Clinical Programs Psychologist

About the role

Harris County Juvenile Probation Department (HCJPD) is the third-largest juvenile justice agency in the country and the second-largest department in Harris County, employing over 1,200 professionals dedicated to youth justice transformation and reform. HCJPD is committed to improving outcomes for youth, reducing racial disproportionality, and ensuring a safe environment for both staff and residents. We continuously innovate by implementing systemic changes to lower detention populations and promote positive youth development.

About Health Services

The Health Services division of the HCJPD is responsible for the medical, psychological, and treatment programs within the agency. The services operated within this division include the medical staff that assess and treat youth in the detention center and post-adjudicated facilities. In addition, the division has mental health therapists who provide crisis counseling, and individual, group, and family therapy to youth both in the detention center and under community supervision. Lastly, the Health Services division oversees the four specialty courts that operate within the agency to help address some of the underlying factors that may be impacting a youth’s functioning.

Position Overview

The Clinical Programs Psychologist's purpose is to provide direct clinical services, clinical consultant, and coordination to mental health programs in the agency. In addition, this position assists with program development, implementation, and program evaluation. This position acts as a clinical provider or clinical liaison for youth's participation in specialized programs. The psychologist is responsible for the full spectrum of youth care by assisting in the court referrals, assessment, coordinating and/or providing services to identified youth who meet the criteria for involvement in their individualized program as well as monitoring their progress.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Serves as a clinical provider and or clinical liaison for youth participating in the specialized programs; including discharge and transition of services.
• Assists with program design, implementation and program evaluation of the specialized program(s).
• Conducts clinical assessments for program admission, treatment recommendations and discharge planning.
• Educates staff and court personnel on the purpose, design and protocols for involvement in the specialized programs.

Requirements

• Education and Experience: Doctoral degree (Ph.D./Psy.D.) from an accredited college or university in Psychology (Clinical, Counseling, Forensic, School, Education). One (1) year of paid clinical experience in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling or related field.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Must have evidence-based knowledge of theories of human development, psychopathology, behaviors, and social relationships. Must have a working knowledge of the DSM-IV-TR as well as the associated psychotropic medications commonly prescribed. Must show prudent judgment and the ability to analyze information in order to effectively address clinical matters, develop appropriate treatment and discharge plans, and direct staff appropriately. Must have good time management skills and the ability to prioritize items in order to plan ahead for court hearings, the youth’s discharge from the facility, and the eventual termination of probation. Must display a professional demeanor at all times and practice ethically as defined by the clinician’s professional licensure and the Department. Must be 21 years of age.
• Licensure: Employees in this position must possess and maintain a valid Texas Driver's license and maintain liability insurance coverage at least equal to the minimum amounts required by law.
• Additional Requirements: Upon receiving a conditional job offer, all applicants must undergo a criminal background check and drug screening. All employees are subject to random drug and alcohol testing, as well as testing based on reasonable suspicion that the employee may be under the influence of a substance prohibited by the county’s drug and alcohol policy during the course and scope of employment. In the event of a public emergency declared by the county, staff may be assigned to other duties, facilities, or departments under the supervision of another county department.

General Information

• Position Type and Typical Hours of Work: Grant-funded Full-time | Time-limited position with an anticipated duration of 18 months from the date of hire. Monday - Friday Late nights and weekends if necessary and/or, as scheduled. Hours will be discussed during departmental interview.
• Salary: $ 98,904.00 Annually
• Open Position Location: Health Services
• Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen. Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.