Mental Health - Psychologist

Mental Health - Psychologist

Duties/Responsibilities shall include, but are not limited to:

• Provide psychological services to mentally ill inmates/wards under the direction of the Senior Psychologist, Supervisor, and/or Chief of Mental Health.
• Maintain order, supervise conduct of patient-inmates/youths, protect and maintain safety of persons and property, and perform other related work.
• Work in conditions requiring all essential functions of the role, including availability for on-call duty as clinician-of-the-day during scheduled workdays for patient emergencies.
• Collaborate effectively and cooperatively with staff from all classifications to enhance professional working relationships.
• Conduct initial mental health evaluations, including criminal, psychological, and substance abuse case history, to assess inmate needs and make treatment recommendations.
• Meet with mentally ill inmates/wards for crisis intervention, group psychotherapy, and face-to-face interviews.
• Provide clinical, face-to-face interviews at cell fronts in housing units; some institutions may require climbing stairs and walking long distances.
• Identify signs and symptoms of psychiatric disorders to assess, diagnose, and manage presenting symptomatology.
• Administer, score, and interpret psychological tests, applying them effectively in clinical practice.
• Write clinical reports regarding diagnoses, prognoses, and treatment plans that reflect professional standards.
• Consult on complex cases with supervisors, treatment team members, correctional healthcare staff, and other divisions within the department.
• Document all care provided, including face-to-face contacts and Interdisciplinary Treatment Team (IOTT) meetings.
• Monitor inmate progress using SOAPE formatted progress notes and apply appropriate psychological treatment modalities while maintaining ethical standards.
• Perform mental status exams (MSE) in face-to-face interviews.
• Review prior mental health records, probation reports, court documents, and other sources to aid in diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Establish collaborative ties with community programs, agencies, and care homes as assigned and approved by supervisors.
• Conduct mental health education and develop resources for mentally ill and sex offender inmates/wards.
• Assist inmates/youths in applying for entitlement benefits (e.g., SSI) and accessing community programs and services.
• Compile and analyze data from audits related to mental health program requirements.
• Provide appointment documentation and related information to support staff for data entry.
• Communicate with relatives or caregivers about patients only after obtaining signed releases of information.
• Develop therapeutic relationships with inmates/youths, families, and caretakers, as assigned and approved by supervisors, to support treatment delivery.
• Represent the department in formal and informal settings regarding mental health matters.
• Provide input and assist in implementing new programs for treatment, training, and rehabilitation of inmates/youths.