Exam Bulletin - Senior Psychologist, Correctional Facility (Supv)

California Correctional Health Care Services

Multiple Testing Departments. Please see list of Departments.

Exam Code: EX-3073

Examination Plans Included:

  • SENIOR PSYCHOLOGIST, CORRECTIONAL FACILITY (SUPERVISOR) - Open

Final Filing Date: Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

Classification Details

SENIOR PSYCHOLOGIST, CORRECTIONAL FACILITY (SUPERVISOR): $12,016.00 - $14,150.00 (P) per Month

View the SENIOR PSYCHOLOGIST, CORRECTIONAL FACILITY (SUPERVISOR) classification specification.

Application Instructions

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

Who Should Apply:

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):

  • SENIOR PSYCHOLOGIST, CORRECTIONAL FACILITY (SUPERVISOR) - Open

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

Exam Code(s):

    3073

How To Apply:

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.

Special Testing Arrangements:

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.

Minimum Qualifications

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.

00109288 - SENIOR PSYCHOLOGIST, CORRECTIONAL FACILITY (SUPERVISOR)

License: Possession of a valid license as a Psychologist issued by the California Board of Psychology.  And

Education: 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.

Individuals who do not qualify for licensure by the California Board of Psychology or who are in the process of securing this license will be admitted into the examination; however, applicants must first secure a license to practice as a psychologist in California before they will be eligible for appointment.  And

Either I

One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a
Psychologist - Clinical, Correctional Facility or Staff Psychologist (any specialty).

Or II

Two years of postdoctoral, post internship experience in the practice of psychology involving assessment and treatment and either training, research, consultation, or program planning in mental health services.

Applicants possessing the required license/certificate at the time of application must show the number, title, and expiration date on their Examination Application (Std. Form 678).

Special Personal Characteristics:  Empathetic understanding of patients in a State correctional facility; willingness to work in a State correctional facility; scientific and professional integrity; emotional stability; patience; alertness; tact; keenness of observation; and demonstrated leadership ability.

Special Physical Characteristics:  Persons appointed to this position must be reasonably expected to have and maintain sufficient strength, agility, and endurance to perform during stressful (physical, mental, and emotional) situations encountered on the job without compromising their health and well-being or that of their fellow employees or that of incarcerated patients.

Assignments may include sole responsibility for the supervision of incarcerated patients and/or the protections of personal and real property.

State Civil Service Out of Class Experience:  A completion of an “out-of-class (OOC) assignment memorandum”, dated within one year of assignment completion, is required to use OOC experience to meet the minimum qualifications for examination purposes.  Employees may obtain this documentation from their Classification and Pay Analyst or institutional Personnel Liaison.  OOC experience without the required documentation cannot be considered for examination purposes.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:  The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) are committed to building an inclusive and culturally diverse workplace. We are determined to attract and hire more candidates from diverse communities and empower all employees from a variety of cultural backgrounds, perspectives, and personal experiences. We are proud to foster inclusion and drive collaborative efforts to increase representation at all levels of the Department.

Position Description

00109288 - SENIOR PSYCHOLOGIST, CORRECTIONAL FACILITY (SUPERVISOR)

A Senior Psychologist, Correctional Facility (Supervisor), in a State correctional facility or outpatient clinic in the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, (1) performs difficult and responsible assignments relating to psychological assessment and treatment and either (a) assists in the direction of the psychology program of a health facility, or (b) plans, organizes, develops, and directs a psychology program similar in size and nature at a health facility or (2) plans, organizes, and coordinates a special patient treatment program which utilizes psychological techniques as its main nonmedical emphasis at a health facility and coordinates the work of treatment staff of various clinical specialties and volunteers in the program; serves as a department-wide expert and psychology consultant in a specific psychology discipline; maintains order and supervises the conduct of incarcerated patients; protects and maintains the safety of persons and property; and does other related work.  As a working supervisor: typically directs a staff of psychologists; is responsible for the evaluation of his/her staff; personally performs the more difficult evaluation and treatment of patients; provides leadership for program development and evaluation; coordinates program research or training; provides clinical or program consultation; or be responsible for a psychology program similar in size and nature for a particular health facility. As a special program administrator: plans, organizes, and provides leadership and functional direction for a multidisciplinary staff engaged in a specialized treatment program.

As a working supervisor: Typically directs a staff of psychologists; is responsible for the evaluation of his/her staff; personally performs the more difficult evaluation and treatment of patients; provides leadership for program development and evaluation; coordinates program research or training; provides clinical or program consultation; or be responsible for a psychology program similar in size and nature for a particular health facility.

As special program administrators: Incumbents plan, organize, and provide leadership and functional direction for a multidisciplinary staff engaged in a specialized treatment program.

Positions exist statewide.

Examination Information

This examination consists of the following component(s):

Component OrderComponent TypeComponent DuePercentage of Final Score
1Supplemental ReportWith Application100%

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.

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:

  1. Principles, techniques, and problems in developing and coordinating a specialized psychological treatment program;
  2. Principles, techniques, and trends in psychology with particular reference to normal and disordered behavior, human development, motivation, personality, learning, individual differences, adaptation, and social interaction;
  3. Methods for the assessment and modification of human behavior;
  4. Forensic psychology;
  5. Characteristics and social aspects of mental and developmental disabilities;
  6. Research methodology and program evaluation;
  7. Institutional and social process, group dynamics;
  8. Functions of psychologists in various mental health services;
  9. Current trends in the field of mental health;
  10. Professional training;
  11. Principles of personnel management and supervision;
  12. Community organization and allied professional services;
  13. A manager's/supervisor's responsibility for promoting equal opportunity in hiring and employee development and promotion, and for maintaining a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.
Ability to:
  1. Plan, organize, and direct, or coordinate a specialized psychological treatment program involving members of other treatment disciplines;
  2. Provide professional consultation and program leadership;
  3. Supervise consultation and program leadership;
  4. Supervise professional staff;
  5. Teach and participate in professional training;
  6. Recognize situations requiring the creative application of technical skills;
  7. Develop and evaluate creative approaches to the assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of mental disabilities, to the conduct of research, and to the development and direction of a psychology program;
  8. Plan, organize, and conduct research, data analysis, and program evaluation;
  9. Conduct the more difficult assessment and psychological treatment procedures;
  10. Analyze situations accurately and take effective action;
  11. Communicate effectively;
  12. Understand and effectively carry out State and departmental equal employment opportunity policies;
  13. Effectively promote equal opportunity in employment and maintain a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.

Eligible List Information

A Departmental Open eligible list for the SENIOR PSYCHOLOGIST, CORRECTIONAL FACILITY (SUPERVISOR) Classification will be established for:

  • California Correctional Health Care Services

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.

Resulting Eligibility List(s) will be used to fill vacancies throughout the State of California.

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.

Preview the Senior Psychologist, Correctional Facility (Supervisor) Exam

1. Have you assisted with the completion of auditing requirements to maintain compliance and standardization of services? 
2. Have you coordinated the work of a inter-disciplinary treatment team for a mental health program? 
3. Have you developed, implemented, or reviewed policies and procedures to ensure compliance and standardization of mental health care? 
4. Have you overseen psychologists in their daily responsibilities to provide guidance and ensure adequate patient care? 
5. Have you evaluated patient contacts by reviewing assessments, progress notes, treatment plans, etc., to enhance the delivery of patient care? 
6. Have you implemented mental health program requirements to maintain compliance? 
7. Have you maintained professional standards concerning patient confidentiality to ensure compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)? 
8. Have you observed work areas and materials to maintain and promote safety and security? 
9. Have you participated in quality management activities (e.g., committees, peer review) to identify clinical areas in need of improvement?
10.Have you promoted Equal Employment Opportunity to maintain a work environment that is free of discrimination, retaliation, and harassment? 
11.Have you provided consultation in assessing/screening patients to determine their clinical needs, risk levels, levels of care, or appropriate program placements? 
12.Have you provided consultation to clinical staff (e.g., psychologist, social worker) in the preparation of clinical assessments, progress reports, and treatment recommendations for patients? 
13.Have you reviewed mental health documents completed by other clinical staff? 
14.Have you assisted with the development, implementation, and management of clinical activities and standards?

Testing Departments

  • California Correctional Health Care Services
  • Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation

Contact Information

Questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

California Correctional Health Care Services
Examination Services Section
PO Box 588500, Personnel D-1
Elk Grove, CA 95758
Phone: (916) 691-5894
CPHCSSelectionServices@cdcr.ca.gov

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Drug Free Statement

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free State work place. Any applicant for State employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective, because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing civil service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

General Information

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.

California Correctional Health Care Services 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.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Your CalCareer Account)