Exam Bulletin

Department of State Hospitals

Multiple Testing Departments. Please see list of Departments.

Exam Code: EX-3736

Examination Plans Included:

  • SENIOR PSYCHIATRIST (SPECIALIST) - Open

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

Bulletin Updates

  • Continuous filing dates have been added.
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  • Continuous filing dates have been added.
  • Continuous filing dates have been added.
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  • Continuous filing dates have been added.
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  • Continuous filing dates have been added.
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Classification Details

SENIOR PSYCHIATRIST (SPECIALIST): $12,667.00 - $30,229.00 per Month

View the SENIOR PSYCHIATRIST (SPECIALIST) classification specification.

Application Instructions

Upcoming Filing Cutoff Dates:

  • 12/27/2024
  • 1/3/2025
  • 1/10/2025
  • 1/17/2025
  • 1/24/2025
  • 2/7/2025
  • 2/14/2025
  • 2/21/2025
  • 2/28/2025
  • 3/7/2025
  • 3/14/2025
  • 3/21/2025
  • 3/28/2025
  • 4/4/2025
  • 4/11/2025
  • 4/18/2025
  • 4/25/2025
  • 5/2/2025
  • 5/9/2025
  • 5/16/2025
  • 5/23/2025
  • 5/30/2025
  • 6/6/2025
  • 6/13/2025
  • 6/20/2025
  • 6/27/2025
  • 7/4/2025
  • 7/11/2025
  • 7/18/2025
  • 7/25/2025
  • 8/1/2025
  • 8/8/2025
  • 8/15/2025
  • 8/22/2025
  • 8/29/2025
  • 9/5/2025
  • 9/12/2025
  • 9/19/2025
  • 9/26/2025
  • 10/3/2025
  • 10/10/2025
  • 10/17/2025
  • 10/24/2025
  • 10/31/2025
  • 11/7/2025
  • 11/14/2025
  • 11/21/2025
  • 11/28/2025
  • 12/5/2025
  • 12/12/2025
  • 12/19/2025
  • 12/26/2025

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.

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 PSYCHIATRIST (SPECIALIST) - Open

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

Exam Code(s):

    3736

For SENIOR PSYCHIATRIST (SPECIALIST), once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 6 months:

Exam Code(s):

  • EX-03736

How To Apply:

The preferred method is to apply through your CalCareers account to EX-3736. 

Please review the Minimum Qualifications section below before applying.   Applications MUST include “to” and “from” dates (month/day/year), hours per week, civil service class title(s), and range (if applicable) for all work experience, including internship.  College course information MUST include title, number of semester or quarter units, name of institution, completion dates, and degree (if applicable).  Provide your professional license/certification number with issue and expiration date (if applicable).  Applications received without adequate information may have delays in processing and/or may be rejected.  Please contact the Testing Department if you have any questions related to the exam process.


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
    Selection Services Unit
    1215 O Street, MS 14
    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
    Selection Services Unit
    1215 O Street, MS 14
    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.

The following items must be submitted with your Examination/Employment Application form. Failure to submit these items may result in rejection of your application.

  • Other - A CV – or Curriculum Vitae is recommended but not required.

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.

00107616 - SENIOR PSYCHIATRIST (SPECIALIST)

Possession of the legal requirements for the practice of medicine in California as determined by the California Board of Medical Quality Assurance or the California Board of Osteopathic Examiners. (Applicants who are in the process of securing approval of their qualifications by the Board of Medical Quality Assurance or the Board of Osteopathic Examiners will be admitted to the examination, but the Board to which application is made must determine that all legal requirements have been met before candidates will be eligible for appointment.)

and

Either I
Possession of a valid certificate in psychiatry issued by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, the American Osteopathic Board of Neurology and Psychiatry, or eligibility for examination for such a certificate as evidenced by a written statement from the Secretary of either Board. (Applicants who are in the process of establishing specialty board eligibility will be admitted to the examination but the required verification must be submitted before appointment.)

or II
Completion within the past seven years of the following training and experience:

1. Three years of psychiatric residency training in programs approved by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology or the American Osteopathic Board of Neurology and Psychiatry, two years of which must have been in a program approved for a minimum of two years of such training;

and

2. 
Two years of experience in a psychiatric facility or on a hospital psychiatric service.

(Candidates who are within six months of meeting these requirements may take the examination but they cannot be appointed until these requirements are met.)

Position Description

00107616 - SENIOR PSYCHIATRIST (SPECIALIST)

Provides treatment to patients requiring more difficult forms of psychiatric treatment; reviews clinical records of patients to assure their adequacy and proper administration; makes regular ward rounds and special teaching rounds; provides consultation to mental health professional staff on the use of Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved investigatory new drugs and other extra-formulary medication use per Penal Code 3502.5(a); provides consultation to mental health professional staff on new procedures that are required by the Legislature; assists in planning training programs and participates in the training of staff and the instruction of residents, interns, and other students; assists staff in the proper preparation of various required reports; develops new evaluation procedures in compliance with revised regulations; may preside at ward, diagnostic and clinical conferences and advise staff on appropriate treatment techniques for specific cases; makes regular ward rounds and special teaching rounds; and may be assigned to special teaching or administrative assignments.

Special Personal Characteristics: Sympathetic and objective understanding of the problems of the mentally ill; tact; patience; emotional stability; and demonstrated leadership ability.

For information regarding position location(s), please refer to the Eligible List Information section.

Examination Information

Applicants must submit their exam application AND complete the exam during the same cut-off period.  Filing Cut-Off Dates are listed at the beginning of the exam bulletin.

 

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: Principles and methods of psychiatry and general medicine; current developments in the field of psychiatry, including mental retardation; principles of surgery and neurology; principles and applications of psychiatric social work, clinical psychology, physical therapy, the various rehabilitative therapies, and other ancillary medical services; psychiatric research methods and techniques; principles, methods, and objectives of training treatment personnel.

Skill in: Applying the principles and methods of psychiatry and general medicine.

Ability to: Coordinate and participate in psychiatric research; analyze situations accurately and take effective action.

Eligible List Information

A Servicewide Open eligible list for the SENIOR PSYCHIATRIST (SPECIALIST) 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.

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.

Training and Experience Examination Preview

 

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

 

Task:

 

  1. Review clinical records (e.g. patient/client histories, examination findings, diagnosis, supportive legal documents, treatment plan, etc.)

  2. Complete documentation and forms, such as court reports and other documentation.

  3. Conduct face-to-face evaluations to assess patient/client symptoms of mental illness, side effects to medication(s), problematic behavior and medical issues.

  4. Perform comprehensive specialty psychiatric evaluations assessing chief complaints, symptoms, objective findings and relevant historical information to arrive at a working diagnosis.

  5. Provide consultation and guidance regarding administration of psychiatric care to patients/clients requiring more difficult forms of psychiatric treatment.

  6. Participate in continuing medical education and approved research to improve understanding of mental, emotional, or behavioral states or disorders as required by state licensing requirements.

  7. Evaluate patient/client response to treatment(s) by reviewing mental status, medication(s) and physical condition to consult and/or advise regarding patient/client treatment.

  8. Record patient/client condition in the psychiatric/medical record (e.g. paper and/or electronic) to document clinical observations and evaluations.

  9. Evaluate, consult, or advise other consultants regarding treatment (e.g. medications, restraints, seclusion, suicide precautions, etc.) in response to concern of self-harm or self-injurious behavior.

  10. Evaluate assaultive incidents and recommend modifications of treatment (e.g. medications, restraints, seclusion, etc.).

  11. Conduct clinical rounds (e.g. routine and special teaching) with the assistance of unit staff to address complex psychiatric symptoms and behavioral problems.

  12. Assist staff in the proper preparation of various required reports to ensure accuracy and thoroughness.

  13. Evaluate the appropriateness of specialized treatments (e.g. Electroconvulsive Therapy, etc.) for patients/clients with severe mental illness when other treatments are unsuccessful.

  14. Provide consultation on psychopharmacology and restraint/seclusion issues to educate others as requested.

  15. Consult or guide other consultants regarding physician orders (e.g. handwritten and/or electronic) for admission, transfer, discharge, medications, restraints, seclusion, suicide precautions, etc.


 

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

 

Knowledge, Skill, or Ability:

 

  1. Knowledge of principles and methods of psychiatry, pharmacology, general medicine, and skill in their application.

  2. Knowledge of current developments in the field of psychiatry and mental health.

  3. Knowledge of indications for appropriate use of restraint and/or seclusion.

  4. Knowledge of the latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to diagnose psychiatric conditions and medical comorbidities.

  5. Knowledge of principles of medicine.

  6. Knowledge of principles and application of psychiatric social work, clinical psychology, physical therapy, various rehabilitation therapies, and other ancillary medical services.

  7. Skill in applying the principles and methods of psychiatry and general medicine.

  8. Ability to maintain confidentiality concerning medical files to ensure compliance with state and federal laws, rules, regulations, and departmental policy.

  9. Ability to communicate effectively (e.g. oral and written) between health care and legal professionals to ensure continuity of care and compliance with legal requirements.

  10. Ability to analyze clinical situations appropriately and take effective action.

  11. Ability to apply sound judgment for clinical situations and “think and act” quickly in emergencies to ensure security and safety of self, staff and patients/clients.

  12. Ability to maintain appropriate patient records to ensure clear and concise record keeping.

  13. Ability to comprehend criminal and civil law that dictate forensic commitments to ensure compliance with the law.

  14. Ability to consult regarding various classes of medications and their side effects to appropriately guide medication prescriptions for patients/clients.

 

Testing Departments

  • Department of State Hospitals
  • State of California

Contact Information

Questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

Department of State Hospitals
Selection Services Unit
1215 O Street, MS 14
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 651-8832
SacramentoExamsUnit@dsh.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.

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.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
In Person (see bulletin for details)
Alternate Application Process

While we recommend that you utilize your CalCareer Account to take advantage of all the tools available, you may choose to apply for this examination without using your account. In this case, print and complete the Exam Application Package Checklist and include it if you submit a hard copy application.

Exam Application Package Checklist

Blank Application Form (STD678)

Accommodation Request (STD679)