Position: Psychologist
Location: Correctional Facility in Delano, California
Pay Rate: $143.08 to $145.08 per hour
Schedule: Full-time, 6 to 9-month contract with potential for extension

Requirements

• At least 12 continuous months of direct patient care experience within the past 3 years in a public or private institution
• Current clinical competencies
• Valid government-issued photo ID (Drivers License or Passport)
• Active Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association
• Valid California Psychologist license (physical hard copy required)

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage
• Contract extension bonus
• 40 hours of paid sick leave
• Weekly direct deposit payroll
• Pre-employment screening (physical exam, drug test, mask fit testing, and background check) fully paid and covered
• Potential pathway to a permanent state position with full state benefits

Key Responsibilities

• Provide mental health care under the supervision of the Senior Psychologist, Supervisor, or Chief of Mental Health
• Maintain order and safety while supervising inmate-patient behavior
• Serve as clinician-of-the-day on a rotating basis, being available for emergencies during scheduled shifts
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary staff to ensure professional and cohesive working relationships
• Perform comprehensive initial evaluations including psychological, criminal, and substance use histories
• Deliver individual and group therapy, crisis interventions, and conduct face-to-face interviews
• Conduct clinical assessments at cell fronts, which may require walking long distances and climbing stairs
• Identify psychiatric symptoms and apply psychological assessments and diagnostic tools
• Develop treatment plans and document findings in line with established standards
• Participate in treatment planning meetings and consult on complex cases with internal teams
• Complete mental status exams and document care using SOAPE-formatted progress notes
• Review patient records, legal documents, and previous mental health history to inform treatment
• Build community support relationships and collaborate with external programs and services
• Educate patients and staff on mental health and develop resources for treatment and rehabilitation
• Assist inmates with applications for entitlements such as SSI and referrals to community programs
• Analyze audit data and report on mental health program compliance
• Communicate with approved family members and caregivers, following signed release protocols
• Foster therapeutic relationships to enhance treatment outcomes
• Represent the department in both formal and informal mental health-related settings
• Contribute to the development and implementation of new programs for treatment, training, or rehabilitation