnostic tools
• Prepare clinical documentation, including treatment plans, progress notes, and diagnostic summaries
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and contribute to case planning
• Monitor patient progress using SOAPE-formatted notes and ensure adherence to ethical standards of care
• Perform mental status examinations and review historical documents such as court records and prior evaluations
• Coordinate care with community organizations, support services, and benefit programs as needed
• Educate inmates and staff on mental health topics and support rehabilitation initiatives
• Assist inmates with entitlement applications (e.g., SSI) and access to community-based programs
• Respond to audits and support data entry with accurate documentation
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure proper release of information only with appropriate consent
• Establish therapeutic relationships with inmates and their families or caretakers to support recovery and treatment goals
• Represent the department in professional meetings and contribute to new mental health program initiatives