Upcoming Filing Cutoff Dates:

• 6/21/2024
• 7/5/2024
• 7/19/2024
• 8/2/2024
• 8/16/2024
• 9/6/2024
• 9/20/2024
• 10/4/2024
• 10/18/2024
• 11/1/2024
• 11/15/2024
• 12/6/2024
• 12/20/2024

Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) must be received or postmarked by the filing date indicated above. Applications postmarked, personally delivered or received via interoffice mail after the filing date will be processed in the next group.

The information below will help you determine which classification(s) is(are) appropriate for you. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications as stated on this bulletin to compete in this examination.

Open and Open, Non-Promotional Examination(s):

• CONSULTING PSYCHOLOGIST - Open

For all Classifications, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 6 months:

Exam Code(s):

2207

For CONSULTING PSYCHOLOGIST, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 6 months:

Exam Code(s):

• EX-02207

Submit an Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) to apply for this examination.

Electronic applications can be submitted through your account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov.

You may apply by mail to:

• Department of State Hospitals
  Department of State Hospitals - Sacramento
  Human Resources Office
  1215 O Street, MS 17
  Sacramento, CA 95814
  

Indicate the Examination Code and Classification(s) on your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678).

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

• Department of State Hospitals
  Department of State Hospitals - Sacramento
  Human Resources Office
  1215 O Street, MS 17
  Sacramento, CA 95814
  8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Indicate the Examination Code and Classification(s) on your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678). All applicants must provide proof of identification. Accepted forms of identification are: 1) a photo identification card or 2) two forms of signed identification.

If you require assistance or alternative testing arrangements due to a disability, indicate on your application that you need reasonable accommodation. You will be contacted by a representative of the testing department to make the necessary arrangements. If you have not been contacted by the time you receive notification of testing, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

If you are unable to submit your application or complete the test due to a disability, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements as stated on this exam bulletin to be accepted to the examination.

Unless otherwise stated in the Minimum Qualifications, qualifying experience may be combined on a proportionate basis if the requirements stated below include more than one pattern and are distinguished as "Either" 1, "or" 2, "or" 3, etc. For example, applicants possessing qualifying experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 1 and additional experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 2 may be accepted to an examination as meeting 100% of the overall experience requirement.

License: Possession of a valid license as a Psychologist issued by the California Board of Psychology and possession of an earned Doctorate Degree in Psychology from an educational institution meeting the criteria of Section 2914 of the Medical Board of California's Business and Professions Code.

Unlicensed individuals who are recruited from outside the State of California and who qualify for licensure may take the examination and may be appointed for a maximum of two years at which time licensure shall have been obtained or the employment shall be terminated.). and Experience: Either

1. Two years of experience in the California state service performing clinical psychology duties equivalent to those of a Psychologist (Various Specialties), Psychologist (Health Facility) (Various Specialties), or Psychologist Clinical, Correctional Facility. or

2. Three years of full-time postdoctoral, postinternship experience in the practice of psychology involving either training, research, consultation, or program planning in mental health services.

Applicants must submit their exam application AND complete the exam during the same cut-off period. For example, if you submit your exam application on July 8, 2024 (which is after the July 5, 2024 cut-off) you must complete the exam by July 19, 2024. Filing cut-off dates are listed at the beginning of the exam bulletin.

This examination consists of the following component(s):

Components that are due with your application will be scored and will count toward your final examination result. Failure to submit these items may result in disqualification or elimination from the examination.

A final score of 70% must be attained to be placed on the eligible list.

Complete and submit the following items with your application. These will be scored and count toward your final examination result. Failure to submit these items will result in disqualification from the examination.

Consulting Psychologist Training & Experience Exam: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XWDKSRT

Click the above link to take the exam after you have submitted your application. Exam responses must be received by the corresponding cut-off date of your application.

In addition to evaluating the applicant's relative knowledge, skill and ability as demonstrated by quality and breadth of education/experience, emphasis in each test component will be on measuring competitively, relative to job demands, each applicant's:

Knowledge of: Clinical psychological theories and research; principles, techniques, and problems in developing and coordinating a specialized psychological treatment program; principles, techniques, and trends in psychology with particular reference to normal and disordered behavior, human development, learning, individual differences, adaptation, and social interaction; methods for the assessment and modification of human behavior; characteristics and social aspects of mental disorders and disabilities; program evaluation; institutional and social process, group dynamics, and professional training; interrelationships of Federal, State, and local professional and voluntary mental health agencies and of programs and services of such agencies; current trends in the field of mental health; functions of psychologists in various mental health services; community organization and allied professional services; and consultative methods in various mental health fields.

Ability to: Plan, organize, evaluate, and work in a clinical psychological treatment program; interpret and apply the mental health policies and standards of the Department's program; promote the organization of community mental health resources and their effective utilization in a mental health program; teach and participate in professional training; plan, organize, and conduct research, data analysis, and program evaluation; evaluate and conduct assessment on psychological treatment procedures; evaluate and assess forensic mental health treatment procedures; evaluate the quality and scope of psychological services provided under mental health programs; communicate effectively; provide professional consultation and leadership; recognize situations requiring the creative application of technical skills; develop and assess creative approaches to the assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of mental disorders; conduct the research, development, and direction of a psychological program; secure the cooperation of professional and lay groups; and train other psychologists and other mental health professionals.

A Departmental Open eligible list for the CONSULTING PSYCHOLOGIST Classification will be established for:

• Department of State Hospitals

The names of successful competitors will be merged onto the eligible list(s) in order of final score regardless of test date. Eligibility expires 12 months after it is established. Applicants must then retake the examination to reestablish eligibility.

Veterans' Preference will be granted for this examination. Veterans' Preference is an assistance program for veterans, veteran widows and widowers, and spouses of 100% disabled veterans who seek employment with the state. Veterans' Preference is also extended to currently serving military members nearing their retirement or separation date.

You are not eligible for Veteran's Preference if you are:

• A veteran who has been dishonorably discharged or released.
• A veteran, widow or widower of a veteran, or spouse of a 100 percent disabled veteran who currently has permanent civil service status. (Permanent civil service status is the status of an employee who is lawfully retained in his/her position after completion of the applicable probationary period. This does not include limited term).

Veterans' Preference is codified in Government Code Sections 18973 – 18979.

Veteran status is verified by the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR). Directions to apply for Veterans' Preference are on the Veterans' Preference Application (Std. Form 1093), which is available at www.CalCareers.ca.gov, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Career Credits are not granted for examination(s) administered on an Open basis or a Promotional basis.

Instructions: Rate your knowledge and experience performing specific job-related tasks.

1. Perform forensic psychological evaluations on individuals to determine if patient meets legal criteria for involuntary commitment and treatment using evaluations, clinical/diagnostic interviews and records/central file review.
2. Evaluate and review case files of individuals referred to as Sexually Violent Predators (SVP) and/or Mentally Disordered Offenders (MDO) to determine if individual meets the statutory criteria (CA Welfare and Institution Code (WIC) 6600, Penal Code 2962) by using established guidelines.
3. Write forensic reports to recommend commitment status in a court setting in accordance with professional standards to determine if legal criteria have been met for civil commitment.
4. Provide court testimony as an expert witness in civil commitment hearings for patients evaluated as Sexually Violent Predators (SVP) and/or Mentally Disordered Offenders (MDO).
5. Complete administrative tasks (e.g., expense claims, time sheets, travel arrangements) necessary to manage one’s independent schedule using computer software.
6. Participate in clinical conference calls with co-workers to present and share cases, knowledge, and information relating to reports.
7. Identify security breaches within the facility (including aggressive behavior of patients) that could affect the health and safety of staff and patients by notifying appropriate personnel.
8. Maintain storage and destruction of confidential records and documentation in accordance with American Psychological Association (APA) guidelines.
9. Submit a request to obtain legal documents (e.g., police reports, probation reports, court documents) from case managers to ensure complete and accurate evaluations of patients are performed.
10. Consult with colleagues and other professionals (District Attorneys, parole/probation officers, attorneys) to review cases for court preparation, risk assessments and other duties as necessary.
11. Coordinate schedule of subpoenas received for commitment hearings and trials to avoid scheduling conflicts with other assigned court dates in compliance with Letters of Instruction.
12. Schedule case consultations with various staff (training evaluators and colleagues) to review case data by phone as needed.
13. Conduct clinical review screenings (including risk assessments) to determine if further evaluation is needed to establish commitment criteria via review of case records.
14. Assist in de-escalation in aggressive behavior of patients and intervene to protect self and others using communication skills and crisis intervention techniques in line with departmental guidelines.
15. Coordinate with other departments, Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) and Mentally Disordered Offender (MDO) coordinators to obtain health records, mental health records, and scheduling the interview appointments via phone.

Instructions: Rate your knowledge and experience performing specific job-related knowledge and abilities.

1. Knowledge of Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) laws, case law, legal standards, assessment tools related to each commitment.
2. Knowledge of Mentally Disordered Offender (MDO) laws, case law, legal standards, and assessment tools related to each commitment.
3. Knowledge of ethical standards for general and forensic practice as defined by the American Psychological Association, California Psychological Association, and California Board of Psychology.
4. Knowledge of current clinical and forensic psychological theories and research in order to perform accurate evaluations.
5. Knowledge of current principles, techniques, and trends in Sexually Violent Predators (SVP) and Mentally Disordered Offenders (MDO) research, including diagnosis, risk assessment tools, and the law.
6. Knowledge of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to diagnose relevant mental disorders and disabilities.
7. Knowledge of proper forensic Sexually Violent Predators (SVP) and Mentally Disordered Offenders (MDO) report writing skills.
8. Knowledge of forensic psychological terminologies used in the assessment and evaluations of patients.
9. Knowledge of psychiatric disorders and exhibited symptoms in order to evaluate patients as a Sexually Violent Predators (SVP) and Mentally Disordered Offenders (MDO).
10. Ability to evaluate individuals in an institutional setting.
11. Ability to keep records and develop clear concise reports.
12. Ability to review and keep apprised of mental health and forensic laws and regulations.
13. Ability to observe and document patient symptoms and behaviors.
14. Ability to be flexible in adapting to changes in priorities, work assignments, and other issues that may impact pre-established courses of action for completing assignments.
15. Ability to use computers to perform daily duties (e.g., locate forms, document case data, manage schedule).
16. Ability to analyze safety concerns accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
17. Ability to ask individuals highly sensitive questions to ensure accurate data is obtained for Sexually Violent Predators (SVP) and Mentally Disordered Offenders (MDO) commitment and treatment evaluations.

• Department of State Hospitals

Questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice). TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Examination and/or Employment Application (STD 678) forms are available at the California Department of Human Resources, local offices of the Employment Development Department, and through your CalCareer Account (www.CalCareers.ca.gov).

If you meet the requirements stated on this examination bulletin, you may take this examination, which is competitive. Possession of the entrance requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination described in this bulletin will be rated against a predetermined job-related rating, and all applicants who pass will be ranked according to their scores.

Department of State Hospitals reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service laws and rules and all applicants will be notified.

General Qualifications: Applicants must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class. A medical examination may be required. In open examinations, investigation may be made of employment records and personal history and fingerprinting may be required.

Eligible Lists: Eligible lists established by competitive examination, regardless of date, must be used in the following order: 1) sub-divisional promotional, 2) departmental promotional, 3) multi-departmental promotional, 4) service-wide promotional, 5) departmental open, 6) open. When there are two lists of the same kind, the older must be used first. Eligible lists will expire in one to four years unless otherwise stated on the bulletin.

High School Equivalence: Equivalence to completion of the 12th grade may be demonstrated in any one of the following ways: 1) passing the General Education Development (GED) Test; 2) completion of 12 semester units of college-level work; 3) certification from the State Department of Education, a local school board, or high school authorities that the competitor is considered to have education equivalent to graduation from high school; or 4) for clerical and accounting classes, substitution of business college work in place of high school on a year-for-year basis.

Accepted applicants must provide proof of identification at each in-person test session. Acceptable identification consists of a photo identification card or two forms of signed identification.