Psychologist I - MEDC

About the role

It is the mission of the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) to impact and transform young lives, strengthen families, and support safer communities through targeted prevention and rehabilitation.

Under general supervision, individual will be expected to complete court-ordered evaluations of assigned youth, as well as provide some clinical and case management services. Evaluations are expected to be completed according to established deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Completes comprehensive psychosocial evaluations on assigned youth and submits them in a timely manner that is consistent with established deadlines.
• Assigned comprehensive psychosocial evaluations are completed within 30 days of assignment and submitted to the supervisor for review.
• Testing is scored and interpreted accurately, and the report is well-written, edited, and reviewed for accuracy prior to submission for review.
• All direct contact with youth is documented in Medicat and JJMS.
• Consults and coordinates with, and makes referrals to other DJJ staff (e.g., nurses, psychiatrists, special needs coordinators, teachers, security officers, intensive supervision officers, clinicians, etc.) and other relevant outside agencies about youths’ needs.
• Request records relevant to evaluations from DJJ staff and other outside agencies.
• Communicate with the DJJ Community Office regarding status of the report and obtain updated information regarding the youth (e.g. court updates, referrals, etc.).
• Court ordered referrals are made, and records requested within two business days of receiving the court order. If referral requests are not acknowledged within three business days, the evaluator will follow up via phone or email and document the follow-up.
• Provides on-call, after-hours crisis intervention coverage and services on a rotating basis with other clinicians.
• Provides crisis intervention on an as-needed basis to youth during regular working hours.
• Answers all incoming calls while performing on-call duties, responds according to policy and/or supervisor directive, and completes all relevant paperwork/documentation within expected timeframes as noted per policy.
• Coordinates psychiatry referrals and interagency staffing as needed or required by court order.
• Ensures psychiatry evaluations are sent to the county and attends interagency staffings.
• Attends trainings as needed or required to improve and enhance skills and knowledge base. All mandatory trainings are completed within expected time frames.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned (e.g., isolation checks, PREA monitoring, etc.)

Requirements

• STATE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: A doctorate in applied psychology from an accredited college or university and experience in the practice of applied psychology.
• Additional Requirements:
  • Thorough knowledge of current psychological theory, practice, assessment and evaluation techniques with children/adolescents/families, as well as some knowledge of forensic psychological issues and practice.
  • Ability to select/administer/interpret psychological tests and measures and effectively communicate findings.
  • Must have excellent written and oral communication skills and be able to present clear and comprehensive oral and written reports.
  • Must be able to work and communicate effectively with youth, families, staff and other entities.
  • On-call duties are required on a rotating basis with other clinical staff.
  • Must be able to work in a secure facility setting and environment with incarcerated youth.
  • Must be mobile and able to lift 25 lbs.
  • Able to work varied hours.
  • This position performs job duties relating to the custody, control, transportation, or recapture of youth within the jurisdiction of the Department of Juvenile Justice and the employee may have direct and indirect contact with youth within the jurisdiction of the Department of Juvenile Justice. Training applicable to these duties will be provided.

Qualifications

• PREFERRED AGENCY REQUIREMENTS: A doctoral degree in applied psychology from an APA-approved program in psychology and experience in the practice of applied Psychology.
• Currently Licensed to practice psychology in SC or licensed eligible with ability to obtain licensure within two (2) years of hire. (Note: lack of licensure within the expected timeframe may impact employee status.)

Benefits

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Health, dental, and life insurance
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days of sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• State retirement plans and deferred compensation programs
• Discount Programs such as TicketatWork and WeSave

Pay

• Licensed Psychologist: $111,959
• Licensed‑eligible Psychologist: $102,583
• Post‑Doctoral Resident: $102,583
• Sign‑on bonus: $10,000 (eligible)