Psychologist Associate Trainee

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direct supervision of the designated Wexford Health manager, provides psychological services to patients receiving mental health services.

Duties include assessment, consultation, liaison, and psychotherapeutic interventions as appropriate. Communicates clinical findings in writing, as well as through consultation with Mental Health Unit staff.

Utilizes electronic medical record system as applicable throughout the scope of duties and responsibilities.

DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Conduct psychological screening, assessment and / or evaluations on all offenders referred for examination and / or treatment following IDOC format and guidelines.

2. Prepare treatment plans on all offenders requiring specialized therapy.

3. Participates in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings.

4. Seek supervision / consultation on mental health issues from clinical supervisor(s) when appropriate.

5. Complete didactic training offered by supervisor(s).

6. Serve as member of the Center Crisis Intervention Team. This may include :

• Providing assessments and brief therapy to offenders identified as experiencing a psychological / emotional crisis.
• Training of Crisis Intervention Team members.
• Maintaining required crisis intervention documentation and monitoring all delivery of service to offenders on crisis status.

7. Provides clinical evaluation for treatment needs of inmates referred by medical, counseling, security or other facility staff.

8. Provides crisis intervention counseling, brief therapy and group therapy as indicated for Center residents.

9. Provide consultation to Center staff and administration on the treatment of specific offenders or pertaining to broader Center program issues impacting the mental health of staff and offenders.

10. Completes comprehensive psychosocial history on each admission to the Mental Health Unit.

11. Provides individual and group therapy for offenders identified through evaluation or referred by other qualified mental health professionals.

12. Administer, score and interpret objective and projective psychological testing in appropriate cases under the supervision of a Licensed Clinical Psychologist.

13. Conduct discharge planning for seriously mentally ill offenders returning to the community in the absence of a Clinical Social Worker.

14. Provides documentation in accordance with unit policies and procedures.

15. Contributes to Mental Health Unit development and evaluation.

16. Conduct staff training and development and assist in the design of treatment techniques, interventions and programs.

17. Participates in and conducts in-service programs; assists in orientation of new staff, provides staff training to facility personnel on mental health issues including the function of the Crisis Team and how to access its services.

18. Monitor the provisions of crisis services to include review of documentation for accuracy, completeness, and fulfillment of Center directives and procedures

19. Coordinate closely with the Center consulting psychiatrist to ensure patients requiring evaluation for medication or re-evaluation of current medications are seen by the psychiatrist / physician in a timely manner and the psychiatrist is aware of any information pertinent to the patient’s clinical condition.

20. Monitor the clinical condition and treatment of special offender populations (e.g., Guilty but Mentally Ill, Developmentally Disabled, Seriously Mentally Ill) as determined necessary by the ADs or local policy (Center’s institutional directives).

21. Maintain documentation on all mental health contacts to include submission of a monthly summary report to the IDOC Chief of Mental Health Services and / or Wexford Health Sources representatives as required or requested.

22. Where applicable, provide services for those inmates who need to be transferred to Mental Health facilities. Services to include any work-up or court hearing testimony needed.

23. Where applicable, participate in the treatment programming and planning, discussion of problem cases, follow up and monitoring of medication and general psychiatric input.

24. Provide mental health services in compliance with all Administrative Directives and Departmental Rules.

25. Provide staff training in areas related to mental health issues such as signs and symptoms of mental illness, management of mentally ill inmates, crisis intervention and related topics.

26. Participate in Behavioral Health Ground Rounds as directed.

27. Attends mandatory in-services on annual basis.

28. Maintains open lines of communication via attendance at staff meetings and / or use of communication book.

29. Maintains the confidentiality of inmate records.

30. Makes suggestions for improving work conditions to the Medical Director and Health Care Unit Administrator.

31. Complies with all supervision and training requirements of the Associate PhD / PsyD Trainee position.

32. Upon receiving the necessary training and / or instruction, performs other duties as required or assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

TRAVEL : Minimal travel required.

LICENSING : None required. However, must be license-eligible through completion of a Masters or Doctoral Degree within an accredited program that is recognized by the respective licensing board.

Candidates must be able to demonstrate eligibility for licensure pending completion of respective licensure exam.

Licensure as a Clinical Psychologist must be acquired within 960 hours worked of employment.

CERTIFICATION : Current CPR certification Accepted :

• American Red Cross
• American Heart Association
• American Safety and Health Institute

EDUCATION : Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE :

• Experience in working in a clinical setting as a psychologist or licensed mental health professional.
• Prior experience with use of electronic medical record system.

EOE / M / F / D / V 18683