Psychological Assessor - Correctional Health
Primary Purpose
Psychological assessment and treatment planning for Dallas County Jail inmates developing interventions appropriate to the correctional clinical setting.
Minimum Specifications
Education
- Must have a Master's degree in Counseling, Psychology or a related field.
- Experience
- Must have two years of experience in psychological/psychiatric intake and diagnostics.
Equivalent Education and/or Experience
Certification/Registration/Licensure
- Must have one of the following licensures:
- Licensed Psychologist by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychology.
- Licensed Professional Counselor by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors.
Required Tests for Placement
Skills or Special Abilities
- Requires competency in psychological assessment, diagnosing psychiatric conditions and treatment planning.
- Must be able to demonstrate effective interpersonal skills and possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong knowledge of evidence-based assessment tools and crisis management techniques.
- Sensitivity and empathy when dealing with individuals in crisis and from diverse backgrounds.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- Understanding of the unique challenges and dynamics of working within a jail environment.
Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive mental health assessments of incarcerated individuals identified as high risk/high acuity and patients experiencing a psychiatric crisis situation seven days a week.
- Consult and collaborate with other mental health professionals, medical professionals, and correctional staff to ensure comprehensive care.
- Utilize evidence-based assessment tools and techniques to evaluate the severity of suicidal ideation and behavior.
- Implement appropriate safety measures and interventions to prevent harm to individuals in crisis.
- Assess and document relevant factors such as mental health history, current stressors, and protective factors.
- Provide education and support to incarcerated individuals regarding coping skills, anger management, and conflict resolution.
- Maintain accurate and confidential records of assessments, treatment plans, and progress notes.
- Stay updated on the latest research and best practices in trauma-informed care, suicide risk assessment, prevention, and crisis intervention.
- Participate in case conceptualization and discussion with the crisis stabilization team for collective problem-solving.
- Maintain knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws, and guidelines that impact discipline. Develop effective internal controls that promote adherence to applicable state/federal laws and the program requirements of accreditation agencies and federal, state, and private health plans. Seeks advice and guidance as necessary to ensure proper understanding.
- Identify ways to improve work processes and improve patient satisfaction. Makes recommendations to supervisor, implements, and monitors results as appropriate in support of the overall goals of Parkland Correctional Health.
- Conduct Dangerousness Risk Assessment on inmates to determine the appropriate level of care and housing assignment.
- Conduct substance abuse assessment to determine the impact substance use has on current mental health, including referral to medical staff in cases of physical withdrawal.
