Psychologist - Corrections - Tehachapi, CA

Position: Psychologist
Location: Correctional Facility in Tehachapi, California
Hourly Pay: $138.40 to $140.40
Contract: Full-time, 6 to 9 months with possible extension

Minimum Requirements

• Twelve months of direct patient care experience in a public or private institution within the last three years
• Current clinical competencies
• Valid government-issued photo  (Drivers License or Passport)
• Active Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association
• Valid California Psychologist license (physical copy required)

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Weekly direct deposit payroll
• Forty hours of paid sick leave
• Contract extension bonus
• Pre-employment requirements (physical, drug screen, mask fit, background check) fully paid
• Temp-to-perm potential with access to full California state benefits

Job Responsibilities

• Provide mental health services to incarcerated individuals under the supervision of a Senior Psychologist or Chief of Mental Health
• Maintain order and ensure the safety of individuals and property within the facility
• Serve as clinician-of-the-day for urgent mental health needs as scheduled
• Collaborate across departments to support high-quality care and professional relationships
• Conduct comprehensive evaluations covering psychological, criminal, and substance use history
• Offer individual and group therapy sessions and crisis interventions
• Perform in-cell evaluations when necessary, including in multi-tiered units requiring stair navigation
• Identify psychiatric symptoms and apply appropriate diagnostic tools and treatment planning
• Administer and interpret a range of psychological tests
• Draft detailed clinical reports and treatment plans according to accepted standards of practice
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and document all patient interactions
• Track progress using SOAPE-formatted notes and perform mental status examinations (MSEs)
• Review mental health records, court documentation, and institutional histories to inform diagnoses
• Coordinate with external community programs and care homes as approved
• Educate and support inmates in applying for benefits and accessing community-based services
• Analyze audit findings related to mental health compliance
• Ensure appropriate release of patient information with consent
• Build therapeutic relationships with patients and their families or support networks
• Represent the department in discussions related to mental health programs and initiatives
• Provide input on developing or improving treatment and rehabilitation programs