STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Psychologist (Clinical) (40 Hour)

Recruitment #200506-6629FP-001

Introduction

The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), is a health care agency whose mission is to promote the overall health and wellness of persons with behavioral health needs through an integrated network of holistic, comprehensive, effective, and efficient services and supports that foster dignity, respect, and self-sufficiency in those we serve.

Whiting Forensic Hospital specializes in providing inpatient services to individuals involved in the criminal justice system. The hospital consists of 91 maximum security beds and 138 enhanced security beds.  Services are provided to individuals who are admitted under the following categories: Psychiatric Security Review Board commitment, Criminal court order for restoration of competency to stand trial, Civil commitment (voluntary or involuntary) and Transfer from the Department of Correction (during period of incarceration or at end of sentence). Discharge options are dependent on legal status and the purpose of admission.   

The DMHAS, Whiting Forensic Hospital seeks an experienced and qualified individual for the position of Psychologist (PCN 124058). This position is located within Unit 2 of the Whiting Forensic Hospital. We are located in Middletown, CT and easily accessible off of Route 9. We offer a work schedule of Monday thru Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., full-time, 40 hours per week.  This is a Hazardous Duty position.

Do you want to make a difference while participating in a dynamic and reciprocal health care environment in the public sector? If so, we have an excellent opportunity to join our hospital’s team!

Discover the opportunity to:

  • Participate in and coordinate clinical psychological services for a competency restoration unit in a maximum security forensic psychiatric hospital;
  • Conduct admission and annual psychological evaluations for all patients on the unit;
  • Perform psychological testing;
  • Conduct or coordinate referrals for more complex psychological testing, including problem sexual behavior, pathological fire setting, neuropsychological testing and psychological testing with individuals whose primary language is not English;
  • Participate in the psychotherapy service by providing psychotherapy to long-term patients on other units and services of the hospital;
  • Contribute to competency restoration evaluation services and report writing for court purposes;
  • Participate in competency restoration programming, including conducting group and individual sessions with patients as necessary;
  • Consult with community agencies and organizations as part of patient’s treatment and discharge planning processes.

What we offer:

  • A Hazardous Duty pension plan;
  • Excellent health benefits along with additional supplemental benefits;
  • A challenging yet rewarding experience.

Please ensure that your application is complete and you have included your Resume in the 'Resume Tab' of your application as you will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application into the JobAps system.   Individuals considered for interview will be required to submit additional documentation supporting their qualification(s) for this position.  These documents may include performance reviews, attendance, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc.  You do not have to attach these documents to your application submission.

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Julie Barker at Julie.Barker@ct.gov or (860) 262-6745.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In a state facility, this class is accountable for performing the full range of psychotherapy or other professional psychological services including diagnostic testing, behavior modification, program development and evaluation, community outreach, education and training, rehabilitation and/or research.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Participates in and coordinates clinical psychological services for a complex ward or group of wards or comparable units staffed by psychiatric, nursing or other individual care personnel; provides consultation on difficult cases representing complex intellectual, emotional and/or social problems; engages in diagnostic and psychotherapeutic services; attends staff meetings; coordinates psychological treatment modalities with other disciplines and services; develops and implements new service programs; conducts research and reports findings in a manner suitable for professional publication; consults with community agencies and organizations; conducts training sessions for interns and staff and may participate in training of psychiatric residents; may address lay and professional groups; performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Considerable knowledge of abnormal and clinical psychology; considerable knowledge and skill in selection, administration, scoring and evaluation of intelligence, achievement, personality and diagnostic tests; considerable knowledge of psychological research methodology including experimental design, data analysis and application of findings; knowledge of other psychological disciplines; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; considerable ability to make clinical diagnosis and prognosis and develop treatment plans; considerable ability to conduct psychotherapy; considerable ability to write case histories, discharge summaries and professional reports; ability to coordinate clinical services with comprehensive and multidisciplinary treatment plans.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

A doctorate degree in clinical or counseling psychology and one (1) year of post-doctoral experience as a psychologist working under the supervision of a licensed psychologist.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  1. Incumbents in this class must possess and retain a license to practice psychology in Connecticut. Any person employed by the State of Connecticut prior to July 1, 1985 with a title in the Psychology series of the classified service shall be exempt from the above licensure requirement pursuant to Public Act 613, Section 119(c). For certain positions the appointing authority may require state licensure.
  2. Incumbents in this class must possess and maintain eligibility for participation in federal health care programs as defined in 42 U.S. § 1320a-7b(f).
  3. Incumbents in this class may be required to be fluent in a foreign language or proficient in the use of American Sign Language.
  4. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents in this class may be required to lift and restrain individuals or inmates; may have some exposure to communicable/infectious diseases and to risk of injury from assaultive/abusive individuals or inmates; may be exposed to disagreeable conditions.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.